Pioneers Take Center Stage
Artists who thrive in musical theatre spent years honing their talent and nurturing their craft – which is why Marietta College is the perfect place for students who are serious about entering the industry.
Marietta’s Musical Theatre program offers a unique opportunity for students because it results in a Bachelor of Arts degree – which means the breadth and the strength of the curriculum also is ideal for students looking to continue their education at the graduate level.
After completing an audition and being accepted into the program, students embark on a journey to build a strong foundation of skills in theatre, music and dance. At Marietta College, every production season of musicals, plays and festivals is designed around the students to ensure they have many opportunities to apply their growing knowledge and skills. Classic and modern musicals and operas with diverse styles and staging are performed so students can refine all aspects of their craft and be prepared for a variety of professional roles.
Talented and dedicated faculty help students develop all of the abilities needed to thrive as musical theatre actors, from physical training and vocal techniques to soft skills like self-marketing. Students also complete a theatre internship to practice their expertise professionally and then culminate their Marietta College education with a capstone project to demonstrate mastery of theatrical skills.
Acting, singing, dancing: be a triple threat
In addition to completing a liberal arts core curriculum, Musical Theatre majors prepare for success in the theatre industry by completing a rigorous course load.
Theatre courses
| THEA 106 | Acting I | 3 credit hours |
| THEA 210 | Backstage Experience | 3 credit hours |
| THEA 214 | Intermediate Topics in Acting – Stage Combat | 3 credit hours |
| THEA 215 | Voice and Movement | 3 credit hours |
| THEA 266 | Auditioning and Professional Preparation | 3 credit hours |
| THEA 314 | Advanced Topics in Acting – Musical Theatre | 3 credit hours |
| THEA 347 | Advanced Topics in Technical Theatre – Sound Technology and Design | 3 credit hours |
| THEA 351 | History of Musical Theatre | 3 credit hours |
| THEA 397 | Theatre Internship | 3 credit hours |
| THEA 481 | Theatre Capstone | 3 credit hours |
| Four hours of Practicum courses* | 4 credit hours | |
| 31 credit hours |
Majors should take Acting I and Backstage Experience in their freshman year and Theatre Capstone their senior year but have the flexibility to schedule their remaining courses when offered throughout their time at Marietta College.
Music Courses
| MUSC 111 | Theory I | 3 credit hours |
| MUSC 112 | Theory II | 3 credit hours |
| MUSC 141 | Keyboard I (If proficient, MUSC 151 Applied – Piano may be substituted) |
1 credit hour |
| MUSC 142 | Keyboard II (If proficient, MUSC 151 Applied – Piano may be substituted) |
1 credit hour |
| MUSC 171 | Aural Skills I | 1 credit hour |
| MUSC 172 | Aural Skills II | 1 credit hour |
| MUSC 362 | Opera Workshop | 1 credit hour |
| Six hours of Applied – Voice and six semesters of vocal ensemble, taken concurrently* | 12 credit hours | |
| 23 credit hours |
Majors should take Theory I and II, Aural Skills I and II, two semesters of Applied - Voice and two semesters of vocal ensemble in their freshman year.
Dance Courses
| DANC 110 | Dance for Theatre | 3 credit hours |
| DANC 201 | Ballet / Modern | 1 credit hour |
| DANC 202 | Tap | 1 credit hour |
| DANC 203 | Jazz for Musical Theatre | 1 credit hour |
| DANC 303 | Advanced Jazz for Musical Theatre | 1 credit hour |
| 7 credit hours (61 total credit hours) |
Majors should take Dance for Theatre in their freshman year.
* For the complete description of course requirements for this program, see the Musical Theatre audit form.
Musical Theatre Auditions
In addition to applying to Marietta College, the Musical Theatre program requires acceptance to the program through an audition process. To be considered, you must:
- Provide a resume of theatre experience and a letter of reference from a teacher or director
- Complete an audition, either in-person (preferred) or electronically.
- Prepare two contrasting Musical Theatre style songs and a monologue. All auditions should be memorized.
- A pianist will not be provided, so bring your own backup music. A sound system and plug-in capabilities will be provided.
The audition for the Musical Theatre program also can be used to apply for a Musical Theatre Talent Scholarship, so we highly recommend you choose to apply for both.
The deadline for auditions and interviews is March 1st. After this date, decisions will be made on an individual basis depending on spaces available. Acceptance decisions are made on a specific timeline and a waitlist may be employed.
Learn More About Musical Theatre
Interested in learning more about our programs? Contact Cas Felt in the Department of Theatre at:
740.376.4698
cas.felt@marietta.edu
or use our department's Contact Form.
Be sure to ask about our Talent Scholarships!
