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BFA Musical Theatre/
What it’s About

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in MUSICAL THEATRE at Montclair State University is a highly selective, four-year professional training program which offers a conservatory-like course of study focused on providing the education, practical experience and professional exposure necessary for successful careers in musical theatre stage performance.

Located on a campus just 14 miles west of Manhattan, our program attracts an outstanding faculty and prominent guest artists to work with students every semester. Likewise, the 30-minute train ride to New York connects students with Broadway productions, internship opportunities and all that attracts artists from all over the world.

Musical Theatre majors pursue a rigorous, innovative curriculum which combines acting, dance and music into a unique “craft.” A hallmark of the program is the close, individualized attention students receive - that which brings out their best and positions them well for launching a career

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What you will Study

The B.F.A. Musical Theatre Degree consists of 123 credits, including 92 credits in a common core curriculum of music, acting and dance and 31 credits in General Education - combining the best of a conservatory-like experience and liberal arts education.

Through a core curriculum of intensive instruction, students take classes in all genres of dance, acting, music theory and aural skills, as well as private voice studio, piano, vocal and performance ensembles, makeup, history of theatre and musical theatre, musical theatre styles, movement and speech. A well rounded curriculum encompassing pre-professional training prepares students to compete as "triple threat performers."

Curriculum Links –

Curriculum requirements for the BFA in Musical Theatre program, in relation to other Theatre and Dance options, may be found through the following links:

• BFA Musical Theatre Curriculum
• University Catalog – Theatre and Dance section

Allison Strong – BFA Musical Theatre major

“Montclair State was the right choice for me because of the exceptional musical theatre training, nurturing environment, as well as its proximity to New York City and all the opportunities the city has to offer. There’s no question that I made the right decision. Even after making my Broadway debut in Bye Bye Birdie, I can’t imagine completing my BFA anywhere else”.

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Performance Opportunities BFA Musical Theatre majors have access to a wide range of Performance Opportunities including workshops, industrials, concert productions, recitals, operas, revues, dance performances, as well as classical and new musical theatre works. In fact, students begin building their resumes as early as their freshman year. Performances include fully staged main stage and studio productions as well as a career-building culminating New York Senior Showcase. The absence of a “competing” graduate program further ensures the availability of performing opportunities – and ‘starring roles’ - for our undergraduates.

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Productions

The Department of Theatre and Dance produces as many as 7-10 musicals and plays annually. (See the Department Productions and Photo Gallery pages which showcase current and past seasons of student performed works.)

In addition to performing in productions, students have opportunity to attend more than 500 professional performance events produced annually through Montclair’s internationally acclaimed Peak Performances – a program of eclectic theatre, dance and music productions. Students are admitted at no additional charge by presenting their MSU student ID – and are sometimes even casted alongside seasoned performers and celebrities.

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Josh Dela Cruz – BFA Musical Theatre major

“When I decided I wanted to pursue musical theatre I knew almost immediately that Montclair State was the place for me. The BFA Musical Theatre degree offers a strong core curriculum where we are challenged physically and mentally to surpass our limits in class and performance but also the flexibility to focus on specific aspects of this multi-faceted art form. The level of professionalism that the program, productions and faculty demonstrate is amazing. There is no other place I would want to be.”.

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An Outstanding Faculty More than seventy-five permanent faculty and visiting professionals, including celebrity guest artists and artists-in-residence, mentor our Theatre and Dance students every semester - their shared experiences lending invaluable insights into the ‘real world’ of their professions and opportunities which go beyond the classroom. Our award winning musical theatre faculty is comprised of performers, designers, directors, conductors, choreographers and musicians who have worked in film, opera and television, on and off-Broadway, nationally and abroad. Students also have opportunity to study with renowned (sometimes celebrity) guest artists through studio workshops, seminars and lectures.

Faculty Directory Links –

• Musical Theatre Faculty
• All Theatre and Dance Faculty
• Guest Artists

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Tara Tagliafero – BFA Musical Theatre alumnus , class of 2010

“I am grateful for having such gifted teachers as the backbone of my training. I owe everything to my time spent finding myself as a performer at Montclair and for all the professional and unparalleled guidance in the classroom and on stage. I truly feel prepared to face the real world- a confidence I did not have upon entering the BFA musical theatre program. I came to Montclair so raw and so eager and I’m leaving with a strong foundation needed for success”.

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Musical Theatre Montage Please click below to see Video.

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Kasser Theater

Exceptional Facilities

Montclair State’s performance facilities are both comprehensive and exceptional. With six glorious theatres, students perform in spaces that mirror the best of their kind. Venues include the state-of-the-art 500-seat Alexander Kasser Theater, a 1000-seat Memorial Auditorium, 2000-seat amphitheater and the intimate L. Howard Fox Theatre in addition to three studios used exclusively for dance.

The diversity of our performance spaces affords the experience of a range of settings, similar to what students will encounter in their profession, thus expanding their adaptability to all kinds of circumstances.

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Program Accreditation The BFA in Musical Theatre program meets the rigorous standards of the Department of Theatre and Dance’s accrediting body, the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST), thus placing it among the best programs in the nation.

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How to Apply For information on applying to the BFA Musical Theatre program, see the Department Admission page.

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For Further Information

For further information regarding Musical Theatre and other programs in the Department of Theatre and Dance, please contact and/or visit us on campus.

Contact –

Musical Theatre Program Coordinator:
Prof. Clay James
973.655.7341

Events for Prospective Students -
Arts Days / Events for Prospective Students

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