

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music Theatre at the University of Michigan provides a comprehensive program for students seeking advanced training in performance, vocal technique, acting, and stage production. The curriculum emphasizes musical performance, dramatic interpretation, and applied theatre skills, preparing students to excel in professional performance environments. Students engage in hands on rehearsals, scene work, and collaborative productions, developing skills necessary to perform at a high level, interpret complex roles, and apply evidence based performance techniques. This program cultivates both artistic proficiency and technical expertise, equipping graduates to pursue careers in theatre, music, and performance arts.
Learners participate in an interdisciplinary environment where music, theatre, and performance studies intersect. The curriculum offers opportunities for ensemble work, solo performance, and applied theatre projects, allowing students to explore musical expression, stagecraft, and dramatic interpretation. Through mentorship, rehearsal, and performance exercises, students refine creative, technical, and communication skills. With a focus on practical experience and evidence based training, the program prepares graduates to develop strong performance abilities, collaborate effectively, and succeed in professional theatre and musical settings.
Year 1 - Foundations in Music Theatre
• Voice and Vocal Technique
• Acting Fundamentals
• Music Theory and Sight Singing
• Introduction to Theatre Studies
Year 2 - Core Performance and Musical Skills
• Scene Study and Character Development
• Advanced Vocal Performance
• Music Theatre History and Literature
• Dance and Movement for Stage
Year 3 - Advanced Production and Applied Projects
• Ensemble Performance and Collaboration
• Stagecraft and Technical Production
• Applied Music Theatre Workshop
• Elective Modules in Music or Theatre
Year 4 - Capstone and Professional Integration
• Senior Performance Project
• Advanced Acting and Vocal Coaching
• Professional Portfolio Development
• Seminar in Music Theatre Performance
Graduates of this program acquire advanced performance, technical, and collaborative skills that prepare them for careers in musical theatre, opera and concert productions, theatre companies, and performance arts organizations. They develop expertise in acting, vocal performance, and stage production, enabling them to perform, direct, and contribute creatively to professional productions. The program also prepares graduates for roles in arts management, directing, and teaching in performance arts. Graduates leave equipped to engage in professional performance, develop innovative productions, and lead creative projects in theatre and music.
This program is ideal for students seeking a curriculum that integrates performance training with vocal technique, acting, and stagecraft, offering mentorship, ensemble work, and professional performance opportunities. Learners benefit from faculty expertise, applied workshops, and rigorous rehearsal schedules that strengthen creative, technical, and collaborative skills. The curriculum emphasizes practical experience, evidence based performance methods, and professional development, preparing graduates to excel in competitive theatre environments and innovate in musical production. With its focus on artistic excellence and applied proficiency, the program provides a dynamic academic environment for students aspiring to careers in musical theatre, performance, and the arts.
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: 734-764-8129
Email: rackadmis@umich.edu
Address: Graduate Admissions Office, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA