Why Choose Nazareth for Musical Theatre?

The B.F.A. in musical theatre is a pre-professional degree that integrates music, theatre, and dance to prepare you for a life in the arts. Classes are taught by industry professionals, Nazareth faculty, and visiting guest artists in a rigorous and supportive environment.

Our liberal arts-based education teaches critical, analytical, and independent thinking, which are essential for creative work. Small class sizes enable individual attention from the faculty, who help you grow vocally, physically, intellectually, and emotionally.

The department produces musicals, dramas, comedies, classics, dance concerts, and more in a state-of-the-art theater. Our collaboration with the Finger Lakes Musical Theatre Festival enhances training and learning opportunities and creates an intensive professional track training program, rivaling many national programs. That three-stage festival won NY Theatre Guide's Best of 2015 Reader's Choice Award for best professional theatre (non/off-Broadway). 

Through intensive rehearsing, you'll learn firsthand the commitment and discipline required for professional performance in music, dance, and drama. You'll also learn about production: set design, costuming, make-up, and lighting.

Program Highlights

• Students showcase talents each year in spotlight performances.
• You can begin auditioning for casting as early as your second semester.
• Industry professionals regularly teach and direct musicals in the program.
• You are prepared and encouraged to audition for regional theaters as well as StrawHat in New York City and New England Theatre Conference.
• Benefit from Nazareth's strategic regional partnerships with professional theatres, agents, and producers. Nazareth is proud to partner with Finger Lakes Musical Theatre Festival, a unique collaboration that allows Nazareth students to get real world experience both on and off the stage.
• Seniors perform their final showcase for agents in New York City.
• Recent graduates have secured performance or production positions at: Cinderella national tour (2017), Kid Frankenstein The Musical (2017, off-Broadway), Geva Theatre, mainstage at Merry Go Round Playhouse, resident Youth Tour, Bristol Valley Theatre, Actors Theatre of Louisville, and New York Musical Theatre Festival. Other recent graduates work as agents at Meg Pantera The Agency and Liz Lewis Casting Partners.

Contact Information

Corinne Aquilina

Assistant Professor, Program Director of Musical Theatre

585-389-2708

caquili3@naz.edu

Arts Center 6

Bio

Education: B.S., Nazareth College (Music Education); Graduate study, Eastman School of Music, SUNY Geneseo, Carnegie Hall Studios, NYC

Read her full profile.

Yuanting Zhao

Professor and Chair of Theatre & Dance / Costume Design / Chairperson

585-389-2786

yzhao5@naz.edu

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Bio

Education: B.F.A., Shandong College of Arts, China (Acting); M.F.A., University of Arizona (Costume Design)

Teaching and Artistic Interests: During her 20+ years teaching here, Professor Zhao designed costumes or supervised student costume designers for more than 60 productions. She also designed for Geva Theatre Center, Rochester City Ballet, and other local theatres. Before coming to the US, she taught acting and makeup at Shandong College of Arts and starred in movies, TV movies, and hosted many TV programs.

Video: Behind-the-scenes look at costume design.

Theatre and Dance Faculty »