Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre

The musical theatre major at UT is designed to prepare students for a career in the performing arts. The major incorporates the disciplines from three performance areas: music, drama and dance. Students have the opportunity to perform in six theatre productions per year (two musicals, two plays, one musical cabaret and one studio or experimental theatre production) as well as a variety of vocal ensembles. Students are also strongly encouraged to participate in a number of dance productions as well. In addition to these performance experiences, students will be offered workshops, lectures and presentations, classes and special activities/events throughout the academic year.

Requirements

All prospective MTR majors MUST audition and be accepted into the program as well as apply for acceptance to The University of Tampa.

Auditions are held during the October, November, December, February and March Admission Open House events. We suggest that students interested in entering in the fall semester should audition prior to the beginning of March, so as to meet financial aid deadlines/etc. as prescribed by the University. Students may also audition for the program at the Florida Theatre Conference (FTC) and the Southeastern Theatre Conference (SETC). These organizations hold secondary school auditions for high school juniors and seniors and community college students.

Students should prepare the following materials for the audition process

• One “up-tempo” AND one “ballad” from the musical theatre repertoire (32-bar cuts each)
• One contemporary monologue—comic or dramatic—not to exceed 1:30 minutes

Prospective students should also be prepared to discuss any prior formal dance training. If deemed necessary, you may be asked to participate in a short dance audition. Should a prospective student reside more than 100 miles from the University, we will accept a videotape/DVD audition, which must include the materials as listed above. Send materials to Phoebe Perelman, Admissions Box F, The University of Tampa, 401 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, FL 33606 or pperelman@ut.edu.

Topics of Study

• music theory and musicianship
• voice
• music ensembles
• career development audition seminar
• world theatre
• acting
• play analysis
• musical theatre
• dance partnering
• ballet
• jazz dance
• tap dance

Career Opportunities

• roles in national touring companies
• roles in films
• roles in regional professional theatres
• full-time work at local theme parks

Experiential Learning Opportunities

• musical theatre productions
• dramatic theatre productions
• cabarets
• in-residence workshops with established musical theatre artists
• internship opportunities with a local theme park or theatre company
• Dance Happening
• Spring Dance Concert

On-Campus Associations

• Alpha Psi Omega (dramatic fraternity)
• Phi Mu Alpha (music fraternity)
• Sigma Alpha Iota (music sorority)