Carnegie Mellon University

Overview

The Acting and Music Theater program at Carnegie Mellon University is a comprehensive four-year Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) course designed to cultivate the next generation of performers. This program emphasizes a shared conservatory core that includes essential training in acting, voice, speech, and movement, while also developing specialized skills for musical theatre performance.

Students benefit from small class sizes, enabling personalized attention and mentorship from faculty who are actively engaged in the professional theatre industry. The curriculum encourages collaboration, with numerous opportunities for rehearsals, ensemble work, and public performances.

What you'll study

The curriculum follows a sequence-based conservatory model that begins with foundational performance training and advances to more specialized courses in acting and musical theatre. Key components of the program include:

• Warmup Techniques
• Acting Skills
• Speech Development
• Voice Techniques / Alexander Technique
• Movement for Performers
• Text Analysis for Actors
• Production Practicum
• Conservatory Hour Sessions
• Drama Studies

In addition, students engage in:

• Cross-disciplinary coursework within the School of Drama
• Elective courses to enhance academic and creative versatility
• Performance and production experiences woven into the program
• Ensemble rehearsals and presentations that form a core part of conservatory training

Students also have the chance to partake in innovative collaborations and projects that foster the development and presentation of new musical theatre works, alongside student-led media production initiatives.

Entry requirements

Admission to the program does not require GRE/GMAT scores, and specific GPA thresholds are not stipulated; instead, acceptance is determined by a combination of academic readiness and the quality of application materials.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Acting and Music Theater program are well-equipped to pursue diverse careers in the performing arts. This includes opportunities in theatre, film, television, and musical theatre, as well as various roles in entertainment production and direction. The program not only hones performance skills but also cultivates teamwork, creativity, and adaptability—essential traits for success in the dynamic field of arts and entertainment.