College of the Arts
School of Theatre and Dance - Theatre Division
www.kent.edu/theatredance

About This Program

If you dream of performing on Broadway or in national tours, Kent State's Musical Theatre B.F.A. program can help make that a reality. This intensive program provides rigorous training in acting, singing and dancing, as well as opportunities to perform in front of live audiences. With a curriculum designed to prepare you for a career in musical theatre, the Musical Theatre B.F.A. program is the perfect choice for aspiring performers. Read more...

Contact Information

• Terri Kent | tkent@kent.edu | 330-672-0107
• Speak with an Advisor
• Chat with an Admissions Counselor

Program Delivery

• Delivery:
  • In person
• Location:
  • Kent Campus

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries*

Accreditation

National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST)

^{* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.}

Admission Requirements

The university affirmatively strives to provide educational opportunities and access to students with varied backgrounds, those with special talents and adult students who graduated from high school three or more years ago.

Admission to this major is selective. Applicants must pass an audition in each of the three performance areas—dance, singing and acting—to be admitted. Students who pass the audition are admitted directly into the major in the first semester of their first year at Kent State. In exceptional cases, students may be admitted to the program in the second semester of their first year.

International Students: All international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning a minimum 71 TOEFL iBT score, minimum 6.0 IELTS score, minimum 47 PTE score or minimum 100 DET score, or by completing the ELS level 112 Intensive English Program. For more information on international admission visit the admissions website for international students.

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

¹

A minimum C grade must be earned to fulfill the writing-intensive requirement.

²

Enrollment in many of the dance courses are by audition only.

Progression Requirements

• In order to continue and graduate with the B.F.A. degree, students are expected develop skills equal to entry-level positions in the profession or as expected for admission into a M.F.A. degree program.
• Students on academic probation may not participate in School of Theatre and Dance productions.
• Students may be immediately dismissed from the program for failure to maintain a 2.500 major GPA. Students should strive to maintain a 3.000 overall GPA.
• Students are required to participate in biannual B.F.A. evaluations/interviews/meetings, and must must pass annual evaluation reviews to remain in the program.
• Students are required to participate in annual school screening auditions and, if qualifying, must participate in at least one unified audition.
• Students are required to audition for all main-stage theatre productions and accept roles as cast.
• Students may be subject to probation or dismissal for failing to audition for main-stage productions, for not accepting a role that is offered or for failure to demonstrate continuous skill development and growth in all areas of the program as defined by the Musical Theatre Student Handbook. Students placed on probation will be provided written information regarding specific areas for improvement.

Graduation Requirements

Roadmap

This roadmap is a recommended semester-by-semester plan of study for this major. However, courses designated as critical (!) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation.

University Requirements

All students in a bachelor's degree program at Kent State University must complete the following university requirements for graduation.

NOTE: University requirements may be fulfilled in this program by specific course requirements. Please see Program Requirements for details.

Kent Core Requirements

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Demonstrate proficiencies that are equal to entry-level positions in the profession or as expected for admission into the Master of Fine Arts degree as a singer, actor and/or dancer.
2. Demonstrate and articulate proficiency and understanding in and of music performance and theory, basic dance performance and technique and acting and acting theory/systems.
3. Demonstrate understanding of how acting and storytelling are the foundation of all three interrelated areas of performance (acting, singing and dance).
4. Demonstrate correct and aesthetically pleasing technique in movement and dance.
5. Demonstrate and articulate correct and aesthetically pleasing technique in the execution of vocal performance, sight-singing, musicianship and music theory.
6. Demonstrate and articulate correct and aesthetically pleasing technique in acting and acting theory/systems.
7. Perform in workshops and full productions of musical theatre in a variety of formal and informal settings.
8. Develop substantial and appropriate audition repertoire.
9. Demonstrate proficiency in audition technique.
10. Demonstrate professional behavior in respect for the craft.

Full Description

The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Musical Theatre prepares students for life as working artists in the musical theatre field. Practical training and creative experiences are coupled with an interdisciplinary liberal arts curriculum and a foundation in theatre history, analysis and criticism.

Students are able to study and perform in the school’s theatrical and dance productions. Kent State’s Center for the Performing Arts houses three theatres, performance and rehearsal spaces, costume shop and laboratories for costumes, drafting, lighting and scenery. In addition, the School of Theatre and Dance oversees the outdoor venue Porthouse Theatre.

Students in their senior year may participate in the annual New York City Musical Theatre Showcase, which enables students to perform for prospective casting directors, talent managers and theatrical and commercial agents.