Musical Theatre Oakland University

Overview

The Musical Theatre programme at Oakland University provides an exceptional foundation for aspiring performers seeking a professional career in the global entertainment industry. This Bachelor of Fine Arts degree integrates rigorous practical training with academic excellence to ensure graduates are prepared for the competitive nature of the stage and screen.

Students benefit from a curriculum that balances technical skill development with creative expression. The department fosters a professional environment where individuals receive personalised attention from seasoned industry veterans. This approach ensures that every student can cultivate their specific strengths while mastering the essential disciplines of the craft.

Why Musical Theatre at Oakland University?

Oakland University stands as one of only three institutions in Michigan accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre. A primary distinction is the residency of the Meadow Brook Theatre on campus, providing students with direct access to the state’s largest professional theatre company. This unique partnership offers unparalleled networking and professional observation opportunities.

The faculty consists of musical theatre veterans who bring decades of professional experience and extensive industry connections into the classroom. Students receive individual coaching and mentoring, which is vital for navigating the complexities of the modern performance landscape. The university also hosts the only Designated Linklater Voice Teacher in the region, offering specialised vocal training.

Performance opportunities are available from the first year, with the university mounting multiple main-stage productions annually. Senior students participate in a high-profile performance showcase and a week-long intensive programme. These initiatives are designed to bridge the gap between education and the professional world, connecting talent with agents and casting directors.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 23867 per year
• National fee: USD 23867 per year
• Local fee: USD 16772 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum requires an entrance audition and comprises comprehensive coursework across theatre, music, and dance. Modules may include:

• Acting
• Stagecraft
• Makeup and costumes
• Vocal techniques
• Musicianship
• Dance techniques

The degree concludes with a significant capstone project. Students may choose to focus their final work in specific areas such as:

• Directing
• Performance
• Design and theatre technology
• Classical theatre study abroad
• Theatre company

Careers with Musical Theatre

Graduates from this programme have achieved a remarkable 90% job placement rate in recent cycles, finding success in highly competitive environments. Alumni are frequently cast in Broadway productions, national tours, and regional theatre. The training also prepares students for roles in the television and film industries, as well as commercial voiceover work.

Beyond performance, the skills acquired at Oakland University enable graduates to pursue diverse roles within the broader entertainment sector. These include positions in directing, theatrical design, technical theatre, and house management. Many former students also find employment in theme parks, cruise ship entertainment, and repertory theatre companies worldwide.