Musical Theater (B.A.) - J

The B.A. in Musical Theater will link already-existing programs in theater, music and dance, relying primarily on present resources in the Performing Arts Department and creating several new classes unique to the demands of singer/actor training, a market whose growth in the New England area has been quite sturdy in the past decade. The program will require 55 credits in theater and music, including up to 3 classes in dance and an internship. This degree brings theater, music and dance together in a collaboration designed to enhance the employment possibilities/potential of singer/actors and widen their career prospects as performers, training them to compete in the musical theater market.

Learning Outcomes for Musical Theater Majors

Demonstrate fluency in all facets of theater/music including writing, speech, sight reading and performance.
Possess the verbal and writing skills to analyze, criticize and interpret both music and play script.
Master skills of acting, singing and dance both on and off the stage.
Articulate the role of musical theater and theater in creating and sustaining community and local culture.
Describe and apply knowledge of audience development, theater production and the economic sustainability of a theater company or service.

Theater Requirements (19 credits)

THA 1041 - Introduction to Theater Arts (J) Credit(s): 3
THA 1111 - Stagecraft Credit(s): 3
THA 2121 - Acting I (J) Credit(s): 3 AND
THA 2121L - Acting I Lab Credit(s): 1 *
THA 2122 - Acting II (J) Credit(s): 3
THA 3123 - Acting III Credit(s): 3
THA 4730 - Seminar in Professional Preparation for the Actor Credit(s): 3
*Students registering for THA-2121,Acting I , must also register for THA-2121L, Acting I Lab , for 1 credit.

Music Requirements (15 credits)

MUS 1XXX - Musical Skills I Credit(s): 2
MUS 1120 - Applied Music Lessons Credit(s): 0.5 AND/OR
MUS 3240 - Applied Music Lessons Credit(s): 1 (For a total of 8 credits) **
MUS 1120L - Applied Music Lesson Lab Credit(s): 0 (Required for every semester of applied study; 8 semesters of enrollment required, more will be accrued if the student has subsequent semesters of applied study in voice.) **
MUS 1231 - Music Theory I Credit(s): 3
MUS 2220 - Music Ensemble (J) Credit(s): 0 or 0.5 or 1 (Four semesters of choral ensemble at .5 credits/semester for a total of 2 credits)

Automatic enrollment in applied music lesson lab

**Music majors are automatically enrolled in an MUS 1120L - Applied Music Lesson Lab for 0 credits each semester that they are registered for Applied Music/Voice Lessons until they complete the requirement.

Musical Theater Requirements (15 credits)

MUS 2350 - Music Theater Production Credit(s): 0 or 3 (6 credits) (take two times at 3 credits each)
MUS 4010 - Music Theater Production Credit(s): 0 or 3 (6 credits) (take two times at 3 credits each)
MUS 3230 - Survey of American Musical Theater Credit(s): 3
MUS 3260 - Music Theater Workshop Credit(s): 3 (6 credits) (take two times at 3 credits each)

Dance Requirements (minimum of 6 credits)

(6 credits minimum* from the following courses, based on dance placement)

*Through a combination of demonstrated proficiency in the freshman musical theater dance placement and dance course enrollment, musical theater majors must demonstrate fundamental skills in a minimum of three dance styles from the following: Jazz, Tap and Ballet or Modern Dance. A minimum of six credits is required in dance for the musical theater major; however, students with no previous dance experience may need up to 12 credits of dance instruction in order to demonstrate proficiency.

DAN 1010 - Fundamentals of Dance Credit(s): 3
DAN 1020 - Fundamentals of Jazz Dance Credit(s): 3
DAN 1111 - Modern Dance Credit(s): 3
DAN 2040 - Beginning Tap Dance Credit(s): 2
DAN 2131 - Ballet Credit(s): 3
DAN 3020 - Intermediate Ballet: Technique & History Credit(s): 3
DAN 3112 - Intermediate Modern Dance: Technique & History Credit(s): 3
DAN 3130 - Jazz Dance Credit(s): 3
DAN 4130 - Advanced Ballet/Modern Dance: Technique & History Credit(s): 3

Total: 55 credits

Students who do not pass the MUS 1231 - Music Theory I and Keyboard Placement Exams/Hearings will need to complete MUS 1030 - Music Fundamentals , and MUS 1050 - Elementary Piano Class , prior to enrolling in the MUS 1231 - Music Theory I core courses.
It is highly recommended that musical theater students have fundamental keyboard skills to aid in learning vocal lines.
Musical Theater majors are expected to audition for the spring musical production every year that they are enrolled as a musical theater major.

Keyboard Proficiency Exam Requirement at NVU-Johnson

The Keyboard Proficiency Exam is required of all Music, Music Education, and Musical Theater majors. All students must pass the specific requirements of the keyboard proficiency examination for their major. The exam is held during the final weeks of each semester on the same day as end-of-semester juries; students may sign up for the exam two weeks prior to that date and should contact their academic advisor for more information.

Important:

In order to earn a degree, you must successfully complete all requirements for your major as listed here AND meet all other Degree Requirements , including the General Education Core Curriculum and NVU Graduation Standards .

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