Program Overview
Musical Theatre Program
The Musical Theatre program at Montclair State University offers intensive training in acting, singing, and dance, preparing students for professional careers on stage. This combined program between the College of the Arts and the John J. Cali School of Music helps students develop the skills and confidence needed to succeed in the industry as true "triple threat" performers.
Program Description
Through a combination of classroom instruction and performance opportunities, students build a strong foundation in acting, vocal training, and musical theatre repertoire. Dance courses in ballet, tap, and jazz help students move with precision, style, and expression. Students also gain practical experience in audition techniques, performance production, and ensemble work, learning how to bring a show to life from start to finish while collaborating with fellow performers.
Accreditation
The BFA Musical Theatre program meets the rigorous standards of the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST), a distinction that places it among the nation's most competitive programs.
Program Format
The program is offered in-person, providing students with immersive and interactive learning experiences.
College or School
The program is part of the College of the Arts, which offers a range of academic programs in the arts, including music, theatre, and dance.
Area of Study
The program falls under the category of Arts, Culture, and Design, providing students with a comprehensive education in the arts and humanities.
Cost Information
In-state tuition is $7,839 per semester, with additional costs for undergraduate students outlined in the Cost of Attendance.
Musical Theatre Minor
The Minor in Musical Theatre provides an opportunity for students to major in another area of study while developing their musical theatre skills and knowledge of the field. Coursework includes acting, singing, and dance classes, as well as courses designed to help students learn the history and development of the American musical theatre.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Musical Theatre program are prepared for a range of career opportunities, including:
- Actor
- Performer
- Stage Manager
- Theater Manager
- Director
Performance Opportunities
Students in the program have access to 7-10 fully staged, professionally designed productions, workshops, recitals, operas, revues, dance performances, and other musical theatre works each year, providing them with plenty of opportunities to be seen by industry VIPs and build their resume.
Alumni Testimonials
Recent alumni have praised the program for its strong core curriculum, flexibility, and opportunities for growth and development. For example, Josh Dela Cruz, a 2011 graduate of the program, has gone on to have a successful career in theatre, television, and film, including roles on Broadway and in TV shows such as "Blue's Clues" and "You."
Related Programs
The university also offers a Music BMUS major, which provides students with a comprehensive education in music performance, theory, and history.
Facilities and Resources
The College of the Arts' Department of Theatre and Dance has trained actors, dancers, production artists, educators, and arts managers for over 50 years, providing students with access to state-of-the-art facilities, including the Alexander Kasser Theater. The university's location, just 14 miles west of Manhattan, puts students minutes away from Broadway productions, world-class dance performances, internships, and other opportunities in the arts.