Otterbein College

Programme overview

Otterbein’s BFA in Musical Theatre is an intensive, four-year program combining acting, voice, music and dance to prepare students as "triple threats." Training pairs classroom study with frequent live performance; majors audition for all mainstage productions (not only musicals) and may participate in ensembles, directing workshops and vocal groups. The program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre.

What you'll study

Curriculum blends practical technique and academic musicianship. Core study areas include:

• Acting and scenework across contemporary and classical (including Shakespeare) styles
• Voice: private lessons, Fitzmaurice-based voice for the stage, development of a comprehensive song repertoire
• Music: music theory, sight singing and basic keyboard skills
• Dance: extensive training in jazz, tap, ballet, modern and musical theatre dance with daily class placement across four levels
• Movement techniques such as Alexander and Feldenkrais
• Diction and dialects; on-camera acting for TV and film
• Choreography: two choreography classes and encouragement to create work for dance workshops and the annual dance concert

Senior capstones include a New York City Senior Showcase for agents and casting directors and an optional ten-week professional theatre internship when available. Students are evaluated annually to ensure progress toward professional standards.

Entry requirements

The public course text does not list specific admissions criteria. Applicants should expect audition and portfolio requirements typical for BFA musical theatre programs and consult Otterbein’s admissions pages for up-to-date application and audition details.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for work as musical theatre performers able to sing, act and dance across repertory styles, with additional on-camera skills. Performance opportunities, ensembles and the NYC showcase aim to build professional networks; internships when available provide further industry experience.

Scholarships & funding angle

While no specific scholarships are detailed in the program text, BFA students commonly pursue performance-based scholarships, departmental awards and university financial aid. Prospective applicants should contact Otterbein’s financial aid and theatre department to learn about audition-based funding and external scholarship options.