Musical Theatre, B.F.A.

Student performing in theatre
  • Spotlight

    Millikin’s College of Fine Arts proved to be the perfect avenue to continue her journey toward achieving her goals on the big stage. Liv already felt at home at Millikin, having frequently visited campus with her mother, a Millikin University alumna while she was growing up.

  • Core Learning Goals

    Our core learning goals have been woven into all aspects of this rigorous four-year program from classroom and studio work, to rehearsals and productions in our mainstage season.

    • Technique
    • Analysis
    • Professionalism
    • Collaboration

     

    Mainstage Season

    Millikin’s mainstage season provides performance majors with many opportunities to gain valuable onstage experience. A typical season will include:

    • 2 musicals
    • 2 plays
    • 1 dance concert
    • In alternating seasons an opera co-produced with the School of Music or a 3rd play

     

    Performance Opportunities

    Performance opportunities are available to students beginning in their first semester. All BFA performance majors are required to audition for our mainstage season and freshmen are eligible for casting. Additional performance opportunities may include:

    • The Studio Series
    • Pipe Dreams Studio Theatre - (a student run theatre company)
    • The Annual Children’s Show
    • Student Cabarets
    • The New Musicals Workshop
    • Faculty Developed Works

     

    The Millikin Difference

    The small school environment at Millikin University offers students many advantages including:

    • Individualized attention
    • Studio classes capped at 16
    • Faculty/student mentorships
    • Interdisciplinary collaborations 

     

    Why Choose Millikin?

    There are a number of things that help set Milllikin apart from other schools:

    • Small school environment
    • First-year students are eligible for casting
    • New Center for Theatre and Dance
    • Senior professional development experience (showcase)
    • Master classes with working professionals
    • Study abroad in our London Semester
    • New Musicals Workshop
    • Shakespeare Corrected
    • Pipe Dreams Studio Theatre

     

  • The BFA in Musical Theatre requires 128 credit hours for graduation, 91 of which must be in the major. In addition to completing Theatre Core and University Studies requirements, musical theatre majors must complete the following:

    Voice and Acting

    21 credits

    8 credits in applied voice, or one credit per semester enrolled at Millikin. Private music lessons in voice will carry a $150 per credit hour fee.

    CourseCredits
    TH141. Acting I3
    TH142. Acting II3
    TH240. Voice for the Stage3
    TH241. Advanced Voice3
    TH345. Acting: Advanced Scene Study I3
    TH317. Intro to Musical Theatre Studies3
    TH447. Musical Theatre Professional Preparation3
    TH368. Belting Technique and Performance3

    Dance and Movement

    14-16 credits

    CourseCredits
    Beginning Movement for Actors I1
    Beginning Movement for Actors II1
    Tap - One Semesters1
    Jazz - One Semester1
    Ballet - 2 semesters2-4
    DA446. Theatre Dance I2
    Dance/Movement electives6

    Music Support

    18 credits

    CourseCredits
    Applied Piano2
    Music Theory 111, 1124
    Ear Training 113, 1144
    TH337. Musical Theatre History and Literature I3
    TH338. Musical Theatre History and Literature II3
    TH339. Musical Theatre Repertoire I1
    TH340. Musical Theatre Repertoire II1

    Private Voice Lessons​

    8 credits

    CourseCredits
    8 semesters8

    Advanced Degree Options

    8 credits

    CourseCredits
    TH336. Stage Combat3
    TH346. Advanced Scene Study3
    TH446. Musical Theatre Scene Study3
    DA447. Theatre Dance II2
    Other approved performance electives such as Improvisation, Acting for Camera, Advanced Movement for Actors 

    Theatre Support

    22 credits

    CourseCredits
    TH131. Play Analysis3
    TH242. Theatrical Make-up1
    TH321. Directing I3
    TH335. History of Theatre and Drama I3
    Dramatic Literature/Theory/Criticism3
    Theatre 101, 201, 301. Theatre Practicum (3 semesters)3
    Technical Theatre requirement3