Theatre BFA, Musical Theatre Specialization

About this Program

Earn your Theatre BFA, specialization in Musical Theatre while developing your skills in acting, singing and dance through hands-on performance, creative collaboration and professional opportunities in Seattle’s thriving theatre community.

Pursue your passion for musical theatre in the heart of Seattle’s professional theatre scene. Guided by faculty who are experienced musical theatre professionals, you’ll build your skills in acting, singing, dancing, musicianship and choreography while developing the technique, collaboration and professionalism needed to thrive in a competitive industry.

You’ll perform in main-stage productions, create original work and collaborate on directing and producing projects, culminating in a capstone project during your final year. Through internships with organizations such as the Union Arts Center and The 5th Avenue Theatre, you’ll gain valuable professional experience and connections within Seattle’s vibrant theatre community.

Graduates pursue careers in musical theatre performance, acting, singing, dancing, producing, education, arts administration and beyond. Notable alumni include Broadway actor and theatre educator Sara Porkalob, Broadway and television actor Don Darryl Rivera, and Broadway actor, playwright and producer Ramiz Monsef.

Quick Facts

Program Type

Major with Specialization

Degree

Bachelor of Fine Arts

School

Cornish College of the Arts

Campus

South Lake Union

Learning Format

In-Person

Duration

4 years

Start Date

August, January

Credits

120 semester credits

Find YOUR Creative Path

Our Theatre programs are designed with flexibility in mind. Students can explore different academic and creative paths early in their studies and, if their interests evolve, easily transition between the BFA and the BA without losing progress toward their degree. BA students benefit from the freedom to study across disciplines by pursuing a double major or minors, while students pursuing a BFA receive specialized training. This structure helps you find the program that best supports your artistic and professional goals as they evolve through your course of study.

Core Skills & Techniques

Acting: A variety of techniques that can be used when acting in period and contemporary plays/musicals, and improvisation works.
Singing: Vocal training in various styles, including classical, contemporary, and musical theatre.
Dancing: Training in ballet, jazz, tap, hip-hop, and choreography pick-up & execution.
Musicianship: Music theory, sight-singing, and piano skills for musical theatre performers.
Choreography: Fundamentals of dance composition and stage movement.
Theatre History & Theory: Understanding the historical and theoretical contexts of musical theatre and performance.
Professional Practices: Audition techniques, career management, and networking in the performing arts industry.

Learning Outcomes

Interdisciplinary Practice: Encouraging the integration of various media and techniques in acting, singing, and dancing in creating innovative performances.
Collaboration Tools: Utilizing collaborative platforms for project management and team communication.
Hands-on Projects: Applying skills in real-world projects, from acting in musicals and plays to writing musicals and choreographing dance numbers. Participating in performances and showcases, simulating professional theatre environments and dynamics.

Connect Your Passion to New Possibilities

Explore purposeful academic combinations while pursuing a rigorous arts education to enhance your career preparation. At Seattle University, you can customize a Theatre BFA by pursuing any minor offered across Seattle University without extending your time to degree.

While this is not an exhaustive list, explore some of the many ways Theatre can be paired with other disciplines to enhance your academic journey and strengthen your professional preparation:

Visit Cornish College of the Arts

For more than a century, Cornish College of the Arts has inspired artists, performers and designers to push creative boundaries and shape the future of their fields. Today, at Cornish College of the Arts at Seattle University, you can experience that legacy firsthand while exploring the studios, performance spaces and collaborative community where creativity comes to life. Schedule a campus visit, take a virtual tour or connect with our admissions team to discover how you can make this historic creative community your own.