
Musical Theater
Pursue your passion for musical theater in the heart of Seattle’s professional theater scene through the musical theater program at the Cornish College of the Arts at Seattle University.
Apply How To Apply

Overview
Musical Theater, BFA
Led by faculty comprised of experienced musical theater professionals, our program emphasizes technique, collaboration and professional development to prepare you to succeed in the competitive industry. You will learn various techniques in acting, singing and dancing, along with musicianship and choreography for musical theater.
With an average of 15 students per class, you will receive personalized instruction and mentorship from faculty and apply your skills to real-world projects, from acting in musicals to writing musicals and choreographing dance numbers.
You will perform main stage performances, create original works and collaborate on directing and producing projects, culminating in a capstone project in your final year. You will also have opportunities to get real-world professional experience through internships in Seattle’s vibrant local theater scene, such as ACT Theater and The 5th Avenue Theatre.
Graduates pursue careers in musical theater performance, acting, singing, dancing, producing, education, arts administration and more. Notable graduates include Broadway actor and theatre educator Sara Porkalob, Broadway and TV actor Don Darryl Rivera, and Broadway actor, playwright and producer Ramiz Monsef.
Program Information
Program Type: Major
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
Department Info

At-a-Glance
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 theater.
Dancing: Training in ballet, jazz, tap, hip-hop, and choreography pick-up & execution.
Musicianship: Music theory, sight-singing, and piano skills for musical theater performers.
Choreography: Fundamentals of dance composition and stage movement.
Theater History & Theory: Understanding the historical and theoretical contexts of musical theater 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 theater environments and dynamics.
Student Work