Musical Theatre
Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre
CIP 50.0901
ACCREDITED BY: National Association of Schools of Music (NASM)
The Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre degree at Murray State University prepares students for work in musical theatre at the professional level with a special focus on singing and musicianship skills. Students who enter this program are committed to developing the artistic, technical, and professional skills necessary to succeed as performers in today’s competitive market through rigorous study in singing, dancing, and acting.
At Murray State University, Musical Theatre majors are mentored and nurtured by faculty artists who are dedicated to each student’s professional and personal growth. Performance opportunities include our yearly mainstage musical, smaller studio musicals, various performance classes, and audition preparation. In addition to musical theatre performance opportunities, students will also be involved in choral ensembles, such as Concert Choir, Vox Lumina, and/or Una Voce. In collaboration with the theatre department, students will have curricular opportunities to gain technical knowledge in stagecraft, costume construction, entertainment makeup, stage combat, and much more.
Graduates will leave Murray State University equipped with the knowledge, skills, and versatility to pursue careers in musical theatre, such as performing, directing, stage managing, and arts administration. Murray State University is the only university or college in the state of Kentucky that offers a Bachelor of Music degree in Musical Theatre.
Total Curriculum Requirements (120 Hours)
University Studies Requirements (32 Hours)
(See University Studies)
Music Courses Requirements (49 Hours)- Six successful semesters of MUS 101 are required. To successfully complete the course each semester the student must gain credit for 10 approved recitals and have no more than one absence from required assembly programs.
- Applied music is studied at two credits each semester. Periodic jury and proficiency examinations are required. A half-recital must be given in the final semester of study.
- All BM Music Theatre majors are expected to fulfill the Aural Skills, Theory, and Keyboard requirement.Aural Skills MUS 170, MUS 173, MUS 270, MUS 273 and Theory MUS 171, MUS 174, MUS 271, MUS 274 must be taken in sequence, with a "C" or better to continue in the sequence. Keyboard MUS 172, MUS 175 must be taken in sequence, with a "C" or better to continue.
Theatre Courses Requirements (26 Hours)
- Students must complete:
- THD 103, Theatre Foundations
- THD 111, Acting I
- THD 260, Music Theatre Dance I
- THD 262, Jazz Dance I
- THD 265, Ballet I
- THD 267, Tap I
- THD 270, Stage Combat
- THD 310, Acting II
- THD 321, Entertainment Makeup
- THD 344, Theatre Hist and Lit II
- THD 360, Music Theatre Dance II
- THD 410, Acting III
Music Ensembles (7 Hours)
- Students are required to participate in a major ensemble involving their primary instrument concurrent with every semester of applied music study. Major ensembles include Concert Choir, Vox Lumina, and Una Voce. Some performance areas have more specific requirements. Students should consult their advisors and applied lesson teachers for detailed requirements.
Theatre Electives (6 Hours)
- Students are may choose between THD 140, 142, 275, 362, 365, 366, 367, or 368.
additional information
The requirements listed above are an example of what is applicable to most students entering Murray State University at the present time. Criteria as they may relate to individual students may vary. The primary source is the Undergraduate Bulletin applicable at the time of the student enrollment.