Music Theatre Performance – Bachelor of Fine Arts
Overview
MacEwan University is home to one of Canada's leading triple-threat training programs in musical theatre performance. Students train in world-class theatre facilities at Allard Hall alongside peers who share their passion for performance. In the Music Theatre Performance major, students explore their authentic artistic voice in a learning environment that encourages creative risk-taking and celebrates diversity. Students showcase their talents in smash-hit Broadway musicals and cutting-edge contemporary plays for public audiences. By the end of this four-year experience, students will be set up for success with practical skills and professional connections.
Contact Information
musictheatre@macewan.ca
The Bachelor of Fine Arts
Faculty of Fine Arts and Communications
MacEwan.ca/BFA
MacEwan University's new Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) with four distinct majors—Arts and Cultural Management, Studio Arts, Music Theatre Performance, and Theatre Production—offers students the opportunity to complete a BFA in a distinct discipline while studying closely with students in other complementary fine arts and communications disciplines. The curriculum explores the interdependent and interdisciplinary nature of contemporary art and the diverse spaces within which artists work.
The BFA provides depth in one of four disciplines while also incorporating breadth though multi- and interdisciplinary studies. All students take several interdisciplinary courses, like The Arts in Culture and First Peoples and the Arts and can also choose from a range of electives in the social sciences and business. This degree responds to the changing needs of the creative and cultural industries and students graduate with practical management skills and a depth of knowledge, skill, and expertise in their chosen discipline.
Degree Requirements
| Program Element | Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Major Requirements | Students complete between 69 and 102 credits of required courses, depending on their major. All students complete 6 credits of university English (ENGL) and up to 9 credits of Interdisciplinary Studies in the Arts (INTA) courses. | 69-102 |
| Interdisciplinary Options | Students complete between 0 and 6 credits of Interdisciplinary Studies in the Arts (INTA) options, depending on their major. | 0-6 |
| Program Options | Students complete between 0 and 24 credits of program options, depending on their major. | 0-24 |
| Electives | Students complete between 15 and 27 credits of electives, depending on their major. | 15-27 |
Major Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENGL 102 | Analysis and Argument | 3 |
| Choose 3 credits of ENGL from the following: | 3 | |
| Approaches to Literature: Trends and Traditions | ||
| Approaches to Literature: Narrative Across Media | ||
| Approaches to Literature: Contemporary Literature and Culture | ||
| INTA 210 | The Arts in Culture | 3 |
| INTA 362 | First Peoples and The Arts | 3 |
| THAR 101 | Acting I | 3 |
| THAR 104 | Voice I | 3 |
| THAR 110 | Dance I | 3 |
| THAR 140 | Music Theory and Ear Training I | 3 |
| THAR 141 | Music Theory and Ear Training II | 3 |
| THAR 151 | Acting II | 3 |
| THAR 154 | Voice II | 3 |
| THAR 160 | Dance II | 3 |
| THAR 201 | Acting III | 3 |
| THAR 204 | Voice III | 3 |
| THAR 240 | Music Theory and Ear Training III | 3 |
| THAR 241 | Music Theory and Ear Training IV | 3 |
| THAR 250 | Dance III | 3 |
| THAR 251 | Acting IV | 3 |
| THAR 254 | Voice IV | 3 |
| THAR 260 | Dance IV | 3 |
| THAR 301 | Acting V | 3 |
| THAR 304 | Voice V | 3 |
| THAR 350 | Dance V | 3 |
| THAR 351 | Acting VI | 3 |
| THAR 354 | Voice VI | 3 |
| THAR 360 | Dance VI | 3 |
| THAR 401 | Acting VII | 3 |
| THAR 404 | Voice VII | 1.5 |
| THAR 440 | Dance VII | 1.5 |
| THAR 451 | Acting VIII | 3 |
| THAR 454 | Voice VIII | 1.5 |
| THAR 461 | Dance VIII | 1.5 |
| Choose 3 credits from available AGAD courses | 3 | |
| Choose 3 credits of any INTA course | 3 | |
| Performance Requirements | ||
| Choose 6 credits from the following performance courses: THAR 450 , 460, 470 or 480 | 6 | |
| Interdisciplinary Options | ||
| Choose 3 credits from available INTA courses | 3 | |
| Electives | ||
| Choose 15 credits of electives. Students must take a minimum of 6 credits up to a maximum of 9 credits from available AGAD, ARTE, BCSC, DESN, INTA, MUSC, PREL and THPR courses (Music Theatre Performance students can use THAR 105 Play Analysis). Music Theatre Performance students are allowed to take an additional 3 credits of THAR 450, 460, 470, 480 towards the elective requirements. | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |
INTERDISCIPLINARY Options
List of Interdisciplinary Options
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| INTA 220 | Cultural Theory | 3 |
