Musical Theatre, A.A.

Musical Theatre offers students the opportunity to study the individual art forms of theatre, music, and dance, as well as their interrelationship that forms the unique art of musical theatre. As one of two distinctly American art forms (the other being jazz), musical theatre provides the foundation for performing careers in live theatre, film, television, video or online, as well as teaching and research fields, arts therapy paths within the healthcare profession, entertainment law within the legal profession, and performing arts management within both the for-profit and non-profit business profession. The program utilizes an intensely collaborative, hands-on, studio approach, with ample opportunities for performances in spaces large and small, traditional as well as non-traditional, and working with student theatre technicians, musicians and dancers beyond musical theatre. It is possible for a student who obtains an A.A. in Musical Theatre to earn between $10 - $15 per hour as a performer with theatre companies across the country, however it is advisable to pursue studies leading to the bachelor’s degree. The A.A. in Musical Theatre degree transfers successfully to four-year college and university programs. While an additional two years of study leading to a B. A., B. F. A. or B. M. in Musical Theatre may be sufficient for those interested in performing, generally two to three years of graduate study leading to a Master’s degree (for educators), an M. F. A. (for higher education careers) may be required.