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Musical Theatre Major in Pennsylvania
At Messiah University, one of the top Christian universities in the U.S., you'll experience outstanding training and ample opportunities to become a world-class performer within this interdisciplinary, accredited musical theatre bachelor's degree program.
Study Musical Theatre at a Christian University
This demanding, professional major will prepare you for a competitive career in musical theatre, and is one of the first Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in musical theatre programs within the CCCU (Council of Christian Colleges & Universities). Messiah University is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST). Extensive training in acting, dancing and singing will provide you with a comprehensive performance background.
Students in the musical theatre program will take courses in directing, acting, tap dance, ballet, modern dance, jazz, choreography, history of theatre, music theory, voice and ear training, and more. As an audition-based program, all applicants seeking admission to the Department of Theatre and Dance must audition or interview with the department’s faculty.
As a musical theatre major at Messiah University, you'll be able to:
- Have the opportunity to audition for touring companies of musicals, in summer stock theatre or in musical theatre offerings in major cities around the country.
- Consider studying at the Gaiety School of Acting in Dublin, Ireland.
- Choose to continue your studies in a Master of Fine Arts program.
- Connect with a community of Messiah theatre graduates that exists in New York City.
- Learn and perform in the Calvin and Janet High Center for Worship and Performing Arts, home to a state-of-the-art dance studio and black box space.
As a graduate of the musical theatre program, students are equipped to secure positions such as:
- Actor
- Singer
- Theatre performer
For more information on career planning for the musical theatre program, visit the Messiah University Career and Professional Development Center.
Messiah’s nationally recognized internship program places students in a variety of musical theatre internships. A few examples include:
- Gaiety School of Action in Dublin, Ireland
- Local performance companies
Programs related to Musical Theatre
In the Musical Theatre program, you will take a selection of courses that successfully prepare you for a career in a related field. Hands-on experiences and classroom learning within the framework of Christian faith will give you the skills and knowledge to achieve your goals. Our programs offer a wide variety of courses that will not only help you excel in your future career, but challenge you to develop a deeper understanding of your field of study.
Course options for Musical Theatre:
Musical Theatre (B.F.A.)
Musical Theatre careers and outcomes
Where our grads work
Graduates of the Musical Theatre program work in positions of leadership in their places of employment, using the tools and knowledge a Messiah University education prepared them with. Each year, eager employers and some of the nation's best graduate schools welcome Messiah graduates into their organizations.
96% of the Class of 2022 respondents were employed or in graduate school within 6-9 months of graduation.
Our Alumni
Regional and national employers seek out Messiah graduates for their academic preparation, work ethic and personal character. The transformation you experience at Messiah readies you to transform the lives of others through your chosen career path.
Put what you learn into practice
With the opportunity to be involved in a minimum of three on-campus productions, participate in music and dance ensembles and various internship opportunities, you'll gain a wealth of real-world performing experience.
While earning your musical theatre degree, you’ll have the chance to audition for touring companies of musicals, in summer stock theatre or in musical theatre offerings in New York or other major cities around the country. You may also consider studying at the Gaiety School of Acting in Dublin, Ireland!
Messiah's unique approach to hands-on learning
Learning in the classroom is important but actually applying that knowledge in a hands-on way can make all the difference. At Messiah University, the Experiential Learning Initiative (ELI) allows Messiah to take this hands-on learning to a new level by giving students the opportunity to apply what they have learned to various real world contexts--such as an internship/practica, service learning, off-campus program, holding a student leadership position, or participating in undergraduate research.