What you will study
UCM’s Musical Theatre majors have many opportunities to create and collaborate on
outstanding stage productions. You’ll study the historical, cultural and stylistic
dimensions of musical theatre while mastering the technical skills necessary to present
works to the public.
Your core courses and electives will be both broad and thorough. Some of the courses
you may take include:
Musical Theatre Laboratory: Work directly with industry professionals to hone your
craft, workshop scenes and prepare your audition books for career opportunities.
Musical Theatre Dance: Gain performance skills in a variety of styles of musical theatre
dance choreography in this practice-focused course covering basic musical theatre
dance concepts.
Senior Showcase: Put on a public showcase for industry professionals and casting directors
— on campus and in Kansas City — to present your acting, singing and dancing skills.
By the time you graduate from UCM’s Musical Theatre program, you’ll have a firm foundation
in the quality and aesthetics of musical theatre and be ready to embark on an exciting
career.
BFA Musical Theatre Auditions
All students applying for our BFA Theatre Performance degree must audition for consideration.
Upon acceptance by the UCM Office of Admissions, you should fill out the and contact our Performance advisor to schedule your interview. To ensure a strong and successful audition, please carefully read the guidelines
below and bring the appropriate materials to the audition.
On the day of your audition please bring with you:
- An acting/theatre resume
- A photograph (we prefer headshots, but will accept any close-up)
- Two contrasting one-minute monologues (1 dramatic/1 comedic) from published plays
(see the Audition/Interview FAQ section for assistance in finding appropriate materials
and parameters.) All monologues must be memorized.
- Two contrasting songs (1 uptempo/1 ballad). Each song should be 32 bars - 1 minute
each. You must bring your sheet music printed out and in a binder for our accompanist
with your music marked appropriately. All songs must be memorized.
- Dance clothing: Any athletic attire that you can move freely in and that will show
the line of your body. No jeans, no jewelry, no hats. Please bring jazz and/or tap
shoes if you have them or be prepared to dance barefoot or in socks. The dance combination
will be taught to you at the audition and you’ll perform it in small groups.
- Be prepared to answer questions for your interview that reflect on your answers provided
on your Theatre & Dance Admission Form. We encourage you to bring questions to ask
us as well!
- Please dress professionally for the audition
Excellence in Musical Theatre
- UCM’s Theatre and Dance faculty, staff and students received a rare invitation to
showcase productions at the Region V KCACTF in 2021. UCM has been recognized for multiple invited productions and has received
top honors for excellence in choreography, acting, dramaturgy and other areas.
- The University of Central Missouri’s Theatre program is accredited by the National
Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST).
- UCM is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), a distinction
it has held since 1947.
Unique learning opportunities in musical theatre
As you’re earning your BFA degree in Musical Theatre at the University of Central
Missouri, diverse on- and off-stage experiences will prepare you to achieve your career
goals:
- Get real-world experience: UCM presents 35–40 theatre productions each year, including mainstage productions,
large-cast musicals and a variety of studio one-acts, Black Box productions and concerts
featuring opera and dance. Even as a freshman, you can audition to be cast in or help
direct shows. Faculty also provide connections to regional summer stock theatre companies
that offer opportunities to sing, dance and act, including paid work in Central Missouri
Repertory’s touring productions.
- Feature your work: Direct, choreograph and engage with all aspects of production, culminating in an on-stage
presentation of your work.
- Learn from guest artists: Theatre professionals come to UCM to mentor and instruct students earning a bachelor’s
degree in Musical Theatre. They’ll work directly with you to instill professional
expectations, strengthen your work ethic and give you constructive feedback on your
performances.
- Experience NYC: Join UCM’s popular week-long tour of Broadway and the Theatre District to take in
three Broadway shows, attend master classes at the Broadway Dance Center (that include
talk-backs with actors and agents) and enjoy UCM Alumni Night to build your professional
career opportunities and network.
What can you do with a degree in Musical Theatre from UCM?
Careers in musical theatre range widely — from being the lead vocalist in a regional
theatre production to choreographing dancers for show choirs and more. If you want
to play a role under the bright lights, UCM’s BFA degree in Musical Theatre will help
you reach for the stars.
UCM graduates with a Musical Theatre degree excel both on stage and behind the scenes
in a variety of careers. You could land a role in a Broadway production or tour with
an acclaimed regional theatre company. Our alumni work as singers, actors and dancers
on cruise ships and at theme parks. If you’re interested in a backstage role, you
could become a choreographer or musical director.
The skills you’ll master can open doors to creating commercials, videos and promotions
for industry and entertainment leaders. UCM’s BFA degree in Musical Theatre also prepares
you to be a private teacher or to continue your studies in a graduate program.
A Musical Theatre degree from UCM opens up a diverse range of career options
Use the interactive tool below to learn more about potential career pathways and salaries
available to you with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Musical Theatre.
Financial assistance options for your Musical Theatre degree
The University of Central Missouri offers several resources to help you finance your college education and keep your student debt and college costs low.
Beyond the general scholarships and awards available through UCM, you may be eligible
for scholarships reserved for students in the Musical Theatre program, including:
- Charles G. and Laura Keynon Kuhn Distinguished Theatre Arts Award
- Rye Studio Scholarship
- Nina L. Devenny Distinguished Theatre Artist Award
Learn more about program-specific scholarships by using the .
Multiple Stages, Varied Experiences
35–40 annual productions
Each year, UCM’s Musical Theatre students perform mainstage and large-cast musicals
and an original dance concert. Performance spaces range from the intimate 100-seat
Nickerson Black Box Theatre to the traditional proscenium stage of our 442-seat Highlander
Theatre. UCM also houses the Central Missouri Repertory, where you’ll have opportunities
to manage, direct, design and act.
Meet Justin B.
BFA Musical Theatre ’14
Actor in Kansas City’s Unicorn Theatre, the New Theatre & Restaurant and the Heartland
of American Shakespeare Festival
“My time at UCM gave me more than just a set of skills: It instilled in me a work
ethic that is essential to building a lasting career in theatre.”
Meet Our Faculty
Years of industry experience
UCM’s highly qualified Musical Theatre program faculty are working professionals.
They’re dedicated to helping you reach your full potential and will give you access
to a broad network of theatre professionals and career opportunities. You’ll learn
and receive career advice from professors with a track record of presenting some of
our region’s finest academic theatre productions.
Faculty Bios
Theatre Learning Community
Built-in community for Musical Theatre majors
Connect with other UCM students in the Musical Theatre program by rooming in designated
dorm housing. You’ll be living near the Nickerson Black Box Theatre for rehearsing
and blocking lines, as well as our dance studio and dining halls.
Professional Networking
Build your career prospects
Join the UCM chapters of the honorary theatre fraternity Theta Alpha Phi and the National
Honor Society for Dance Arts. You can also participate in our Shenanigans improv troupe
and the UCM Dance Club, as well as attend exciting annual conferences such as the
Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF) and the American College
Dance Association.
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