Musical theatre offers students the opportunity to study the individual art forms of theatre, music, and dance, as well as their interrelationships that form 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, art 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 Associate of Arts 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 a bachelor’s degree. The Associate of Arts in Musical Theatre degree transfers successfully to four-year college and university programs. An additional two years of study will lead 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) and an M. F. A. (for higher education careers) may be required.