UNCG’s highly competitive BFA in Musical Theatre is an intensive, conservatory-style pre-professional program. It is highly selective and focuses on the four pillars of musical theatre: acting, singing, dancing, and musicianship. The program is for students pursuing musical theatre as a professional career and many alumni land roles on Broadway and in Broadway touring shows soon, if not immediately after, graduation.
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre Program Distinctions
Despite being relatively young, the BFA in Musical Theatre has rapidly emerged as a premiere, industry-recognized training ground that boasts a 1-to-2% acceptance rate and rapid alumni placement on Broadway and national tours.
The BFA in Musical Theatre provides a direct pipeline to the industry through an industry showcase. The UNCG Theatre Showcase is professionally produced, with original scenes written exclusively for each student, and distributed to agents and casting directors nationwide.
The UNCG School of Theatre’s accreditations and affiliations include:
- National Association of Schools of Theatre
- Southeastern Theatre Conference
- United States Institute for Theatre Technology Inc.
- North Carolina Theatre Conference
- Theatre Communications Group
“[Beth Leavel] was so kind, and incredibly engaged in all of us. We started with a Q&A where she gave us a lot of information and advice about the industry, and her own experiences. She was very interactive when we were singing and would improv with us as a scene partner which was super fun!”
– Sanchi Pandey ’25, BFA in Drama, Concentration Musical Theatre
The BFA Musical Theatre Student Experience
Students begin training in the first semester with a range of intensive classes in acting, voice, movement, acting for the camera, stage combat, and Shakespeare, along with courses in theatre history, technical theatre, and general liberal arts courses.
As students progress through their degree path, they receive specific and focused feedback from professionally recognized faculty concerning their strengths and areas for growth. Students receive active mentorship by faculty as well as upperclassmen to guide their development.
The School of Theatre draws from a long list of accomplished alumni and other visiting artists for workshops and talkbacks that connect students to real-world experience.
“In the UNCG program, we talk about the toolbelt. Our classes, workshops, and shows give us all the tools we need. Now I’m doing this show and I’m really reaching into that toolbelt.”
–Kemari Bryant ’21, BFA in Drama, Musical Theatre
After Graduating with your BFA In Musical THeatre
In addition to performing, some alums transfer their theatre skills to other areas including event planning, fashion, therapy, radio, non-profit management, and life coaching. Potential careers include:
- Actor
- Community Arts Administrator
- Master Electrician
- Technical Director
- Costumer
- Drama Therapist
- Theatre Director
- Sound Engineer
- Stage Manager
- Teaching Artist
- Dramaturg
- Playwright
How to Apply to the BFA In Musical THeatre Program
Students interested in the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Drama should complete UNCG’s undergraduate admission process and the School of Theatre application/audition process. There is also an audition process for the BFA performance programs.
Frequently Asked Questions About a BFA In Musical Theatre
Program Details
Degree Type: Bachelor's
College/School: College of Visual and Performing Arts
Program Type: Majors & Concentrations
Class Type: In Person
Catalog Name: Drama, B.F.A. Musical Theatre Concentration
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Contact Us
School of Theatre
Jennifer Vellenga
Director
jgvellenga@uncg.edu