B.F.A. in Musical Theatre
Otterbein’s interdisciplinary BFA in Musical Theatre is designed to prepare students as “triple threats.” Training is delivered through a four-year program that combines acting, voice, music, and dance. Music theory, keyboard, and private voice lessons are studied alongside extensive dance training in jazz, tap, ballet, modern, and musical theatre. Core classes are also shared with BFA Acting majors. In these, diction and dialects are practiced, movement techniques such as Alexander and Feldenkrais are explored, voice for the stage is studied through Fitzmaurice, scenework is developed, and on-camera acting for TV and film is introduced. Training covers a wide range of styles, from contemporary works to Shakespeare.
Coursework and Training
Classroom instruction is paired with abundant performance opportunities, giving students the chance to apply their craft in front of live audiences. Musical Theatre majors audition for all mainstage productions—not just musicals—broadening their performance experience across genres. They also participate in music ensembles, directing workshops, and various vocal groups. These opportunities strengthen their skills while showcasing their talents on campus and beyond.
Students are evaluated annually to ensure they are meeting the high professional standards required to complete the BFA program. This ongoing feedback process helps students grow artistically, stay on track with their development, and prepare for the demands of the professional theatre industry.
Capstone Experiences
The senior year is highlighted by a New York City Senior Showcase, produced for agents and casting directors. A ten-week internship in the American professional theatre may also be pursued, depending on availability and industry demand. This internship helps undergrads gain invaluable experience and industry connections before graduation.
Internship Opportunities
Internship placement is determined by the evolving needs of the theatre, screen, and entertainment industries, as well as ongoing social change within the theatre community, exemplified by A New Deal for Broadway. Student readiness to contribute meaningfully to a host organization’s mission is also considered. While internships are valued, full support is given to the industry’s shift toward greater inclusivity, diversity, and equity.
Otterbein University is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre.
B.F.A. in Musical Theatre with an Integrated Dance Minor
The interdisciplinary BFA in Musical Theatre with an integrated Dance Minor offers students the chance to increase their dance skills while studying acting, voice, music and theatre.
Dance classes are structured to allow students to dance every day. Students are placed among four levels of jazz, tap, modern, ballet, or musical theatre dance, in order to ensure appropriate teaching, growth & success. All dance classes are taught by specialists of each technique.
Two choreography classes are offered and all dance students are encouraged to choreograph pieces for dance workshops as well as the annual dance concert, one of the mainstage productions.
| Student Learning Outcomes | University Learning Goals (KMERI*) |
| 1. Strong technique skills in singing and the ability to execute a wide range of vocal styles required of musical theatre actors. | Knowledgeable, Engaged |
| 2. Competency in musicianship, sight singing, music theory and basic keyboard skills. | Knowledgeable, Multi-literate, Engaged |
| 3. Strong proficiency in the diverse historical and stylistic idioms of musical theatre repertoire; developing a rich and comprehensive book of song repertoire. | Knowledgeable, Multi-literate, Engaged |
| 4. Proficiency in a range of dance techniques and genres, including period styles, and the ability to quickly learn and retain choreography in both audition and rehearsal settings. | Knowledgeable, Multi-literate, Engaged, Inquisitive |
| 5. Presenting a gold standard of comporting one’s self in a professional context; including headshots, resume and website, and a dedicated awareness of physical fitness and healthy nutritional plans. | Knowledgeable, Multi-literate, Engaged, Responsible, Inquisitive |
| 6. Proficiency in identifying how musicals are created and how the form’s stylistic and technical elements cohere to express meaning and social resonance, including the historical development of the musical theatre libretto, scores and the writers/composers/choreographers who have influenced and created that development. | Knowledgeable, Multi-literate, Inquisitive |
| 7. Capacity to act scenes into songs from every genre of musical theatre, incorporating optimal intention and physicality to create fully realized, three-dimensional characters. | Knowledgeable, Multi-literate, Engaged |
*NOTE: KMERI refers to Otterbein's learning goals. It stands for Knowledgeable, Multi-literate, Engaged, Responsible, and Inquisitive. To learn more about KMERI, visit our University Learning Goals page.
Apply
Now!