Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre


Our BFA in Musical Theatre is an exciting, performance-focused program that nurtures the next generation of musical theatre artists.

Your intensive, performance-focused program is designed to prepare you for a professional career in the dynamic world of musical theatre. You’ll train in acting, voice, and dance while building a strong foundation in music fundamentals and musical theatre history. Gain a comprehensive understanding of the art form's technical and historical aspects while developing your unique artistic voice at CWU.

Create Your Future

Want to learn more about Central Washington University?

Request Info

Questions? Contact Us.


Theater Arts Department

McConnell Hall Room 102

We Build Community

What You'll Study

Academic Catalog | Department of Theatre and Film Website

 

Required General Theatre Courses


  • TH 107 - Introduction to Theatre
  • TH 148 - Monologues
  • TH 160 - Safety and Health for the Entertainment Professional
  • TH 166 - Theory of Play Production
  • TH 363 - Theatre History I
  • TH 489 - Career and Portfolio Preparation
  • TH 495 - Senior Research Project

Acting Component

  • TH 244 - Acting I
  • TH 245 - Acting II
  • TH 246 - Acting III
  • History and Literature Component
  • TH 415 - Musical Theatre History and Literature I
  • TH 416 - Musical Theatre History and Literature II

Voice Component

  • TH 143 - Private Voice Lessons
  • TH 220 - Musical Theatre I
  • TH 221 - Musical Theatre II
  • TH 222 - Musical Theatre III
  • TH 320 - Musical Theatre IV
  • TH 321 - Musical Theatre V
  • TH 322 - Musical Theatre VI
  • TH 323 - Musical Theatre VII
  • TH 421 - Musical Theatre VIII
  • TH 422 - Musical Theatre IX

Music Component

  • TH 120 - Music Fundamentals and Piano I
  • TH 121 - Music Fundamentals and Piano II
  • TH 122 - Music Fundamentals and Piano III

Movement Component

  • TH 151 - Theater Movement Conditioning
  • TH 335 - Movement for the Actor
  • DNCE 121 - Tap Dance I
  • TH 252 - Stage Dance
  • TH 352 - Stage Dance II

For Jazz Dance, auditions will determine where students will be placed.

  • DNCE 107 - Introduction to Jazz Dance
  • DNCE 207 - Jazz Dance Technique I
  • DNCE 307 - Jazz Dance Technique II
  • DNCE 407 - Jazz Dance Technique III

For Ballet Technique, auditions will determine where students will be placed.

  • DNCE 117 - Introduction to Ballet Dance
  • DNCE 217 - Ballet Technique 1A
  • DNCE 218 - Ballet Technique 1B
  • DNCE 219 - Ballet Technique 1C
  • DNCE 317 - Ballet Technique 2A
  • DNCE 318 - Ballet Technique 2B
  • DNCE 319 - Ballet Technique 2C
  • DNCE 417 - Ballet Technique 3A
  • DNCE 418 - Ballet Technique 3B
  • DNCE 419 - Ballet Technique 3C

For Modern Technique, auditions will determine where students will be placed.

  • DNCE 120 - Introduction to Modern Dance
  • DNCE 220 - Modern Technique 1A
  • DNCE 221 - Modern Technique 1B
  • DNCE 222 - Modern Technique 1C
  • DNCE 320 - Modern Technique 2A
  • DNCE 321 - Modern Technique 2B
  • DNCE 322 - Modern Technique 2C

Performance Component

  • TH 202 - Performance Studio
  • TH 302 - Performance Application
  • TH 402 - Performance Application

Technology Component

Select one from the following:

  • TH 261 - Costume Technology
  • TH 267 - Scene Technology
  • TH 268 - Lighting Technology
  • TH 356 - Stage Sound

Select either:

  • TH 301 - Production Application
  • TH 401 - Production Application

Select and repeat 3 credits from either:

  • TH 393 - Theatre Laboratory
  • TH 493 - Theatre Laboratory

Triple-Threat Training

Develop your skills in singing, dancing, and acting to perform at a professional level.

Specialized Courses

Learn techniques such as acting the song, dancing the story, and singing for expressive performance.

Audition Preparation

Prepare for industry auditions with focused training and feedback.

Professional Networking

Gain connections through CWU’s theatre networks, opening doors to internships and performances.

Apply

Discover how to apply to your program of choice at Central.

Financial Aid

Our Financial Aid staff are here to help you navigate financial aid.

Student Life

Pursue your interests in a supportive community. Learn more.

Visit

The best way to discover what makes CWU so special is to experience it yourself. 

Unique

Opportunities

Hone your personal artistic style through courses focused on individualized performance.

Foster

Your Abilities

Small class sizes allow direct guidance from faculty with industry experience.

Develop

a Portfolio

Graduate with a portfolio and resume showcasing your skills in multiple performance areas.

Why Study Theatre and Film at Central?


Experience every aspect of theatre and film with practical, immersive training that prepares you for the industry.

Choose from unique tracks in acting, design, production, film, and screenwriting that offer focused, in-depth skill-building.

Thrive in a supportive, collaborative environment where your individual creativity and perspective are celebrated.

Successful Careers


Musical Theatre Performer
Voice Teacher
Choreographer
Cruise Ship Performer