Music Theatre Major
Why study music theatre at CMU?
The music theatre program at CMU offers the training, resources, and experiences to prepare students for a variety of careers in music, theatre, and related fields. Consider these key features distinguishing this program at CMU:
- Faculty and staff members with broad performance backgrounds who are dedicated to helping students develop their performance and production talents
- Performance opportunities as a singer, dancer, and actor as well as opportunities to develop skills and creativity as a director, set and lighting designer, makeup artist, and choreographer
- Outstanding music, theatre, and dance performance facilities, including a 500-seat proscenium arch theatre, 500-seat recital hall, 300-seat arena-style theatre, and large dance studio
- Scholarship opportunities specifically for qualified music theatre students
Career outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, for all occupations through the year 2014:
- Employment of actors, producers, and directors, as well as dancers and choreographers is expected to grow nine to 17 percent.
- Venues for live entertainment - such as Broadway and Off-Broadway theatres, touring productions, and repertory theatres in many major metropolitan areas - as well as theme parks and resorts are expected to offer many job opportunities.
- National dance companies likely will continue to provide jobs in this field. Opera companies and dance groups affiliated with colleges and universities and with television and motion pictures also will offer some opportunities.
Career options
Graduates of the music theatre program at CMU will find a variety of careers in many areas. Some of these may require additional education.
- Actor
- Choreographer
- Dancer
- Arts Administrator
- Performing Arts Critic
- Music Theatre Performer
- Director
- Drama Coach
- Educator
- Vocal Performer
Program Overview
The course listings below are a representation of what this academic program requires.
For a full review of this program in detail please see our official online academic bulletin
AND consult with an academic advisor. This listing does not include the General Education
courses required for all majors and may not include some program specific information, such as admissions, retention, and termination standards.
(Click on the course name or number for a complete course description.)
Music Theatre Major
Students wishing to develop the skills necessary to become a professional performer in theatrical genres that combine acting with music and dance, need a program that provides training and experience in those areas.
Music Theatre at CMU - Students interested in the BFA-Music Theatre program should contact the Office of the Dean, College of Communication and Fine Arts to discuss dates and criteria for the auditions.
( Total: 70 semester hours
For additional information, see the list of advisors in the Class Schedule Booklet. )
(44 hours)
Required Courses I
( Students demonstrating sufficient proficiency as determined by appropriate DAN faculty member(s) may substitute a higher level skills course for DAN 136, DAN 137, AND DAN 138. Students demonstrating sufficient proficiency as determined by appropriate MUS faculty member(s) may substitute a higher level skills course for MUS 147 AND MUS 148. )
2
DAN 133 Dance Technique I
Beginning instruction, techniques, and basic skills of contemporary dance.
2
DAN 136 Ballet Technique I
To familiarize the beginning student with the basics of ballet.
2
DAN 137 Tap I
An introductory dance course of basic tap instruction.
2
DAN 138 Jazz I
An introductory course in jazz dance that builds from traditional jazz into the contemporary.
3
DAN 230 Movement-Rhythmic Form and Structure
An in-depth study of the dynamic functions of movement and dance.
2
DAN 231 Fundamental Movement
An introduction to the basic analysis of locomotor and nonlocomotor movement. Emphasis on skills, posture, and physical development of the individual.
2
DAN 232 Dance Composition I
Introduction to the basic elements of dance choreography through the use of creative problem solving. Prerequisite: DAN 133.
1
MUS 147 Piano Class I
Beginning class piano instruction.
1
MUS 148 Piano Class II
Continuation of work begun in MUS 147. Prerequisite: MUS 147.
3
MUS 206 Understanding Musical Composition
Develop basic theory skills in notation, sight-singing, listening, composition, and the aesthetic appreciation of music in Western culture. Not open to music majors. (University Program Group I-B)
3
MUS 233 Musicianship for the Elementary School
Enrollment limited to students on the Curriculum for Teachers in Elementary Grades. A continuation of MUS 131. Prerequisite: MUS 101 or MUS 131.
3
TAI 182 Acting I
Introductory voice and body work with special emphasis through exercises given to energy control and concentration.
3
TAI 278 Stage Makeup
Theory and practice in straight and character makeup.
3
TAI 282 Acting II
Introduction to emotional technique and characterization through exercises and scenes in individual projects. Prerequisite: TAI 182.
3
TAI 380 Musical Theatre History
Examination of American Musical Theatre history and forms from 1866 to the present.
3
TAI 452 Music Theatre Performance
Preparation and performance of musical theatre scenes and vignettes. Synthesis of performance techniques in music, dance, and theatre in relation to various musical theatre styles. Prerequisites: DAN 136, DAN 137, DAN 138, DAN 232; MUS 284, MUS 350; TAI 282, TAI 380.
3
TAI 460 BFA Capstone Project
Major capstone project in theatre (including music theatre) and/or interpretation. Prerequisite: Must be approved by TAI or Music Theatre faculty/staff advisor(s) prior to registration. Must be completed in final year of study.
3
TAI 481 Directing
Responsibilities, philosophies, and techniques of the stage director. Emphasis on preparation of scenes for evaluation. Prerequisite: TAI 182.
(3 hours)
Required Courses II
Select one of the following:
3
TAI 574 History of Drama and Theatre I
Development of drama and theatre in Western Culture from ancient origins to 1700. Prerequisites: 6 hours of TAI coursework.
3
TAI 575 History of Drama and Theatre II
Continuation of TAI 574, History of Drama and Theatre I. Development of drama and theatre in Western Culture from 1700 to 1945. Prerequisites: 6 hours of TAI coursework.
(9 hours)
Required Courses III
MUS 150 (2 hours) Voice (2 semesters; one credit each)
MUS 250 (2 hours) Voice (2 semesters; one credit each)
MUS 284 (3 hours) Techniques for the Singing Actor (3 semesters; one credit each)
MUS 350 (2 hours) Voice (2 semesters; one credit each)
Selected from DAN, MUS, TAI and/or cognate classes in consultation with the advisor.