Housed in the School of Performing Arts, and in collaboration with the School of Music, the BFA in performing arts - musical theatre is an intensive, interdisciplinary, performance-oriented major. Admittance into the program is by competitive auditions held twice a year. The program offers specialized training in acting, dance, and music skills. Career counseling and an understanding of the business is emphasized. Students interested in musical theatre as a profession will gain the training and techniques needed to succeed in this demanding and competitive career.

Program Requirements

• Total credit hours for graduation 120 minimum, overall GPA 2.000 (2.500 for scholarship consideration); and
• A C or better is required for all major required courses, including THEA and/or DANC electives; and

• Must complete the requirements of the WSU General Education Program and the College of Fine Arts as well as the required courses below.

Major Requirements: 86 credit hours including:

¹

Required major courses may also count towards General Education requirements. Students will need to select additional electives to reach 120 credit hours required for graduation with assistance from an advisor.

Incoming students with previous training in dance will be assessed to determine appropriate class level. With approval from instructors, those with prior training may substitute upper-division courses for entry level classes. Credit hours must still total 120.

Students with prior piano skills may take a placement exam and test out of piano classes. If students pass the placement exam(s), they need to substitute with a course (1) in MUSA, MUSC or MUSP.

Musical theatre majors must audition for all department musicals. Students receiving scholarships are required to perform as cast. All majors must obtain departmental approval prior to performing off campus. Permission is granted on a case-by-case basis. With instructor’s consent, students not cast in department musicals are encouraged to audition for roles and internships at the many professional and community theatres that flourish in Wichita. Majors are encouraged to audition for, and participate in theater, dance and opera productions, as well as musicals.

The faculty seeks to produce graduates who will be competitive in the professional performing world.

Applied Learning

All students in a School of Performing Arts bachelor degree track or concentration are required to complete an applied learning or research experience to graduate from the program. The requirement can be met by completing a formal capstone project. Students create a major project whether self-generated, an extension of coursework, or through advanced participation in producing a public performance. Through the capstone experience, students develop and demonstrate, in a hands-on, real world context, the skills, knowledge and competencies required in their area of emphasis. Students in the School of Performing Arts develop a diverse portfolio of experiences, materials and intellectual properties through a broad offering of applied experiences in their four years. The capstone project provides a practical context for academic, experiential and personal growth through the college experience. The final, real product of the SPA's program of applied learning is a young professional prepared for the future.