WHAT IS THE MUSICAL THEATRE (B.F.A.)?
A rigorous, highly individualized, and specialized training program combined with a broad liberal arts education. Students build a foundation of acting, voice and movement and are introduced to a variety of styles and techniques to develop their own unique toolbox. Through ensemble-based collaboration and personalized instruction, students hone their technique, refine their expression, and deepen their craft. Musical Theatre students receive intensive vocal and dance training, as well as a comprehensive musicianship, piano, and theory education.
WHO IS IT FOR?
Naturally curious and passionate storytellers looking for a focused and intense four years of study. Ideal candidates are creative and collaborative explorers with a desire to broaden their perspectives and commit to the sometimes messy, always rewarding, process of transformation.
WHAT WILL YOUR FOUR YEARS LOOK LIKE?
YEAR ONE – FOUNDATIONS
To encourage community and respect across disciplines, the entire first year Center for Theatre and Dance class takes foundational courses such as Introduction to Professional Theatre, Race & Theatre in The United States, and Technical Theatre Practicum.
Additionally, first year Musical Theatre and Acting students take core performance classes like Voice and Movement I and II and Scene Study I and II. Musical Theatre students also take degree specific courses like Ballet I and II, Jazz I & II, Private Voice and Studio Performance, Basic Music Skills for Musical Theatre Majors, and Keyboard Musicianship I and II.
First year Musical Theatre students are required to audition for Mainstage productions beginning in their first semester and continuing each semester they are on the home campus. In their first semester, Musical Theatre students may opt out of callbacks and casting but still must complete the general audition.
YEAR TWO – SKILL BUILDING
Second year Musical Theatre students develop their skills through specific techniques and tools like the International Phonetic Alphabet, mask work, heightened-language text work, Rasa Boxes, and Bioenergetics. Students transform their level of expressivity and understanding of complex language in classes such as Voice and Speech I and II, Movement for the Stage I and II, and Scene Study III and IV.
Musical Theatre students advance in their degree specific courses like Musical Theatre Workshop I (Fundamentals), Modern Dance I and II, Ballet II, and Musicianship for the Theatre I and II.
YEAR THREE – RESPONSIBILITY, CHANGE, AND LONDON
Third year Musical Theatre students synthesize their technique and develop an increased sense of independence in applying the skills they have learned. Third year coursework becomes more advanced with classes like Musical Theatre Workshop II (Audition Techniques) and students expand their learning in Styles of Acting, American Musical Theater: History and Analysis, and Dance electives.
Third year students also have the opportunity, and are highly encouraged, to study abroad at the Ithaca College London Center, where they will immerse themselves in experiential coursework that features performance classes, Stage Combat, lectures, discussions, weekly theatrical walks through London, and play-going.
YEAR FOUR – SPRINGBOARD INTO THE PROFESSION
Fourth year Musical Theatre students begin to transition into their careers with advanced and professional preparation classes such as Musical Theatre Workshop III (Skill Integration) and IV (Rep. & Style), Dance for the Musical Stage, Tap, and Business of Acting.
Additionally, the entire fourth year class in the Center for Theatre and Dance attends Field Studies in New York City: a networking week of panels, workshops, and seminars with CTD alumni who are working in all aspects of the industry. You will hear stories of career triumphs and learn insightful lessons to help you jumpstart your career.
Fourth year Musical Theatre and Acting students also mount a Performance Showcase for industry professionals and create relationships with agents, managers, and casting directors.