BA (Hons) in Musical Theatre
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Course Overview
This course provides essential and comprehensive training in the three main principles of musical theatre, namely acting, singing and dancing, which are supported by academic modules which explore further understanding of the industry.
Students will expand their professional portfolio with opportunities in technical theatre, directing, stage management, film and acting for camera, exploring the history, present and future of musical theatre.
Creative industries today demand versatile and multi-talented graduates. Practical modules are enhanced and supported by the study of music theory, history and context. Students will also train in acting for screen, directing, technical theatre and film, working in a highly motivated collaborative and creative performance environment.
What makes this course different
Meets Teaching Council Requirements
This programme meets Teaching Council requirements for the new Leaving Certificate subject in Drama, Film and Theatre Studies. Graduates will be eligible to progress to postgraduate studies in education.
Make your passion your profession
Engage in a rewarding and practical programme which allows you to pursue your passion for musical theatre. Rehearse, collaborate and perform as part of a vibrant creative community, whilst expanding your postgraduate options with skills development in key aspects of the contemporary theatre and film industries.
Develop skills suited to the diverse nature of the creative industries
Prepare for roles on-stage, on-screen and behind the scenes. You will graduate as a skilled musical theatre performer with attributes suited to a wide range of professional roles.
Understanding the Industry
The musical theatre industry is at the forefront of contemporary culture. Through music, movement and dialogue, this genre captures the sights, sounds and emotions of the human experience.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this programme will be equipped to make a contribution to the future of the discipline in many ways, with skills suited to multiple professional and academic roles.
Future Careers include:
- Performing (on stage and screen)
- Teaching (in a wide range of contexts)
- Broadcasting
- Community arts
- Arts administration
- Stage management
- Postgraduate study (in research, practice and education)
Course Delivery and Modules
This highly practical course offers a progressive course of study focused on the three central tenets of musical theatre: singing, dancing and acting. The course engages with key elements of the contemporary creative industries and promotes collaborative learning focused on preparing students for professional success and a clear career path.
Students will prepare and perform an extensive range of repertoire, including a full musical production in year 3. Additional information on recent performance activities, ongoing research projects and news is available on the Department of Creative Arts, Media and Music webpage.
- Voice
- Movement
- Principals of Devising
- Technical Theatre
- Musical Theatre, Stage and Screen Techniques
- Academic Writing and Research Skills
- Acting
- Film Production
- Introduction to Musical and Theatre History
- Acting
- Acting the Song
- Dance
- Film Production
- History of Musical Theatre: American Musicals
- Wellbeing and Career Resilience
- Applied Devising
- History of Musical Theatre: European Musicals
- Music Theory and Aural Skills for Musical Theatre
- Vocal Ensemble
- Acting for Camera
- Dance
- Gender, Sexuality and Performance
- Performance Project: Musical Scenes
- Solo Performance for Theatre
- Digital Media Content and Promotion
- Musical Theatre Production
- Professional Practice
- Performance Studies: Theory and Practice
- Film Production
- Green Theatre
- Sustainable Employment
- Irish Theatre
- Theatre Directing and Scenography
- Choreography and Directing for Musical Theatre
- Facilitation and Pedagogy
- Shakespeare and Early Modern Drama and Theatre
Education Progression
Graduates may progress to a Level 9 Masters degree at DkIT and elsewhere. Postgraduate opportunities in DkIT include:
MA in Creative Practice New course
Entry requirements
There is no Mathematics entry requirement for this course. Candidates must also pass an audition (see details below). All other standard entry requirements apply.
- Standard Requirements for Leaving Certificate Applicants
- Standard Requirements for UK/NI Applicants
- Standard Requirements for QQI-Further Education Applicants
- Mature Applicants: Minimum of 23 years of age on January 1st of year of application
Audition + Entry Process
Entry to all years of this course is via a two-stage process:
- Video audition
- Confirmation of results - Leaving Cert or equivalent in the case of applicants to year 1, and evidence of prior certified learning in the case of advanced entry applicants to all other years. We also welcome applications from mature students.
Guidelines for Video Audition
Once you have applied for this course through CAO, we will contact you to provide details on how to submit your audition. All prospective students are required to submit a video with two important components:
- The first requirement is that you begin the video with a short spoken introduction outlining your performance experiences to date, and your reasons for wishing to study musical theatre at third level. You may also wish to provide details of training in dance, singing and acting to date (examinations, private lessons etc.)
- The second part consists of one of the following options:
- Two contrasting musical theatre songs
- One musical theatre song and one dramatic monologue (from any period)
- One musical theatre song and one dance (tap, ballet, jazz or contemporary styles are welcome).
Choose repertoire and material that is suited to your vocal range and performance skills. The total duration of the video should be no longer than eight minutes.
Applicants who have a disability and who may require alternative arrangements for the audition are advised to contact the Department of Creative Arts, Media and Music in advance of the submission date so that the appropriate arrangements can be put in place where possible.
How to apply
Apply on CAO
All standard entry first-year applicants must apply for entry through the CAO. See Important application dates for CAO and information for specific applicant types below:
International Application (non-EU)
International Applicants (not from or living in the EU) can apply through an agent or directly to DkIT to study this course.
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Disclaimer: All module titles are subject to change and for indicative purposes only. All courses are delivered subject to demand and timetables are subject to change. Elective Module options will only run subject to student numbers. The relevant Department will determine the viability of each elective module option proceeding depending on the number of students who choose that option. Students will be offered alternative elective modules on their programme should their preferred elective option not be proceeding. Award Options for Common Entry Programmes: The relevant Department will determine the viability of each award option proceeding depending on the number of students who choose either option. If the numbers for one of the Award options exceed available places, students for this option will be selected based on Academic Merit (highest grades).