Musical Theatre, BFA
We offer the best of both worlds: intensive conservatory training combined with the opportunities of a large university. Under the guidance of top-notch faculty and guest artists, some of whom are Tony and Academy Award nominees, you’ll build skills that give you a competitive edge. Each year, you can participate in a major musical production, along with several smaller showcases and fully staged dance, drama, and opera productions.
Acceptance to the Musical Theatre Program requires admission to WVU and a successful audition with the School of Theatre and Dance.
Your Degree Plan
Acting Studio
THET 344
The purpose of studio is to reexamine basic acting principles and introduce advanced techniques in characterization, personalization, and given circumstances through exercises, monologue work, and intensive scene study coordinated with rehearsal and performance in THET 345.
Dance Styles for Musical Theatre
DANC 255
An introduction to musical theatre repertoire along with gaining a more efficient and proficient way of learning and executing Broadway musical choreography, new and old. This course gives the student the tools needed at an intermediate to advanced level of dance, to complement their singing and acting abilities; learning choreography from notable musicals.
Applied Music: Voice
MUSC 226
Audition for placement required. (May be repeated for a max of 8 credit hours.) Continuation of MUSC 126. Credit and length of lesson varies dependent on curriculum. Weekly lesson to develop technical, artistic and pedagogical aspects of music.
Dance
Honors
Expand your curiosity and enhance your curriculum through the WVU Honors College. Two programs are offered: Honors Foundations and Honors in Action.
The WVU Difference
What sets this program apart?
- Hands-on experience. Perform in as many as 15 productions while you’re here.
- 5 unique theatres for a variety of learning and performance settings.
- On-campus costume and scene shops.
- The NYC Showcase, a chance to network with WVU alumni and industry pros in theatre and entertainment.
- WVU Lab Theatre, a launchpad for student productions.
- Opportunities to work with West Virginia Public Theatre.
- Track record of training successful performers and entrepreneurs.
- Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre.
Learn by Doing
Get involved outside the classroom.
- Expand your skillset (and job opportunities) by working behind the scenes on set and costume construction.
- The Evansdale Library, a short walk from the Creative Arts Center, is your go-to for research and inspiration. Explore our script collection or browse industry-specific journals and magazines to keep up with the theatre world.
Careers and Outcomes
How does this degree prepare students for a career?
Producers and Directors
Has a Bright Outlook
Median Salary: $83,480
Possible Job Titles: Artistic Director, Director, News Producer, Producer
Talent Directors
Has a Bright Outlook
Median Salary: $83,480
Possible Job Titles: Artistic Director , Casting Agent , Casting Coordinator , Casting Director
Music Directors and Composers
Median Salary: $63,670
Possible Job Titles: Choir Director, Conductor, Music Composer, Music Director
Musicians and Singers
Possible Job Titles: Choir Member, Musician, Singer, Violinist
Career options
Our grads perform on Broadway, Off-Broadway, and with top regional theatre companies. They’re professional performers in television, film, and entertainment. Some have written and starred in their own films and web series. The sky’s your limit!
If you’d rather dig deeper into the craft, you can continue your education in our graduate theatre programs. WVU master’s degree programs include Acting, Technical Direction and Costume, Lighting, or Scenic Design and Technology.
Places and Spaces
See where you’ll study, research, and create.
Canady Creative Arts Center
Virtual Tour
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Student Life
You'll experience epic traditions, quality academics, and a supportive community that feels like home.
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Admission Requirements
To be admitted to the Musical Theatre major, first-time freshmen must meet WVU's first-time freshman admission requirements. Interested in transferring? Review the transfer admission requirements.
Tuition and Aid
How much does Musical Theatre at WVU cost? And how can you save?
Tuition and Fees
Estimated rates are available on our tuition website. Anyone who is not a current West Virginia resident, including international students, will be charged non-resident rates.
Ways to Save
Beyond scholarships, here are other ways to reduce your cost of attending WVU.
Financial Aid
The most important step toward funding your future with financial aid for the Musical Theatre, BFA is submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.
Ohio Tuition Reciprocity
As the result of a special agreement, students from Ohio who are fully admitted to Musical Theatre can enroll at WVU and pay in-state tuition rates. Students must be admitted to both the University and this major.
Start at Another WVU Campus
You can start your career with WVU at another campus and transfer to WVU Morgantown.
Transfer Articulation Agreements
To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to WVU.
Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.
Request Info
Want to know more about Musical Theatre at WVU? Fill out our request form to receive more information.
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