Musical Theatre, BFA

Location(s): Main Campus

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre at Binghamton University is a four-year progression of classes that gives students a foundation in acting, singing and dancing: the three skills at the heart of this art form. In addition to performance courses in a wide range of techniques, students audition for mainstage and studio productions ranging from the classical to the contemporary, including musicals, plays and dance productions.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre is an intensive program designed for students intending to pursue careers in the musical theatre industry after graduation. The 76-credit program has substantial studio work in acting, musical theatre performance, and studio voice lessons, as well as classes in dance, musicianship (music theory, sight-singing, ear training, piano), theatre history/literature, and technical theatre. Musical Theatre BFA students are also expected to participate in the department’s active production season.

Students wishing to enter the Musical Theatre BFA program will need to audition for the program along with seeking admission to Binghamton University. Please see our undergraduate admissions website for more information.

Program Requirements

University General Education Requirements

All Binghamton University undergraduate students are required to fulfill this set of university-wide requirements to ensure that every graduate acquires the essential core of a SUNY university undergraduate education. Please refer to the General Education page for more information.

Harpur College Requirements

All students in Harpur College must fulfill additional requirements designated by Harpur College to complement and extend the general education requirements. Please refer to the Harpur College of Arts and Sciences page for more information.

Restrictions on Double Majors

Musical Theatre BFA majors may not double major with the Theatre BA due to considerable overlap in the programs.

Major Requirements

Course Requirements

Students must fulfill the following requirements for the Musical Theatre major:

A. Acting Courses (28 credits)

The following acting courses are required for all BFA majors:

B. Music Courses (14 credits)

Two credits introductory music
Four credits in musical principles:
- THEA 216: MT Musicianship 3 (1 credit)
- THEA 217: MT Musicianship 4 (1 credit)
- THEA 316: MT Musicianship 5 (1 credit)
- THEA 317: MT Musicianship 6 (1 credit)
Eight credits of voice training

C. Dance Courses (12 credits)

The following dance courses are required for all BFA majors:

THEA 223 - Dance Technique I: Tap (to be taken twice for 4 credits total)
THEA 225 - Dance Technique I: Ballet
THEA 226 - Dance Technique I: Jazz

D. Theatre History and Literature Courses (12 credits)

The following are required for all BFA majors:

E. Technical Theatre Courses (10 credits)

The following are required for all BFA majors:

Two credits of run crew (THEP 216 ) taken with four credits from the following:
THEA 203 - Theory of Technical Production
OR
One of the following:
THEA 243 - Intro to Costume Technology
THEA 257 - Intro to Stage Management
AND

One of the following:
THEA 241 - Intro to Lighting Technology
THEA 287W - Special Topics - Introductory
In addition, students must take:
- Two credits of technical practicum in scene or lighting construction
- Two credits of technical practicum in costuming

Senior Thesis

The Department of Theatre views senior thesis as a reward for excellence in the student’s area of specialization. Students should discuss thesis availability with their advisors. Students are urged to declare their theatre major at an early date. This will enable them to plan their course of study carefully with the director of undergraduate studies.

Additional Information About the Program

Pass/fail grading option is not acceptable for the courses taken to satisfy the Musical Theatre major.

Residency Requirement: The Theatre Department requires that at least 28 credits be taken in residence. Of those 28 credits, four credits of technical practica must be taken in residence. It is possible to transfer any of the courses (including an introductory acting class) into the Department of Theatre, as well as practica and courses outside the major, up to the limit prescribed above. Dance classes must require at least 63 hours of in-class dance practice to transfer.

For more information on the Musical Theatre BFA program, please refer to the Theatre Department website. To apply to the Musical Theatre BFA program, please visit the University Admissions website.