Program Overview

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Bachelor of Music Theatre

Overview

Gain a solid foundation of skills for a rewarding career on stage. This three-year degree will give you the skills needed to succeed in several branches of the performing arts.

What Will I Study

You'll gain practical experience in performance and production work in key theatre disciplines such as acting, singing and dance, as well as studies in spoken voice, music theory, theatre history, technical theatre skills and research methods.

Pathway

From the second year, you’ll learn to integrate the skills acquired in your first year. In the final year, most assessment is performance focused with the option to pursue an independent capstone project of your own design. This project allows for work-integrated learning in industry settings—including the possibility of working in professional productions—and further specialisations to develop other, related skills within the worlds of applied theatre and theatre for the stage.

Details

• Type: Degree
• Code: CH4086
• Next Starts: February 2026
• May be available for Study Visa?: Yes
• Credits: 360
• Level: 7
• May be eligible for Studylink?: Yes
• Reference: CH4086-STRU

Fees for 2025

• Domestic Fee: $8,765 - $9,680 per year
• International Fee: $26,000 per year

Academic Requirements

• University Entrance: NCEA Level 3 (60 credits at level 3 and 20 credits at level 2 or higher) which must include 14 credits at Level 3 in each of three approved* subjects and:
  • Literacy*: 10 credits at Level 2 or above, made up of 5 credits in reading, 5 credits in writing
  • Numeracy*: 10 credits at Level 1 or above (specified achievement standards, or unit standards 26623, 26626, 26627)
• OR New Zealand Certificate in Performing Arts (Level 4) or equivalent

Additional Requirements

• You will be required to attend an audition. Auditions are held during September and October of each year, however, early or late applications and auditions may be arranged in consultation with the Programme Leader.
• Absentee auditions may be arranged (such as overseas applicants) via digital media platforms such as Skype or Zoom or via YouTube and Vimeo with applicants interviewed by phone
• Submit a completed Audition form with the requested information

Alternative Requirements

• Still want to study but don't meet the Academic Requirements?
• If you show that you have equivalent skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, you may be able to gain alternative entry.

English Requirements

• What if English is not my first Language?
• If English is not your first language, we want to make sure that you will be successful in your chosen programme of study.
• Please provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives
• If you are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident, complete an Admission and Enrolment form and Ara will contact you regarding a free assessment.
• If you are not a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent resident, book an IELTS or other test through the Ara Examination Centre or in your home country.
• IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.
• What if I have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance?
• You do not need to provide additional evidence of English Language skills.

Overall IELTS 6.0 Academic

• 5.5 Listening
• 5.5 Reading
• 5.5 Writing
• 5.5 Speaking

Selection Criteria

• Applicants are responsible for submitting the completed Additional Requirements form with the requested information
• Applicantions are accepted throughout the academic year
• Candidates must attend an audition which includes solo singing, a group acting workshop and a group movement class
• Candidates are assessed and awarded scores under the following headings:
  • Interpretation, Communication, Intonation, Technique, Vocal Quality, Sense of Pitch and
  • Rhythm, Comprehension, Acting Technique, Spoken Voice Quality, Alignment, Physical Expressiveness
• Candidates are ranked, and based on this ranking together with the rest of the application, applicants may be offered a place in the Bachelor of Music Theatre

Funding Assistance

• If you face unexpected financial hardship during your studies, we have several funds that you can apply for. These are designed to enable you to continue your current course of study. We also have a wide range of scholarships and awards that can provide financial assistance.

Core Courses

• Level 5:
  • Choir / Kapa Haka 1
  • Lyric Writing
  • Music Creation (Elective)
  • Minor Instrument / Conducting Studies
  • Music Theatre Performance 1
  • Music Theatre Skills 1
  • Theatre Studies
• Level 6:
  • Choir / Kapa Haka 2
  • Photography Elective
  • Film Studies: Storytelling, Motion and ...
  • Music Theatre Performance 2
  • Professional Studies
  • Music Theatre Skills 2
  • Theatre Studies and Research
• Level 7:
  • Capstone Project
  • Research and Practice
  • Music Theatre Skills 3

Career Opportunities

• You'll graduate with the knowledge, concepts and practical experience needed for a wide range of professional opportunities including musical theatre, acting for stage and other media, teaching and working in the tourism and entertainment industry.

Study Pathways

• As a graduate of this programme you can continue your studies with Ara’s Master of Creative Practice or a postgraduate qualification in music theatre from any other institute. You could also move into teaching with a postgraduate diploma in education.

Recommended School Subjects

• English and English-rich subjects
• Drama
• Music
• Dance
• Physical Education

COVID-19 Vaccination Information

• Placements or workplace assignments are an integral part of this programme. You don’t need to supply evidence of your Covid vaccination status to apply for or to study this programme but please be aware that some workplaces may require evidence from you that you are fully vaccinated for Covid before allowing you to complete work at their organisation. The number of organisations at which your placement or workplace assignment can be completed may be impacted, depending on your vaccination status.