Is your dream to be an outstanding artist of musical theatre or opera? Prepare for your professional career in the supportive and student-centered environment of this concentration.
The BMus in performance with a concentration in music theatre is an intensive, performance-oriented program designed to hone all the skills necessary for the complete musical theatre artist.
Training includes private voice lessons every semester of study as well as specialized instruction in acting, dance, audition techniques, technical production, repertoire classes, scene study and performance. A unique feature of this program includes an innovative sequence of musical theatre performance courses designed to synthesize all the abilities necessary to succeed as a professional musical theatre performer.
ASU is unique in that students may receive professional training in both opera and musical theatre in a broad variety of musical theatre styles, from traditional to contemporary. Two musicals and two operas are produced each year, plus new works and student-led productions. The annual showcase in New York City and Phoenix as well as formal collaborations with Arizona Opera and The Phoenix Theatre Company provide additional performance opportunities and valuable career immersion experiences for all students.
At A Glance
Performance (Music Theatre), BMUS
- Offered by: Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts
- Location: Tempe
- Math Intensity: General
Required Courses
A major map outlines a major's critical requirements, courses, and optimal course sequence and aids students in remaining on track to graduation.
While circumstances vary between students and their paths towards graduation (utilizing placement testing to fulfill required math or foreign language courses, fulfilling multiple General Studies requirements with one course, etc.), completing the courses listed in a major map fulfills all of the requirements for graduation.
Application requirements
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements:
Affording college
Scholarships
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Financial Aid
ASU has many financial aid options. Almost everyone, regardless
of income, can qualify for some form of financial aid. In fact,
more than 70 percent of all ASU students receive some form of
financial assistance every year.
Admission requirements
Important: Applicants must submit an ASU application for undergraduate admission in addition to a separate School of Music, Dance and Theatre application. Students should visit https://musicdancetheatre.asu.edu/admissions/music/undergraduate-steps-to-apply for details. Admission to the School of Music, Dance and Theatre is based on an audition. Auditions take place in November (spring admission) and in January and February (fall admission) of each year. Applicants may review audition information at https://musicdancetheatre.asu.edu/admissions/music/undergraduate-auditions.
Admission to the music program is highly selective and based on an audition process. Students are admitted as music audition students and must successfully complete the audition before enrolling in music major courses. Once admitted to both ASU and the School of Music, Dance and Theatre, the applicant's major is changed to music. In the event a student is admitted to ASU but not to the School of Music, Dance and Theatre or misses the audition deadline, the student remains as a music audition major and will need to successfully pass the music audition milestone in the first semester in order to gain admission into the program.
Application Deadlines: Students should visit https://musicdancetheatre.asu.edu/admissions/music/undergraduate-deadlines-fees for complete music deadlines.
Spring admission: The deadline to apply for admission to this program is October 15.
Fall admission: The deadline to apply for admission to this program is January 5.
Career outlook
This degree program is designed for individuals who plan a career as a performing singer and actor in opera, operetta, musicals and other forms of musical theatre. Graduates become conductors, teachers, singers and actors and are prepared to work in various professional capacities, including performance:
- at universities, colleges and schools
- in major opera houses
- in national touring companies
- on Broadway
Example careers
Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions. Career examples include but are not limited to:
| Career | *growth | *median salary |
|---|---|---|
| Actors | 3.1% | * |
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | 5.6% | $69,690 |
| Choreographers | 14% | $43,680 |
| Dancers | 2.3% | * |
| Producers and Directors | 10% | $76,400 |
| Music Directors and Composers | 1.7% | $52,250 |
| Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners | -7.1% | $36,810 |
| Musicians and Singers | 0.9% | * |
| Artists and Related Workers, All Other | -0.2% | $65,800 |
| Set and Exhibit Designers | 1.2% | $58,180 |
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
- Bright Outlook
- Green Occupation