University of Guelph

What you'll study

The BFA Music Theatre mixes studio practice with academic coursework. You will develop technique and artistry across voice, acting and movement while also studying music literacy, repertoire, theatre history and production skills. Training emphasises ensemble work, audition preparation and staged performance.

• Core performance studio: weekly private voice lessons, acting studios, dance classes (ballet, jazz, contemporary or musical theatre jazz) and movement for the actor.
• Music skills: sight-singing, ear training, music theory, score reading and rehearsal technique for musical theatre.
• Repertoire and interpretation: study of musical theatre song repertoire from different eras, working on phrasing, stylistic choices and role preparation.
• Acting for musical theatre: scene study, character work, text analysis and integration of singing with acting choices.
• Performance laboratories and productions: studio productions, scene showcases, cabarets and larger-scale mainstage or community productions giving repeated on-stage experience.
• Professional skills: audition technique, self-marketing, contract and industry practice, dialects and movement specialisms (stage combat, period dance) as offered.
• Academic context: courses in musical theatre history, dramaturgy, musicology, and elective options across related disciplines such as composition, theatre design or arts management.

Entry requirements

Admission is based on both academic qualifications and a performance audition. Applicants should present the equivalent of a secondary school diploma with a competitive academic record and meet the university's general English-language requirements.

• Audition and interview: candidates are required to audition in singing and may be asked to present an acting monologue and a short dance combination. Live or recorded auditions are commonly accepted depending on circumstances.
• Repertoire expectations: typically two contrasting musical theatre songs (one uptempo and one ballad) sung from memory with or without accompaniment; accompaniment tracks or accompanist arrangements are accepted as directed by the audition guidelines.
• Supplementary materials: a current resume and headshot, and sometimes a short video or portfolio of recent performance work, may be requested.
• Other considerations: applicants may be invited to a callback workshop. Previous training in voice, acting or dance is an advantage but not always mandatory.

Career prospects

Graduates pursue a variety of careers within and beyond the professional stage. The programme prepares students for the practical demands of performance and the broader skills needed in the arts sector.

• Professional performer in musical theatre, touring productions, regional theatre and commercial theatre.
• Work in related performance fields such as opera, cabaret, concert work, television, film and voice-over.
• Theatre-making roles: director, choreographer, musical director or rehearsal pianist following further experience or study.
• Teaching and coaching: private voice, musical theatre pedagogy, classroom teaching with additional certification or qualifications.
• Arts and cultural careers: arts administration, production management, casting, community arts and outreach roles where performance knowledge is beneficial.

Why study at University of Guelph

The University of Guelph offers conservatory-style training embedded within a comprehensive university, giving students access to academic electives and interdisciplinary study alongside intensive studio practice. Small class sizes and regular performance opportunities help build practical experience and professional networks.

• Faculty who are active practitioners, bringing current industry perspective to training and mentoring.
• Regular public performances and production opportunities that simulate professional rehearsal and performance schedules.
• Interdisciplinary opportunities to combine music theatre training with courses in music, theatre studies, composition, or arts management.
• Proximity to regional and national theatre communities, enabling industry connections, internships and collaborative projects.