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 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, this B.F.A. degree 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. Students who do not pass the audition will be admitted to the B.A. degree in Theatre Studies, and may reaudition for admittance to the B.F.A. degree in Musical Theatre in the second semester of their first year. In exceptional cases, students from other degree programs may be admitted to the Musical Theatre major in the second semester of their first year.

International Students: All international students must provide proof of proficiency of the English language (unless they meet specific exceptions) through the submission of an English language proficiency test score or by completing English language classes at Kent State’s English as a Second Language Center before entering their program. For more information, 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.

³

THEA 41308 may be taken a maximum two times (maximum 6 credit hours) toward the program.

⁴

If students complete the American Civic Literacy requirement by taking HIST 12061, the course will apply to the Kent Core Humanities category. If they complete it with POL 10101, the course will apply to the Kent Core Social Sciences category.

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 and/or 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 program. Students will work with their advisor to develop a sequence based on their academic goals and history. 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. Apply advanced processes and methods to build character in musical theatre repertoire.
2. Apply intermediate to advanced skills in dance for musical theatre.
3. Develop musical skills in voice performance, musicianship, music theory and sight singing.
4. Execute proficiency in audition technique as an actor/singer.
5. Articulate procedures and approaches to differentiate various theatrical styles and techniques.
6. Synthesize acting, singing, and dance techniques to systematically realize a role in a musical theatre play or performance.

Program Policies

Physical Activity and ROTC Courses

No more than 4 credit hours of Physical Activity, Wellness and Sport (PWS) courses or the first 16 credit hours of ROTC courses—Aerospace Studies (ASTU) and Military Studies (MSCI)—may apply to the 120 credit hours required for graduation.

Veterans who have completed a minimum of one year of active duty may receive PWS credit for military basic training according to branch of service, as follows:

• Army and Marine Corps, 3 credit hours;
• Navy and Coast Guard, 2 credit hours;
• Air Force, 1 credit hour.

Requirement Audit

Upon completion of 60 credit hours, each student is required to contact the College of the Arts Advising office to obtain a current evaluation of progress toward completion of the student’s chosen degree program. Requirement evaluations are not a substitute for meeting with a faculty advisor. Students may access GPS (Graduation Planning System) audit through their FlashLine account which provides them with information about their academic progress. Questions about GPS audits are answered in the College of the Arts Advising office.

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.