Theatre – Musical Theatre Performance – Bachelor’s Degree Program (BFA)

Study Musical Theatre Performance at the University of Montana

Earn your degree in musical theatre at the premier theatre arts school and one of the largest accredited theatre program in the Pacific Northwest. This unique, dynamic, rigorous training program draws on diverse disciplines involving dance, music and performance.

Musical theatre majors receive expert training in the triple‐threat skillset: acting, singing and dancing. Voice lessons blend classical technique with contemporary music styles, while dance courses explore ballet, jazz, tap, modern dance and more. Masterclasses are led by musical theatre professionals and Broadway performers.

When you graduate, you’ll have what it takes to pursue successful careers on Broadway, in films and television, and with prestigious theatres and performance venues around the world.

What can you do with a musical theatre degree?

A degree in musical theatre performance offers many professional pathways in theatre, film, education and more. Our graduates teach at every level in schools across the country, and are performing in regional theatres, on Broadway, in commercials, film and television.

Musical Theatre Jobs

Examples of careers you may pursue with a major in musical theatre include:

• Actor
• Choreographer
• Singer
• Vocal coach
• Teacher
• Dancer
• Community arts director
• Drama therapist

Experiential learning in the musical theatre degree

As a musical theatre major, you’ll have opportunities to take on a variety of performance roles in UM productions of major musicals and period shows, comedies and dramas — culminating with a  Musical Theatre Showcase senior project. Through these experiences, we’ll help you develop a strong professional portfolio and connect with potential employment opportunities with theatre companies in the region.

Zootown Cabaret: The Ensemble for Musical Theatre

Hone your musical theatre performance skills while broadening your range in diverse styles of musical theatre and popular song. Zootown Cabaret is UM’s performing ensemble for musical theatre. a group that combines singing, acting and dance, performing review style shows in intimate venues on and off-campus. Learn more about Zootown Cabaret at the University of Montana.

Study abroad for musical theatre majors

International programs offer exciting opportunities to take your musical theatre studies overseas and explore new cultures. Learn more about study abroad opportunities at the University of Montana.

Career development in the musical theatre program

What makes UM one of the best colleges for musical theatre in the region? For many of our students, it’s the combination of big opportunities and small classes. From large‐scale productions to state‐of‐the‐art performance facilities, we offer all the resources you would expect in a leading theatre program. At the same time, you can count on one‐on‐one mentorship and personalized training from faculty who are caring and accessible.

Faculty experience in the musical theatre program

One of the benefits of majoring in theatre at UM is the incredible faculty you get to work with. Our instructors have worked for professional theatres around the world and many serve in key leadership roles with professional organizations such as NAST, ACTF and USITT. Even more, they are 100% dedicated to your success, and here to help you achieve your goals from day one in your program to beyond graduation.

Facilities and performance venues for musical theatre majors

The University of Montana offers amazing performance venues, including the Montana Theatre, the Masquer Theatre and other venues both on and off campus. Our theatre arts programs also include production and costume shops, lighting and audio labs, rehearsal and dance spaces, and other facilities you can take advantage of as a musical theatre major.

Musical theatre scholarships

The theatre award $30‐40K in scholarships each year to students in the theatre degree program. Work‐study opportunities in the theatre office, box office and shops are also available. Learn more about theatre scholarship opportunities at UM.

Musical theatre degree requirements

The bachelor’s in musical theatre includes required courses in acting, singing and dance each semester. You’ll engage in specialized musical theatre repertory classes that include duet and ensemble work, as well as voice and dance lessons that blend a wide variety of styles. As a musical theatre major, you’ll also develop solid skills in music theory and sight-singing, piano and choir.

View all classes for the bachelor’s degree in musical theatre.