Bachelor [Theatre: Music Theatre Performance] From Western Michigan University

he program offers extensive professional training in all areas of acting, voice and dance.  The program endeavors to train actors who sing and dance.  In addition, students will participate in a two-year musical theatre performance workshop series of classes that synthesize the training into a marketable skill that students will utilize for their entire careers.  The focus of the program is preparing emerging talent to enter and compete in the Broadway market.

The course of study provides students the opportunity to receive four years of private vocal instruction, training in jazz, tap and ballet, three years of acting training, musicianship, as well as courses in the history of musical theatre, audition techniques, stagecraft, directing and numerous electives available only to MTP students as the only cross-departmental program in the School of Fine Arts (theatre, music and dance).

The Department of Theatre produces two or three musicals each year in a rotating repertoire that includes contemporary shows, traditional classics, dance based pieces and new and original works.  Students are also encouraged to audition for the Theatre Department’s straight shows and the student directed footlight series, as well as the School of Music’s operas and the Department of Dance’s concert series.

Recent graduates of WMU’s MTP program are cast members in numerous Broadway and National Tour productions and include three-time Tony Award nominee Marin Mazzie (Kiss Me Kate, Ragtime, and Passion).