Graduate Degrees in Musical Theatre: Program Options
Master's programs in musical theatre are relatively rare in the U.S. and are usually found at universities on the coasts. Both Master of Fine Arts and Master of Music programs combine classroom study with practical training in musical theatre performance, including acting, directing, choreographing and educating.
Master of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre
Both 2- and 3-year programs are available leading to an MFA in Music Theatre, which includes significant training in singing, acting and dancing. Students are also expected to mentor and direct students working toward their bachelor's degree. Most programs have a very low teacher to student ratio, which allows for significant individual instruction in performance skills. Graduates may be found in all aspects of the theatre industry, including writing, education, performance and choreography.
Education Prerequisites
Applicants to graduate musical theatre programs must have substantial experience, and a baccalaureate in theatre arts is almost always required. Course prerequisites include an introductory course in directing and theatre history. A video of a performance, a dance audition and a headshot are required parts of the application package, and students must also complete the GRE and meet minimum GPA requirements.
Program Coursework
The MFA in Musical Theatre curricula includes didactic training in the theory and history of musical theory, along with regular lessons in performance skills. Specific course topics include:
- History of musical theatre
- Voice instruction
- Stage direction
- Script and score analysis
- Dance instruction
Popular Career Options
Graduates of MFA in Musical Theatre programs go on to teach drama and work in live stage productions. Specific professions include the following:
- Actor
- Professor
- Director
- Scriptwriter
Master of Music in Musical Theatre
A Master of Music in Musical Theatre emphasizes vocal skills and performance abilities. It is less focused upon the theory and history of musical theory than the MFA programs. Coursework is focused on practical training.
Education Prerequisites
Master of Music in Musical Theatre program applicants must participate in a vocal audition and generally must have an undergraduate degree in music and very strong vocal and music theory skills. Entering students often are tested on music theory to determine areas of deficiency.
Program Coursework
A Master of Music in Musical Theatre program often requires graduate students to perform lead roles in musicals stages by the school's drama department, in addition to taking music and acting courses. Specific course topics include:
- Voice
- Speech
- Script and score analysis
- Acting
- Movement
- Directing
Popular Career Options
Graduates of Master of Music in Musical Theatre programs are generally focused on developing or performing in Broadway-style musicals. Generally, they work as one of the following:
- Actor
- Dancer
- Director
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Areas of study you may find at University of Washington include:
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Areas of study you may find at University of Iowa include:
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Areas of study you may find at Temple University include:
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Areas of study you may find at Minnesota State University include:
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