Skip to main content
Home / Academics / Programs

College of Creative Arts and Media: School of Theatre and Dance

Musical Theatre, BFA

With well-rounded coursework and plenty of hands-on experience in music, theatre and dance, our program is your ticket to success in musical theatre.

We offer the best of both worlds: intensive conservatory training combined with the opportunities of a large university. Under the guidance of top-notch faculty and guest artists — some of whom are Tony and Academy Award nominees — you’ll build skills that give you a competitive edge. Each year, you can participate in a major musical production, along with several smaller showcases and fully staged dance, drama and opera productions.

Acceptance to the Musical Theatre Program requires admission to WVU and a successful audition with the School of Theatre and Dance.

Your Degree Plan The WVU Difference Learn by Doing Careers and Outcomes Places and Spaces Admission Requirements Take the Next Steps

Your Degree Plan

Intro

Three costumed actors in The Magic Flute on main stage

We combine an intensive conservatory experience with the college experience of a major university. You’ll perform on our mainstage and in our laboratory theatre, and train with renowned faculty and guest artists (including Academy and Tony Award nominees).

Our Musical Theatre curriculum draws from both the School of Theatre and Dance and the School of Music. You'll explore acting and dance techniques, vocal training and stage production. Plus, you'll learn career management strategies, like how to successfully audition, craft your résumé and secure professional representation.

Tailor this major to your interests by taking one of these courses as you pursue your degree:

  • THET 344:
    Acting Studio

    The purpose of studio is to reexamine basic acting principles and introduce advanced techniques in characterization, personalization, and given circumstances through exercises, monologue work, and intensive scene study coordinated with rehearsal and performance in THET 345.

  • DANC 255:
    Dance Styles for Musical Theatre

    An introduction to musical theatre repertoire along with gaining a more efficient and proficient way of learning and executing Broadway musical choreography, new and old. This course gives the student the tools needed at an intermediate to advanced level of dance, to complement their singing and acting abilities; learning choreography from notable musicals.

  • MUSC 226:
    Applied Music: Voice

    Audition for placement required. (May be repeated for a max of 8 credit hours.) Continuation of MUSC 126. Credit and length of lesson varies dependent on curriculum. Weekly lesson to develop technical, artistic and pedagogical aspects of music.

Tailor this major to your interests by focusing your coursework in one of these areas:

  • Dance

Take advantage of special options related to this major:

  • Honors

    Expand your curiosity — and enhance your curriculum — through the WVU Honors College. Two programs are offered: Honors Foundations for first- and second-year students and Honors EXCEL for third- and fourth-year students.

    Explore Honors

The WVU Difference

What sets this program apart from its competitors?

  • Hands-on experience — perform in as many as 15 productions while you’re here.
  • 5 unique theatres for a variety of learning and performance settings.
  • On-campus costume and scene shops.
  • The NYC Showcase, a chance to network with WVU alumni and industry pros in theatre and entertainment.
  • WVU Lab Theatre, a launchpad for student productions.
  • Opportunities to work with West Virginia Public Theatre.
  • Track record of training successful performers and entrepreneurs.
  • Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre.
Scholarships

Over 92% of WVU freshmen receive grants or scholarships (2022-2023).

Learn more

Learn by Doing

Learning happens outside the classroom. Get involved.

  • Expand your skillset (and job opportunities) by working behind the scenes on set and costume construction.
  • The Evansdale Library, a short walk from the Creative Arts Center, is your go-to for research and inspiration. Explore our script collection or browse industry-specific journals and magazines to keep up with the theatre world.

Network with professionals in your field as a student member of:

Live, study and pursue outside-the-classroom learning in a residence hall community that shares your interests:

Outside of the Evansdale Crossing building.

What you learn outside of the classroom is just as important as what you learn during class. We’ll help you follow your curiosity.

Careers and Outcomes

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

Producers and Directors

Plan and coordinate various aspects of radio, television, stage, or motion picture production, such as selecting script, coordinating writing, directing and editing, and arranging financing.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $82,510

Possible job titles include: News Producer, Producer, Promotions Producer, Television News Producer.

Explore Career

Talent Directors

Audition and interview performers to select most appropriate talent for parts in stage, television, radio, or motion picture productions.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $82,510

Possible job titles include: Artistic Director, Casting Assistant, Casting Associate, Casting Director.

Explore Career

Music Directors and Composers

Conduct, direct, plan, and lead instrumental or vocal performances by musical artists or groups, such as orchestras, bands, choirs, and glee clubs; or create original works of music.

Median Salary: $62,590

Possible job titles include: Choir Director, Composer, Conductor, Music Director, Music Minister, Orchestra Director, Music Composer, Music Producer, Producer, Songwriter.

Explore Career

Musicians and Singers

Play one or more musical instruments or sing. May perform on stage, for broadcasting, or for sound or video recording.

Median Salary: NA

Possible job titles include: Singer, Vocalist, Musician, Choir Member.

Explore Career

Career options

Our grads perform on Broadway, Off-Broadway and with top regional theatre companies. They’re professional performers in television, film and entertainment. Some have written and starred in their own films and web series. The sky’s your limit!

If you'd rather dig deeper into the craft, you can continue your education in our graduate theatre programs. WVU master’s degree programs include Acting, Technical Direction and Costume, Lighting or Scenic Design and Technology.

Places and Spaces

Learn about all of the places and spaces you'll learn in.

Program Facility - Creative Arts Center

Canady Creative Arts Center

The Loulie, Valerie and William Canady Creative Arts center boasts 4 exhibition spaces, 5 performance spaces, 33 individual practice rooms and 50 classrooms and studios with plenty of space to create. The loading dock at the rear of the building is a wonderful open-air space with stunning acoustics.

Explore the Canady Creative Arts Center
  • Virtual Tour
    It's the next-best thing to being here – you can virtually tour residence halls and the WVU Morgantown Campus.
  • Student Life
    You will have it all here — epic traditions, quality academics and a supportive community that feels like home.
  • Visit
    Experience WVU in person and start imagining life as a Mountaineer!

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to WVU's Musical Theatre major, first-time freshmen must meet WVU's first-time freshman admission requirements for the 2024-25 academic year. Interested in transferring? Review the transfer admission requirements.

Ready to take the next step?

Learn how to join the WVU family.

Request Info

Want to know more about Musical Theatre at WVU? Fill out our request form to receive more information.

Request Info

Visit

​​Experiencing campus is the best way to see if WVU is the right fit. Choose from in-person and virtual options.

Visit WVU

Apply

Your first step to becoming a Mountaineer is applying for admission using our convenient online application.

Apply Now