Musical Theatre, B.F.A.

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The program’s description is noted below:

Requirements for the major in musical theatre, B.F.A.

Admission to the theatre degree programs

Admission to the theatre degree programs at Oakland University (OU) is a two-tiered process. The first step in the process for all students is the entrance audition. These auditions are held several times a year and determine whether or not a student will be admitted to OU in any of these degree programs. The second step is the major standing audition, which determines whether students may continue in the program, and which degree program they may pursue.

Entrance auditions

Entrance audition days are held several times each year. Students should be prepared to demonstrate proficiency in their proposed area of specialization. The audition schedule, audition requirements and application are available on the department website.

Students seeking admission to Oakland University as acting and musical theatre majors must audition for the theatre faculty.
Students who audition and do not enroll within two semesters must re-audition.
Students who enroll and leave school for at least two semesters must re-audition.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree is intended for students who wish pre-professional and professional preparation in musical theatre, acting, and theatre design and technology. Students must successfully complete the performance production requirement, the events attendance requirement and the senior interview. Students should consult with the departmental adviser in the College of Arts and Sciences Advising Office to plan their degree program. Only major courses in which a grade of at least C has been earned will count towards the major.

Musical theatre requirements - 74-80 credits (with placement)

THA 1001 - Foundations of Theatre (1)
THA 1010 - Acting: The Instrument (2)
THA 1011 - Acting: The Script (2)
THA 1012 - Acting: The Song I (2)
THA 1020 - Stagecraft (2) or THA 1021 - Costume Craft (2) or THA 1023 - Costume Construction (2)
THA 2017 - Stage Voice I (2)
THA 3001 - Theatre History I (4) or THA 3002 - Theatre History II (4) (satisfies general education arts requirement)
THA 3005 - History of American Musical Theatre (4)
THA 3010 - Acting: The Role (2)
THA 3014 - Acting: Auditions (2)
THA 3023 - Stage Makeup (2)
THA 3051 - Acting: The Song II (1)
THA 4013 - Musical Theatre Singing Styles (2)
THA 4014 - Acting: Shakespeare (2)
MUA 3001 - Vocal Coaching for Singers (1) (8 credits, one per semester, or placement)
MUS 1160 - Vocal Techniques (2)
MUS 1205 - Basic Musicianship for Musical Theatre Majors I (2)
MUS 1206 - Basic Musicianship for Musical Theatre Majors II (2)
DAN 3273 - Dance for Musical Theatre (2)
Additional dance technique classes (7 semesters, 14 credits, or placement)

Applied voice - 11 credits (or placement)

MUA 1000 - Voice (1 TO 2) (2 semesters, 3 credits)
MUA 2000 - Voice (1 OR 2) (2 semesters, 4 credits)
MUA 3000 - Voice (1 TO 4) (2 semesters, 4 credits)

Vocal ensemble - 1 credit selected from

MUE 3050 - Opera Workshop (0 OR 1)
THA 4051 - Nightclub Cabaret Acts (0 OR 1)
THA 4052 - Professional Practices for the Performer (1)

Theatre capstone - 4 credits minimum selected from

THA 4007 - Advanced Directing Project (2)
THA 4020 - Advanced Performance Projects
(2)
THA 4025 - Advanced Design and Technology Projects (2)
THA 4081 - Classical Theatre Study in Greece (4)
THA 4950 - Internship (2 OR 4)
THA 4095 - Advanced Company Class (2 OR 4)

Theatre elective courses - 4 credits

Chosen in consultation with theatre adviser (may include DAN technique, MUA/MUE voice classes; THA 1000 excluded)

Non-credit requirements

Major standing
Senior interview
Performance production requirement
Events attendance requirement

Additional Information

In addition to these major requirements, students must complete the Oakland University General Education Requirements and an appropriate number of free elective classes to meet the overall credit requirement for the degree (in most cases 124; some degrees may require a greater number). BFA majors are exempt from the College of Arts and Sciences College Exploratory Requirement.