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Musical TheatreMajor

We combine an intensive conservatory experience with the college experience of a major university. You’ll perform on our mainstage and in our laboratory theatre, and train with renowned faculty and guest artists (including Academy and Tony Award nominees).

By the numbers15

Number of productions in which a typical BFA student performs

Overview

What is Musical Theatre at WVU like?

Description

Musicals comprise a large percentage of the theatrical productions in the U.S. every year. We recognize that musical theatre study, performance and production are integral parts of any complete theatre education.

The goal of the Musical Theatre major is to train students for successful careers in musical and stage performance in the competitive entertainment industry. The major shares a joint curriculum and resources drawn from both the School of Theatre and Dance and the School of Music; however, the administration of the program is housed in the School of Theatre and Dance.

Through a course of study focused on the disciplines of theatre, music and dance combined with the University’s General Education Foundations (GEF) curriculum, the program is competitive with similar programs throughout the country, especially in the intensity and class time devoted to the study, practice and performance of music, theatre and dance.

The full course of study includes classes in acting, dance techniques, choreography, theatre history, vocal techniques, stage production, music theory, voice lessons, musical theatre literature and special topics. These artistic mediums also address skills necessary for career management, including auditions, resumes and professional representation. Through the Schools’ existing programs in acting and/or voice, students can take courses in traditional acting or vocal training and enroll in opera workshops.

Students have the opportunity to perform in one major musical and several minimally produced performance and showcase productions each academic year. In addition to a number of different performance opportunities in musicals, Music Theatre majors have the opportunity to cross traditional lines and benefit from participating in fully-staged dance, drama and opera productions.

All interested students must apply to the University and audition for the School of Theatre and Dance for acceptance.

Musical Theatre program highlights:

At a Glance

Next Steps

Interested in this major? Here are some suggested next steps:

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Fast Facts

What makes Musical Theatre at WVU unique?

Research and Academic Opportunities

  • Ample space for theatre set and costume construction allow our actors to broaden their skill set by working behind the scenes.
  • The Evansdale Library is just a short walk from the Creative Arts Center and houses a script collection. Students can access any number of industry specific journals and magazines to stay current on what is happening and what is about to happen in the world of theatre.

Living-Learning Communities (LLCs)

Live, study and pursue outside-the-classroom learning in a residence hall community that shares your interests:

Transfer Articulation Agreements

To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to WVU. Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.

Professional Organizations

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Careers

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

Career opportunities for Musical Theatre majors include working as professional performers in the television, film and entertainment industries. Graduates have gone on to work for Broadway, Off-Broadway and regional theatre companies.

Graduates may also choose to continue their education in graduate theatre programs.

Possible Careers

Wondering what you can do with a degree from WVU's Musical Theatre major? Check out these ideas from WVU Career Services and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is the midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.

This page includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license.

Employers

Graduates from this major have gone to work at:

Courses

What are the courses like in Musical Theatre at WVU?

Plan of Study

Check out a program overview, learning goals, course descriptions and suggested plan of study for WVU's Musical Theatre major.

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Popular Courses

DANC 255:
Dance Styles for Musical Theatre

An introduction to musical theatre repertoire along with gaining a more efficient and proficient way of learning and executing Broadway musical choreography, new and old. This course gives the student the tools needed at an intermediate to advanced level of dance, to complement their singing and acting abilities; learning choreography from notable musicals.

MUSC 226:
Applied Music: Voice

Audition for placement required. (May be repeated for a max of 8 credit hours.) Continuation of MUSC 126. Credit and length of lesson varies dependent on curriculum. Weekly lesson to develop technical, artistic and pedagogical aspects of music.

THET 344:
Acting Studio

The purpose of studio is to reexamine basic acting principles and introduce advanced techniques in characterization, personalization, and given circumstances through exercises, monologue work, and intensive scene study coordinated with rehearsal and performance in THET 345.

Cost and Aid

How much does Musical Theatre at WVU cost? And how can you save?

Tuition and Fees

Estimated rates are available on our tuition website. Anyone who is not a current West Virginia resident, including international students, will be charged non-resident rates.

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Scholarships

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Net Price Calculator

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Ways to Save

Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending WVU in addition to university scholarships.

Ohio Tuition Reciprocity

As the result of a special agreement, students from Ohio who are fully admitted to Musical Theatre can enroll at WVU and pay in-state tuition rates. Students must be admitted to both the University and this major.

Learn More

Transfer Articulation Agreements

To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to WVU.

Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.

Learn How to Transfer Course Credits

Requirements

What are the requirements to apply for Musical Theatre at WVU?

To be admitted to WVU's Musical Theatre major, you must meet WVU's first-time freshman admission requirements for the 2024-25 academic year. Interested in transferring? Review the transfer admission requirements.

Related Majors and Minors

What other options does WVU have?

What minors could I consider?

Related Pathways

What majors share similar career interests with this major at WVU?

Next Steps

I like this major. What are the next steps?

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Want to know more about Musical Theatre at WVU? Fill out the Request Information form to receive more information about the program and life at WVU.

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