Why Choose Nazareth for Musical Theatre?

The BFA 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.
• Option: Train with professionals on London’s West End through short-term study abroad with other Naz musical theatre students and faculty.
• Recent graduates have secured performance or production positions at: Disney Tokyo, Busch Gardens, Cinderella national tour, Romeo & Bernadette: A Musical Tale of Verona and Brooklyn (off Broadway), Kid Frankenstein The Musical (off Broadway), Arizona Broadway Theatre, Geva Theatre, The Argyle 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.