Music Theatre

Places, please! Are you someone who loves to connect through music, dance and storytelling? Do you thrive in deeply collaborative and creative spaces? UB’s Music Theatre program is designed for you! As a music theatre major, you’ll spend the next few years immersing yourself in the history of music theatre, seeing and performing in an array shows, developing your craft, and discovering how and why musicals engage the world. If you’re ready to make your impact on the future of musicals, then … Five, six, seven, eight!

What will I learn?

As a music theatre major, you’ll spend your days (and plenty of nights and weekends) training in acting, voice and dance. You’ll study all types of techniques and styles of performance—from the classics to the latest trends—in small studio classes, lectures, and one-on-one lessons that improve your practical skills and build your confidence. And you’ll take courses in music theory, audition techniques, and other related subjects that give you a broad overview of the industry. Of course, you’ll also participate in productions, grow your resumé, and develop your website and reels.

What can I do outside of class?

Each year, you’ll find endless ways to gain experience and connect with new friends.

  • Productions. Get involved with on-campus musicals, plays and concerts as early as your first year, with opportunities to perform, direct, design and manage shows.
  • Internships & Summer Professional Work. Spend a summer at a theatre, theme park or other venue
  • Study abroad. Immerse yourself in the culture of some of the world’s greatest cities.
  • Student organizations. Have fun and explore new ideas as you create workshop productions.
  • Research. UB students work with faculty and participate in international and regional conferences.
Events
Internships
Student Clubs
Research

What can I do with a music theatre degree?

Our graduates can be found working on Broadway, in national tours, film, television, on cruise lines, for Disney and Six Flags.

At UB, you’ll develop valuable skills that you can apply to a broad range of career paths, including:

  • Performance. Build career as performers, directors, choreographers and writers.
  • Education. Inspire the next generation of artists in schools, studios or at theatre companies.
  • Business. Bring theatre to life as a producer, agent, administrator or arts journalist.
  • Production. Use a secondary focus to work as a designer, stage manager or company manager.

Who will I learn from?

From Broadway to LORT theatre, in film and on television, our faculty are internationally recognized, highly experienced and well-connected.

They are working as artistic directors, actors, directors, choreographers, designers and scholars—and are members of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, Actors’ Equity Association, SAG-AFTRA, International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, United Scenic Artists and other industry unions.

Of course, they are also exceptional teachers and mentors, having earned the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching and numerous other honors for teaching and mentoring.

UB also hosts world-class, industry specific guest artists including many alumni who work closely with students in master classes, productions, workshops, seminars and performances, supporting you to grow your network while still in school.