Musical Theater B.F.A.

An actor in jeans and a tie-dye shirt raises his hands and sings.

Our bachelor of fine arts (B.F.A.) degree program in musical theater focuses on the development of your individual talents and abilities with the aim of helping you to discover your uniqueness as a musical theater artist. This rigorous program requires coursework in three areas of performance—singing, dancing and acting—as well as foundations in liberal arts and theater history.

Musical theater students learn singing techniques to support all styles of theater music, from operetta to rock, with foundational coursework in music theory, sight singing and piano. The dance studio offers four levels of ballet and jazz plus additional studies in tap, modern and theater dance styles. The acting training incorporates scene study, dramatic theory, text analysis, speech, movement and on-camera skills. All three areas are interwoven in musical theater performance classes, audition technique, cabaret and participation in the many production opportunities available each semester.

The first year is the foundation for all future training. You will focus on techniques of acting, ballet, voice (both singing and speaking), sight singing and dramatic theory. Although first-year students are not permitted to perform on stage for the public, you will have the opportunity to work on productions behind the scenes in a wide variety of jobs, ranging from running crews to assistant stage managing.

From the second year on, musical theater students may audition for roles in faculty-directed plays and musicals, co-productions with Syracuse Stage, scenes and plays directed by directing studentsMusi and films produced by film students in the College of Visual and Performing Arts. Advanced musical theater students may audition for and perform in Syracuse Stage productions in appropriate roles. Students may also understudy the professional actors. Equity points may be earned through work with Syracuse Stage.

The Department of Drama has a very limited number of spaces available for strong singer/actors who are not dancers within its B.F.A. acting program’s concentration in musical performance, also known as the actor-singer track. Interested students must apply to both the musical theater and acting programs. Learn more about the actor-singer track.

Video: The Best of Both Worlds

Musical theater major Lili Williams talks about choosing Syracuse for the rigorous theater training combined with a university experience.

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Admission and prescreening/audition requirements

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Curriculum

The 128-credit curriculum includes major and academic requirements as well as drama and academic electives. As one of our students, you will be assigned a professional academic advisor who will guide you through your academic career and help you navigate class schedules, course selection and more.

View degree requirements, courses and student learning outcomes

Global Study

You can participate in study abroad or study away programs through VPA or Syracuse Abroad. Musical theater majors often choose to study at the Syracuse University center in London, England, in the fall semester of their third year (in partnership with Shakespeare's Globe), and/or in New York City via the Tepper Semester or in Los Angeles via the VPA LA Semester program in the spring semester of their fourth year. In addition, the Sorkin in LA Learning Practicum provides a select group of seniors with a week-long, “hit-the-studios-running” immersion into the heart of America’s film and television industries.

Three students pose and smile on a street in New York City.

Career Exploration

In addition to the opportunities offered by the drama department, all musical theater majors have access to career advisors and services through the College of Visual and Performing Arts’ Office of Academic and Career Advising. The office connects VPA students with networking opportunities, mentors and more.

Musical Theater B.F.A.

Program Highlights

Program Faculty

Musical Theater B.F.A.

Program Highlights

Lewis Hecker Drama Showcase

Program Faculty