| INTA 240 | Arts/Practice-Based Research | 3 |
| INTA 300 | Confluence and Culture | 3 |
| INTA 310 | The Arts in Urban Regeneration | 3 |
| INTA 360 | The Arts and Pedagogy | 3 |
| INTA 412 | Interdisciplinary Arts Project | 3 |
| INTA 440 | Community Engagement Project | 3 |
Course Substitutions
List of Course Substitutions
| Credit Earned in: | May Be Substituted for Credit in Program Course: |
|---|---|
| THAR 109 | THAR 241 |
| THAR 206 | 3 credits of electives in AGAD, ARTE, BCSC, DESN, INTA, MUSC, PREL or THPR |
Diploma Exit
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENGL 102 | Analysis and Argument | 3 |
| Choose 3 credits of ENGL from the following: | 3 | |
| Approaches to Literature: Trends and Traditions | ||
| Approaches to Literature: Narrative Across Media | ||
| Approaches to Literature: Contemporary Literature and Culture | ||
| INTA 210 | The Arts in Culture | 3 |
| THAR 101 | Acting I | 3 |
| THAR 104 | Voice I | 3 |
| THAR 110 | Dance I | 3 |
| THAR 140 | Music Theory and Ear Training I | 3 |
| THAR 141 | Music Theory and Ear Training II | 3 |
| THAR 151 | Acting II | 3 |
| THAR 154 | Voice II | 3 |
| THAR 160 | Dance II | 3 |
| THAR 201 | Acting III | 3 |
| THAR 204 | Voice III | 3 |
| THAR 240 | Music Theory and Ear Training III | 3 |
| THAR 241 | Music Theory and Ear Training IV | 3 |
| THAR 250 | Dance III | 3 |
| THAR 251 | Acting IV | 3 |
| THAR 254 | Voice IV | 3 |
| THAR 260 | Dance IV | 3 |
| Electives | ||
| Choose 3 credits from available AGAD, ARTE, BCSC, DESN, INTA, MUSC, PREL and THPR courses | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 60 | |
Degree Regulations
Progression of Studies
Students are responsible for ensuring they meet the prerequisite and co-requisite requirements for all courses.
Junior- and Senior-Level Courses
Courses numbered from 100 to 199 are considered junior level, and courses numbered from 200 to 499 are considered senior level.
Senior-Level Coursework Requirements
A minimum of 72 credits of the total 120 program credits must be at the senior level. Additional courses at the 100-level will be declared extra to the 120 credits required to complete the degree and will not be counted toward fulfillment of graduation requirements.
English, Option and Elective Requirements
Students must review their major area Program of Study to ensure that they are familiar with the major requirements as well as the English, Options and Electives (and required number of senior-level credits) required for successful completion of their degree. Periodic meetings with an Academic Advisor are strongly recommended.
Residency Requirements
Students must complete 50% of the total credit requirements for the BFA at MacEwan University, as governed by Academic Graduation Procedure.
Graduation Grade Point Average
Students must achieve and maintain a minimum Graduation Grade Point Average of 2.00 on the 4.00 scale.
Declaring Your Major
Applicants must declare their major when applying to the BFA. A second-choice option may also be declared at that time.
Changing from one Major to another BFA Major
Students who wish to change their major area of study must reapply to the BFA before the next published application deadline and indicate the new major to which they are applying. In order to be considered for a different major, applicants must be able to fulfill the other admission requirements for that major. See the Admission Criteria for more information on specific requirements for each major.
Work Integrated Learning
Work Integrated Learning opportunities are threaded throughout the Bachelor of Fine Arts program and provide students with important skills, creative industry knowledge and practical experience to succeed in their chosen field of study. To learn more about Work Integrated Learning opportunities for a particular major, please see the Program of Study.
Students completing their field placement courses in the Arts and Cultural Management major must comply with the Academic Policy Work Integrated Learning. The University will facilitate the assignment of students in work placements; however, students must take responsibility for securing an acceptable placement and must work collaboratively with a university supervisor before and during their placement. Students are required to comply with any employer policies, including, but not limited to: confidentiality, hours of work, intellectual property rights and privacy protection.
Diploma Requirements
Students are eligible for a diploma after the completion of 60 credits as specified by the Program of Study in each major. In the Arts and Cultural Management major, that declaration must occur by the add/drop date at the beginning of their second year of study in order for arrangements to be made for the student to complete their required field placement. Failure to declare this intention will result in a delay in obtaining the diploma.
