BA 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 also participate in all important performance practice and projects. The modules have been designed to have a clear progression through each of the three years culminating in a musical theatre production in year three.
Particular attention is given to training students for the professional world. This includes preparation for auditions, preparation for meeting with directors and producers and creating audition portfolios.
Creative industries today demand versatile and multi-talented graduates. 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
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.
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.
Engage in practical modules which focus on developing your skills in singing, dancing and acting.
Understanding the Industry
The musical theatre industry is a vibrant world where music, dance, and storytelling collide to create unforgettable theatrical experiences. It combines the beauty of live performance with the power of music, transporting audiences to magical realms and evoking a wide range of emotions.
Career Opportunities
Future Careers:
- 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
Practical skills development is supported with modules which contextualise the history and social resonance of musical theatre. The programme 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.
- Creative Collaborative Development
- Freeing the Voice
- Introduction to Movement
- Principles of Devising
- Academic and Research Skills for Theatre
- Introduction to Film Studies for Stage and Screen
- Vocal Skills
- Acting 1
- Intermediate Movement
- Introduction to Film Production 1
- Introduction to Musical/Theatre Studies
- Technical Theatre 1
- Acting 2
- Introduction to Film Production 2
- Technical Theatre 2
- Dance 1
- Acting the Song (Ensemble)
- History of Musical Theatre: American Musicals
- Acting 3
- Content Creation
- Music Theory, Aural Skills and Sight-reading for Musical Theatre
- Dance 2
- Acting the Song (Solo)
- History of Musical Theatre: European Musicals
- Women in Theatre
- Professional Practice
- Acting for Camera
- Dance 3
- Performance Project
- Writing About Theatre
- Theatre Directing
- Musical Theatre Production
Education Progression
Upon successful completion of Year 3 students can apply to progress to Year 4 of BA (Hons) Drama and Performance subject to 50% average GPA in Year 3.
BA (Hons) in Drama and Performance
Fees and Funding
Please find information on fees and funding here: www.dkit.ie/fees
Entry requirements
In addition to the standard entry specifications below (with the exception of no maths requirement for musical theatre students), candidates must also pass an audition (see details below)
- Standard Requirements for Leaving Certificate Applicants
- Standard Requirements for UK/NI Applicants
- Standard Requirements for QQI-Further Education Applicants
Audition + Entry Process
Entry to all years of BA Musical Theatre 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
The BA/BA (Hons) Musical Theatre is a practical degree, where you will be training in vocal studies, dance and acting. It is important that you are passionate about performance. In order for us to make sure that this degree is right for you, we look forward to seeing and hearing your performing style.
We attract a large number of international candidates and prospective students drawn from all parts of Ireland and for this reason the audition process will be conducted via video submission.
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 is two short performances of either two contrasting musical theatre songs or one musical theatre song and one dramatic monologue (from any period) or 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.
Once you have applied for the BA/BA (Hons) Musical Theatre through CAO, we will contact you to provide details on how to submit your audition.
We look forward to seeing and hearing your auditions!
Applicants/prospective applicants are very welcome to visit the Department of Creative Arts, Media and Music at any stage during the year. We have a number of open days scheduled, but if these dates do not suit please contact the Programme Director ([email protected]), who will be happy to arrange a tour of our facilities.
More Information
- Getting to DkIT
- Contact the Programme Director
- Applicants who have a disability and who may require alternative arrangements for the audition/interview are advised to contact the Department of Creative Arts, Media and Music in advance of the interview date so that the appropriate arrangements can be put in place where possible.
- Additional information on the modules, recent performance activities, ongoing research projects and news is available on the Department of Creative Arts, Media and Music webpage
- All applicants who apply for DK771 BA Musical Theatre acknowledge and accept the terms and conditions associated with making an application to the programme.
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).