Bachelor of Fine Arts, Major in Musical Theatre With Theatre Emphasis

This is an archived copy of the 2023-2024 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.shsu.edu.

A Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in musical theatre is available with an emphasis in theatre or dance. This is a 138 hour degree.

Entry into the musical theatre program is by audition only, and those auditions are scheduled toward the end of every semester. Contact the Department of Theatre and Musical Theatre for information.

Additional information: Reference the Program Landing Page for additional information, such as cost, delivery format, contact information, or to schedule a visit.

Bachelor of Fine Arts - Major in Musical Theatre With Theatre Emphasis
Core Curriculum
Component Area I (Communication)6
Component Area II (Mathematics) 13
Component Area III (Life and Physical Science)8
Component Area IV (Language, Philosophy, and Culture)3
Component Area V (Creative Arts)3
Component Area VI (U.S. History)6
Component Area VII (Political Science/Government)6
Component Area VIII (Social and Behavioral Sciences)3
Component Area IX (Component Area Option)4
Major: Foundation Musical Theatre
Theatre Course Requirements
Select two of the following:2
THEA 1115
Tech Build Crew
THEA 1116
Costume Crew
THEA 1117
Management Crew
THEA 3127
Advanced Theatre Mgmt. Crew 2
THEA 1364Beginning Acting3
THEA 2367Play Analysis3
Theatre Block Courses
The following Block Courses are restricted until after the successful completion of the program-specific audition/portfolio and interview process.
THEA 2330Stage Make Up3
THEA 2336Voice I for the Actor3
THEA 2368Intermediate Acting3
THEA 3117Musical Theatre Workshop (8 semesters) 38
THEA 3360History Of The Theatre I3
THEA 3369Advanced Acting: Modern Thtre3
THEA 3372Improvisational Techniques3
THEA 4190Senior Showcase1
THEA 4331Acting For The Camera3
THEA 4332Auditioning For Comm Theatre3
THEA 4366Directing I3
THEA 4371The American Musical Theatre3
Theatre Emphasis--Musical Theatre Major
Select 9 hours of electives from the following:9
THEA 2337
Voice II for the Actor
THEA 3331
Advanced Stage Make Up
THEA 3370
Advanced Acting: Class. Thetre
THEA 3373
Stage Movemnt I for the Actor
THEA 3380
Meisner Technique
THEA 3395
Acting In Major Roles
THEA 4093
Theatre Internship
THEA 4326
Stage Combat
THEA 4362
Playwriting
THEA 4367
Directing II
Dance Course Requirements
Dance electives (8 semesters) 16
Music Course Requirements
MTVO 1201Musical Theatre Applied Voice (4 semesters) 48
MTVO 3100Platform Performances (2 semesters) 52
MTVO 3201Musical Theatre Applied Voice (4 semesters) 48
MUSI 1115Keyboard Harmony I1
MUSI 1116Keyboard Harmony II1
MUSI 1226Practical Theory I2
MUSI 1227Practical Theory II2
Minor: Not Required 6
Total Hours138
1

MATH 1332 is recommended.

2

Block Courses are restricted until after the successful completion of the program-specific audition/portfolio and interview process. 

3

Or up to 4 hours of THEA 3114, THEA 3396, THEA 4093, MUEN XXXX, MUSI XXXX with departmental approval. 

4

Or up to 4 hours of THEA 3396, THEA 4093, MUEN XXXX, VOIC XXXX, MUSI XXXX with departmental approval. 

5

Or THEA 3114 or MUEN XXXX with departmental approval. 

6

A minor is not required for this degree program; however, a student has the option to add a minor, but to do so may require additional semester credit hours above the degree program’s stated total semester credit hours. 

Notes

Students must earn a 2.5 minimum overall GPA in all coursework. 

Students must meet a 2.75 minimum overall major GPA in all major coursework.

Students must earn a 2.5 minimum SHSU GPA in all coursework.

Students must meet a 2.75 minimum SHSU major GPA in all major coursework.

Sophomore Gate. In conjunction with classes in acting, dance, and voice, musical theatre majors will participate in an assessment interview at the conclusion of the sophomore year (or end of first year for transfer students) with musical theatre faculty to determine the student’s progress and potential for completion of the BFA in Musical Theatre degree. 