In the three other majors, declaration must occur by the graduation deadline of the year in which they wish to exit with a diploma.
Learning Outcomes
Bachelor of Fine Arts Learning Outcomes
- Use creative methodologies and scholarly research in professional practice.
- Advocate for the arts in a variety of communities.
- Collaborate with artists and scholars toward the fulfillment of a vision, goal, initiative, or project.
- Analyze scholarly works in arts and culture.
- Engage communities through art with respect for cultural and social differences.
- Communicate effectively and respectfully through a variety of media and in a range of contexts.
- Employ ethical and sustainable strategies to support a career in the arts.
- Respond to the ongoing demands of a professional arts practice through continual learning.
Music Theatre Performance Major Learning Outcomes
- Act, sing, and dance in theatrical performances.
- Engage audiences through diverse forms of theatrical expression.
- Employ critical and creative approaches in research and performance.
- Engage in independent research and collaborative creative practice.
- Critically evaluate performances.
- Work collaboratively as a member of a creative team.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must be admitted to one of the following:
Regular Admission
To be evaluated through the Office of the University Registrar
Applicants have a minimum overall average of 65 percent, with no course grade lower than 50 percent, in the following high school courses:
- ELA 30-1 or 75% in ELA 30-2
- Four subjects from Group A, B, C, or D
Notes:
- Applicants are strongly encouraged to present a broad range of subjects in order to benefit from the breadth of learning and to increase flexibility of future program and course choices.
- A maximum of two Group B subjects may be presented; they must be from different disciplines.
- A maximum of one Group D subject may be presented. Group D subjects used for admission must be 5-credit or any credit combination of at least 5 credits (e.g. two 3-credit subjects).
Applicants with nine or more post-secondary-level credits must also present a minimum Admission Grade Point Average (AGPA) of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants with a diploma or 24 or more university-level credits will be considered under Previous Post-Secondary Work.
Mature Admission
To be evaluated through the Office of the University Registrar
Applicants must be 20 years of age or older and have been out of full-time high school at least one year by the beginning of the intake term. Applicants must have the following:
- ELA 30-1 with a minimum grade of 65 percent (or equivalent)
OR
- Six credits of university level English with no grade less than C-
Applicants with nine or more post-secondary level credits must also present a minimum Admission Grade Point Average (AGPA) of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants with a diploma or 24 or more university-level credits will be considered under Previous Post-Secondary Work.
Previous Post-Secondary Work
To be evaluated through the Office of the University Registrar
Admission in this category does not imply or guarantee the transfer of any coursework and/or credential unless a block transfer agreement (internal or external) is in effect and published in the calendar by the Office of the University Registrar. In addition, transfer of coursework does not imply or guarantee that an applicant will be admitted.
Applicants must have successfully completed one of the following with a minimum Admission Grade Point Average (AGPA) of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. from a recognized institution:
- A diploma (minimum of 60 credits)
OR
- A minimum of 24 university-level credits
Additional Admission Criteria
To be evaluated through the Program
Studio Arts
Applicants are required to submit a portfolio and a statement of intent to be assessed by a committee of Studio Arts faculty.
Successful applicants will demonstrate in their portfolio:
- Formal skills: aesthetic sensibility, basic understanding of composition, colour, tone, perspective;
- Technical abilities: an interest in working with a variety of mediums and subjects, demonstrating skill, craftsmanship, diversity; and
- Demonstrates experimentation and conceptual engagement
Successful applicants will demonstrate in their statement of intent:
- The ability to express ideas well in writing;
- How this MacEwan University program is aligned with their interests and goals; and
- An interest in learning about the theories and practice of historical and contemporary art.
Music Theatre Performance
Applicants are required to audition and submit a cover letter and resume.
An audition panel will assess:
- Acting abilities (objectives, actions, creative risk-taking);
- Singing abilities (breath, phonation, resonance, range, articulation); and
- Dancing/movement abilities (physicality, gesture, alignment).
The cover letter will include:
- How this MacEwan University program is aligned with the applicant’s interests and goals.
The resume should include:
- Previous training;
- Previous performing experience; and
- Special skills (e.g. languages, gymnastics, juggling, etc.)
Theatre Production
Applicants are required to submit a brief statement of intent outlining:
- Why they are interested in the program;
- The career that they are seeking through the completion of the program; and
- A description of the last theatre production they attended.
Applicants offered admission to the Theatre Production major are required to submit current, valid standard first aid certification (including Level C CPR) by the published document deadline.