BFA in Musical Theatre
California State University-Chico — Chico, CA
About this program
California State University, Chico's BFA in Musical Theatre is offered through the Department of Music, Theatre, and Dance within the College of Humanities and Fine Arts at Chico State's campus in Chico, California. It is the only Musical Theatre BFA program in the CSU system north of Los Angeles and one of only two BFA programs in the entire CSU system. The program is widely regarded as one of the most inclusive Musical Theatre programs in the nation, and the department has a strong, explicitly stated commitment to equity and inclusion for all people — a value that extends beyond policy into classroom practice, audition processes, and production community agreements. The BFA is a prescribed degree. After completing the common core foundation shared with the BA in Theatre Arts, students focus their studies specifically on musical theatre performance in the three disciplines of acting, singing, and dancing. The prescribed curriculum totals 84 units in the major within 120 total degree units and includes foundational courses in Musical Theatre Dance, The Healthy Performing Artist, Fundamentals of Music, Foundations of Drama, Foundations of Acting, Social Justice in Theatre, Make-Up for Theatre and Film, Movement for Actors, Voice for the Actor, Intermediate Acting, Musical Theatre Cabaret and Showcase, Advanced Voice for Performance: Acting Heightened Text, History of Theatre I and II, The Literature of Musical Theatre, Scene Study, Acting in Musical Theatre, Audition Techniques, and Contemporary Musical Styles for Musical Theatre. Production Practicum requires 8 units of rehearsal and production work, with at least 3 units coming from Musical Theatre Rehearsal or Theatre Rehearsal II. Students also complete 2 units of choral ensemble (Concert Choir, University Chorus, Chamber Singers, or Opera Workshop), 12 units of dance electives spanning ballet, tap, jazz, modern, hip hop, and advanced levels, and 8 units of vocal studio instruction with at least 2 units at the upper-division level. All courses fulfilling program requirements must be taken for a letter grade. Advising is mandatory throughout the program, and students need a laptop. In the annual spring auditions, each student must demonstrate appropriate competence before a faculty committee. Students must participate in auditions for all theatre productions. All faculty are active members of the Musical Theatre Educators' Alliance and trained in Theatrical Intimacy Education. Community Agreements are created prior to each production to ensure a safe working environment. The Social Justice in Theatre course equips students with tools to advocate for equity and inclusion in the broader theatre community. The Theatre Arts Club produces additional student-led shows and festivals. Senior year includes a trip to New York City with a series of industry workshops and a senior showcase presented before agents, managers, and casting directors.
Audition & application overview
- Requires a live or recorded audition
Fully virtual via Acceptd; on-campus audition available at no additional fee by emailing mtad@csuchico.edu to schedule
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