Additional information: Reference the Program Landing Page for additional information, such as cost, delivery format, contact information, or to schedule a visit. 

First Year
FallHoursSpringHours
Component Area II13Dance Elective22
Component Area V3ENGL 130233
Component Area IX1MTVO 120142
Dance Elective22THEA 1115, 1116, 1117, or 31271
ENGL 130133THEA 233053
MTVO 120142THEA 23673
THEA 13643THEA 31175,61
THEA 31175, 61THEA 3372 or 236853
 18 18
Second Year
FallHoursSpringHours
Component Area III4Component Area III4
Dance Elective22Dance Elective22
MTVO 120142MTVO 120142
MUSI 11151MUSI 11161
MUSI 12262MUSI 12272
THEA 233653POLS 230573
THEA 2368 or 337253THEA 31175,61
THEA 31175,61THEA 4332 or 436653
 18 18
Third Year
FallHoursSpringHours
Component Area VIII3Component Area IV3
Dance Elective22Dance Elective22
HIST 130183HIST 130283
MTVO 31009, 101MTVO 320142
MTVO 320142POLS 230673
THEA 31175,61THEA 1115, 1116, 1117, or 31271
THEA 336953THEA 31175,61
THEA 4366 or 433253THEA 437153
 18 18
Fourth Year
FallHoursSpringHours
Component Area IX3Dance Elective22
Dance Elective22MTVO 320142
MTVO 31009,101THEA 31175,61
MTVO 320142THEA 419051
THEA 311751THEA 433153
THEA 336053THEA Emphasis Electives116
THEA Emphasis Electives113 
 15 15
Total Hours: 138
1

MATH 1332 is recommended.

2

Taken for 8 semesters.

3

Satisfies Core Curriculum requirement for Component Area I (Communication).

4

Or up to 4 hours of THEA 3396, THEA 4093, MUEN XXXX, VOIC XXXX, MUSI XXXX, with departmental approval. Taken for 4 semesters.

5

Block Courses are restricted until after the successful completion of the program-specific audition/portfolio and interview process.

6

Or up to 4 hours of THEA 3114, THEA 3396, THEA 4093, MUEN XXXX, MUSI XXXX with departmental approval. Taken for 8 semesters.

7

Satisfies Core Curriculum requirement for Component Area VI (U.S. History).

8

Satisfies Core Curriculum requirement for Component Area VII (Political Science).

9

Taken for 2 semesters.

10

Or THEA 3114 or MUEN XXXX with departmental approval. 

11

Select 9 hours of THEA Emphasis Electives from the course list below. 

THEA Emphasis Electives 11
Select 3 of the following: 9
THEA 2337
Voice II for the Actor
THEA 3331
Advanced Stage Make Up
THEA 3370
Advanced Acting: Class. Thetre
THEA 3373
Stage Movemnt I for the Actor
THEA 3380
Meisner Technique
THEA 3395
Acting In Major Roles
THEA 4093
Theatre Internship
THEA 4326
Stage Combat
THEA 4362
Playwriting
THEA 4367
Directing II

Notes

Students must earn a 2.5 minimum overall GPA in all coursework. 

Students must meet a 2.75 minimum overall major GPA in all major coursework.

Students must earn a 2.5 minimum SHSU GPA in all coursework.

Students must meet a 2.75 minimum SHSU major GPA in all major coursework.

Sophomore Gate. In conjunction with classes in acting, dance, and voice, musical theatre majors will participate in an assessment interview at the conclusion of the sophomore year (or end of first year for transfer students) with musical theatre faculty to determine the student’s progress and potential for completion of the BFA in Musical Theatre degree.

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) marketable skills initiative is part of the state’s 60x30TX plan and was designed to help students articulate their skills to employers.  Marketable skills are those skills valued by employers and/or graduate programs that can be applied in a variety of work or education settings and may include interpersonal, cognitive, and applied skill areas.

The BFA in in Musical Theatre With Theatre Emphasis is designed to provide graduates with the following marketable skills:

  • Creative, analytical, investigative, and pedagogical skills.
  • Collaboration and professionalism as a member of a team.
  • Expression of ideas both orally and in performance.
  • Clear communication and active listening skills.