Music Theatre, BA (Hons) Degree Course

Program Overview

This practice-based Music Theatre degree equips students for careers on stage or behind the scenes. It emphasizes the development of classic musical theatre skills, provides experience in production roles, and fosters creativity through the creation of original pieces. Industry professionals and guest tutors provide expert guidance and support students throughout the program.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This is a practice-based BA (Hons) Music Theatre degree program designed for students interested in pursuing a career as an on-stage performer or back-stage creative. The program covers all aspects of musical theatre skills and provides opportunities for creating new music theatre.

Objectives:

• Develop classic musical theatre skills including acting, singing, dance, ensemble singing, and yoga.
• Gain experience in production roles such as stage management, design, assistant director, hair and makeup, costume, front of house, and more.
• Expand creative frames of reference through engagement with contemporary musical and performance techniques.
• Develop a strong understanding of combining music and theatre.
• Nurture an environment that fosters inclusivity, community, and safe and supportive spaces.
• Develop performers who are individual, unique, professional, and great company members.
• Provide personal support and guidance to students.

Outline:

Year 1:

• Musical Theatre 1: This module focuses on creativity, ownership, and teamwork in musical theatre.
Students participate in rehearsals and workshops to enhance core performance skills and gain a rounded understanding of musicals.
• New Music Theatre 1: Students explore a range of 20th/21st century composers and new music theatre practitioners, gaining insight into their techniques.
• Musical Theatre Skills: Students explore core acting and voice techniques and different approaches to physical-vocal performance practice.
They develop their understanding of movement, breath, and voice.

Year 2:

• Musical Theatre 2: Students perform a piece of existing musical theatre work to the public.
They rehearse, participate in workshops, and develop their singing and acting techniques.
• New Music Theatre 2: This module focuses on developing practical and theoretical studies of ritual theatre and extended vocal practices.

Year 3:

• Musical Theatre 3: This module involves a full-scale musical theatre production lasting four weeks.
Students rehearse under the leadership of a director within an intensive rehearsal process. They take on a production role and draw from professional practice. They also develop singing technique and acting methods. Preparations include individual career guidance such as audition prep, headshots, and advice from industry professionals.
• New Music Theatre 3: This module contextualizes new music theatre within wider related art domains of experimental art, opera, and other music theatre.
It explores knowledge for creating new ideas and practices, introduces practice-based research, and studies relevant concepts, creative practitioners, and knowledge from other disciplines.

Assessment:

• Performance: Most of the assessment is through performance and other practical work.
• Practical Work: Students are assessed on their practical skills and abilities in various aspects of musical theatre.

Teaching:

• Experienced Professionals: The course team consists of industry-seasoned professionals with relevant experience.
• Professional Technicians and Musicians: Students are supported by professional technicians and musicians for their performances.
• Guest Tutors: Regular guest tutors provide professional masterclasses.
• Individual Attention and Support: Students receive plenty of individual attention and support throughout the course.

Careers:

• Performance-Related Roles: Graduates are prepared for a wide range of performance-related roles, including musical theatre, television, film, children's theatre and TV, cruise ship entertainment, teaching, and voice-over work.
• University Chamber Choir: Students can join the University Chamber Choir, a multi-award-winning group that has toured in France and Shanghai.
• Postgraduate Study: Graduates can pursue postgraduate study in Music, Music Theatre Composition, Physical Theatre, Community Theatre, PGCE teacher training, and other related fields.

Other:

• Facilities: The program is based in The Media Factory, a state-of-the-art building with theatre studios, dance studios, rehearsal spaces, and excellent lighting and sound equipment.
Students also have access to the main theatre in St Peter’s Arts Centre.
• Community Performance: Students perform in the community as part of their course.
• Public Shows: Students put on public shows.
• International Performance: Students may have the opportunity to perform overseas.

| Category | Fees | | ------------ | ------------ | | UK | £9,250 per year | | International | £16,500 per year |