Students entering the program will be required to audition for acceptance into the Music Theatre program and demonstrate satisfactory potential in acting, dancing, and singing. Scholarship determinations will be based on this initial audition.
See Appendix for Assessment and Jury Feedback sheets
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Juries (Semester Assessment)
An interdisciplinary committee made up of Music Theatre and Voice faculty members will hold proficiency juries at the end of each semester in all three disciplines to ensure that students are reaching adequate levels of performance. Development of competencies in acting, dancing and singing will be monitored to insure satisfactory progress.
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Juries for BFA Major
Freshman and sophomores will prepare and present 3 contrasting MT songs, a memorized monologue and learn a dance combination. Juries for juniors and seniors will be expanded to include 4-5 contrasting music theatre songs and cold readings instead of a monologue.
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Juries for BA major
The assessment for the first two years will be the same as the BFA assessments listed above.
In addition, students will be discussing their additional area of study with faculty at individual conferences. By the end of the sophomore year, the student will have identified research area for their senior project. For juniors & seniors, they will continue to bring in three songs and the dance call and cold readings will be optional.
At the conclusion of juries, all students will sign up for an individual assessment time and be sent a video of their jury performance. At that meeting, student progress in the program will be discussed to determine if the student is in good standing or placed on probation in any area. For the BA major, focus of the meeting with faculty will be on their research project especially during the junior and senior years
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Senior Project (Final Assessment)
There will be a final Senior Project for both BFA and BA Majors.
BFA Seniors: Students will perform a series of scenes and songs from musicals in order to demonstrate their skills in all three disciplines. The BFA Candidate, in consultation with his/her faculty advisor, will prepare a character study consisting of two musical scenes and then a third piece that is contrasting in style to the material in the character study. The Opening and Closing numbers will be staged and/or choreographed as appropriate by the graduating seniors and presented in a Senior Project Performance. Date and location will be approved with Faculty.
BA Seniors: Due to the more generalized nature of this degree, BA Candidates will create a project unique to their area of interest and also create a unique way to share this project in the lobby of the theatre on the night of the Senior Project Performance. This project can take any form such as a research paper, video, slide show, multimedia presentation, web series, website or a lecture/discussion presentation. In addition to their presentation, BA Candidates may perform one piece of their choosing (with faculty approval) in the Senior Project Performance with the option of also participating in the Opening and Closing Numbers.
Both BFA & BA students are responsible for rehearsing outside of class, planning the marketing (posters and programs) and securing any technical elements required. These elements must be very simple and approved by faculty. All students are responsible for acquiring, striking and returning any set, prop, or costume pieces used for the Senior Project. At the conclusion, the senior will sign up for individual assessment time with faculty. (See syllabus for information about written requirements).
Upon graduation, BFA & BA candidates will also have developed their marketing materials including a website, résumés, headshots, and video portfolio (reel) where appropriate.