Bachelor of Arts - Theatre - Musical Theatre

Program Description

The Department of Theatre and Dance at East Tennessee State University (ETSU) seeks to enhance the cultural environment by creating performances that educate and entertain our students, faculty, staff, and members of the community. The Department produces multiple main-stage productions plus student-directed showcase productions on a yearly basis.

Course offerings include concentrations in Acting, Design/Production, General Theatre and Musical Theatre. Through a combination of course work and hands-on experiences the Department of Theatre and Dance prepares students to work successfully in all aspects of professional theatre, film, television, or other areas of the entertainment industry. Many of our students choose to go on to pursue advanced study in graduate or professional training programs. 

Prior to graduation, students must complete a Major Field Test in addition to the standard University exit examination.

Musical Theatre Concentration Requirements: 19 credits

• MUSC 1221 - Choir (1 credit) (Take 2 time for a total of 2 credits)
• MUSC 1400 - Music Fundamentals (2 credits)
• MUSC 1841 - Applied Voice Level I (1-2 credits) (Take a minimum of 3 credits)
• THEA 2520 - Voice and Diction (3 credits)
• THEA 2700 - Singing for the Actor (3 credits)
• THEA 3712 - Musical Theatre Audition Process (3 credits)
• THEA 4700 - Musical Theatre Performance (3 credits)

The Dance Minor is required for the Musical Theatre Concentration.

Dance Minor: 21 credits

At least 9 credits must be at the 3000-level or above.

Technical Skills and Movement Theory: 12 credits

Choose twelve (12) credits from the following (at least one course must be at the 3000/4000 level):

• DANC 2105 - Ballet I (3 credits)
• DANC 2125 - Jazz Dance I (3 credits)
• DANC 2130 - Modern Dance I (3 credits)
• DANC 2135 - Ballroom Dance I (3 credits)
• DANC 2140 - Aerial Dance I (3 credits)
• DANC 2150 - Tap Dance I (3 credits)
• DANC 3105 - Ballet II (3 credits)
• DANC 3125 - Jazz Dance II (3 credits)
• DANC 3130 - Modern Dance II (3 credits)
• DANC 3135 - Ballroom Dance II (3 credits)
• DANC 3140 - Aerial Dance II (3 credits)
• DANC 3150 - Tap Dance II (3 credits)
• DANC 4000 - Advanced Dance Techniques (3 credits)

Other dance technique courses approved by a Department of Theatre and Dance advisor.

History and Cultural Aspects of Dance: 3 credits

Choose one (1) of the following:

• DANC 3510 - Dance History (3 credits)
• THEA 3535 - Musical Theatre History (3 credits)

Creative Process: 3 credits

Choose one (1) of the following:

• DANC 3525 - Dance Improvisation (3 credits)
• DANC 3530 - Dance Composition (3 credits)

Performance and Production: 3 credits

Choose one (1) of the following:

• DANC 3505 - Musical Theatre Dance (3 credits)
• DANC 3520 - Dance Repertory for Performance (3 credits)
• THEA 2525 - Stage Makeup (3 credits)
• THEA 3335 - Lighting Design (3 credits)
• THEA 3345 - Costume Design (3 credits)