Theatre Major: Musical Theatre Option (B.A.)

The musical theatre option is designed to cultivate and nurture the creative artistry of those highly motivated students who wish to develop their combined talent as singers, actors and dancers. Students in the musical theatre option are trained as actors who sing and dance and will thrive in this intense and dynamic program of coursework, practical application, performance-based projects, departmental productions, and special workshops with guest artists and instructors. Students will be expected to fully integrate their rigorous training as actors, dancers and singers with the outstanding liberal arts education they will receive at UNH to become well-rounded and marketable musical theatre artists.

Contact Tom Alsip, Paul Creative Arts Center, (603) 862-3288.

Degree Requirements

All Major, Option and Elective Requirements as indicated.
*Major GPA requirements as indicated.

Major Requirements

In the freshman and sophomore years, students should enroll for at least two major and two Discovery courses per semester. The minimum grade requirement for major courses is C- per course. Any grade lower than C- will not count toward the major. Under department policy, students who complete both COMM 401 American Sign Language I and COMM 502 American Sign Language II satisfy the bachelor of arts language proficiency requirement. All majors must take courses in the following areas: performance, design/theatre technology and theory/history as well as fulfill between four and eight practicums and complete a capstone course.  Although timing will vary with each option, it is strongly suggested that all introductory courses be taken prior to the end of the student's sophomore year.  Students must also complete a digital portfolio that demonstrates fulfillment of student learning outcomes related to their area of study.

The required minimum overall GPA in major coursework is 2.0.

Candidates for a degree must satisfy all of the University Discovery Program requirements in addition to satisfying the requirements of each individual major program. Bachelor of arts candidates must also satisfy the foreign language proficiency requirement.

Theatre department majors may use one major-required course to satisfy one Discovery category requirement.

All UNH B.A. degrees require a minimum of 128 credit hours.

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The practicum ensures a breadth of experience in the major, including sets, costumes, lighting, props, box office, marketing, and performing.  Students must register for practicum every semester.  They are notified of their practicum assignment at the beginning of each semester.

Core Student Learning Outcomes for the Bachelor of Arts in Theatre major: On completion of the B.A. in Theatre, students will:

• Recognize and distinguish between various styles and forms of theatre or dance that have shaped the evolution of these disciplines.
• Effectively communicate artistic ideas and/or critical analysis of theatre or dance works through appropriate oral, written or practical means.
• Demonstrate knowledge and fundamental skill level of the basic areas of theatre or dance production in areas related to performance, design, technology or management.
• Create and demonstrate informed and personal artistic choices in coursework and productions (i.e., design, dance, directing, acting).

Additional Student Learning Outcomes for Option in Musical Theatre: In addition to the shared department learning outcomes for all THDA students, upon completion of the major with an Option in Musical Theatre, students will:

• Utilize a healthy vocal technique and demonstrate the ability to read music.
• Effectively analyze a dramatic script.
• Apply knowledge of theatre to write critically about both musical and non-musical theatre.
• Demonstrate the ability to perform dance choreography.
• Apply acting techniques both in writing and in practice.
• Utilize knowledge of musical theatre history and styles to select appropriate repertoire for class and auditions.
• Demonstrate the skills and create the elements necessary to compete in the professional theatrical world, including a professional resume and audition book.