School of Arts and Interdisciplinary Studies
Musical TheatreBFA
Program starts in the fall. Review deadlines.
Join one of the most-celebrated theatrical performance programs in the U.S. The world-class Musical Theatre BFA program will prepare you for a career on the biggest stages in the world.
At a Glance
- Receive professional-level training in movement, dance, voice, musicianship, and acting.
- Learn from Department of Performing Arts faculty who have honed their skills on stages across the globe.
- Work with the Communication Disorders graduate program to learn vocal wellness and ways to protect your voice.
- Participate in senior showcases in front of industry reps, casting directors, and Emerson alumni who are working in the theatre industry.
Turn Your Passion Into a Profession
Become the Broadway actor you’ve always known you could be. Emerson’s renowned Musical Theatre BFA combines conservatory-style training with liberal arts, helping you develop and grow as a student, performer, collaborator, and creative thinker. You’ll be guided by faculty who have worked on Broadway, with touring productions, regional theatres, television (on-screen and voiceover), and more. You’ll build a strong foundation in acting, singing, dance, and musicianship, all while learning the history and culture of musical theatre.
The curriculum supports both artistic growth and professional preparation. During the first two years, you’ll focus on foundational training in movement, voice, musicianship, acting, and ensemble work, while studying theatre through the lenses of history, literature, and the liberal arts. Upper-level coursework provides specialized training, including advanced performance techniques, swing pedagogy, and business skills that you’ll need when you’re off the stage. Throughout the program, you’ll be encouraged to develop your unique artistic voice while learning to collaborate and communicate authentically, and to approach the creative process with curiosity and confidence.
You’ll perform in Emerson Stage productions in historic theatres, collaborate with student filmmakers, and participate in a vibrant community of student performance organizations. Tap into Boston’s theatre scene, collaborate with visiting artists, attend masterclasses put on by professional actors, and network with Emerson alumni who have landed careers in the theatre industry. In your senior year, you’ll perform in showcases in Boston and New York, presenting your best self to casting directors, agents, alumni, and industry professionals. You’ll leave with the skills to pursue a career on the stage, an expanded acting resume, and a greater appreciation for the rich history of musical theatre.
Real-World Acting Experience
Musical Theatre students spend as much time doing as they do studying. Perform in professional-quality theatres, participate in Emerson Stage productions, collaborate with filmmakers and fellow artists, and learn from working professionals in Boston’s vibrant theatre community.
Emerson owns more theatres than any institution in Boston, and you’ll have the opportunity to perform in some of the most storied venues in the city.
Participate in the rich theatrical history of Boston. Musical Theatre students perform in productions throughout the year, collaborate with other performers and filmmakers, join student theatre organizations like Musical Theatre Against The Grain and Musical Theatre Society, and engage with Boston’s thriving arts community. By graduation, you’ll leave with a body of performance work, industry connections, and the confidence that comes from years of hands-on experience.
Learn from Musical Masters
Musical Theatre faculty are experts in acting, singing, history of theatre, and directing.
Take a Performing Arts Tour
Explore Emerson’s theatres, rehearsal spaces, and production studios, then stay for an informational session about the Performing Arts programs and Artistic Review process.
Kickstart Your Theatrical Career
If the Musical Theatre BFA program is for you, you’ll need to first apply to Emerson College. You’ll then need to create an Artistic Application through Emerson’s Acceptd portal. Here you’ll submit a theatrical resume highlighting your acting credits, along with a headshot. You’ll also submit a Musical Theater Common Prescreen (MTCP), showing your singing, acting, and dance abilities. More information about the application requirements can be found on the Artistic Review Requirements page.
Audition spaces fill up fast and spaces are limited, so make sure to get your application in as soon as possible.