B.A.,
Interdisciplinary Fine Arts,
Musical Theater Track
College of Fine Arts
What You'll Do
Multi-talented students who finish high school with experience in musical theater may want to consider reaching their potential as an actor, a singer, and a dancer. At IUP, talented performers with abilities in music and acting can develop new dance competencies or build on dance experience to become the best actor-singer-dancer they can be.
This track combines the strengths of the Department of Theater and Dance and Department of Music. Successful applicants will audition into both departments. By incorporating music and dance classes with the emphasis on theater, you can customize your degree to emphasize your strengths and build skills for the job market.
The Interdisciplinary Fine Arts major taking the Musical Theater track begins with acting or dance classes along with individual voice lessons, and Musical Theater Workshop. Throughout your learning, you'lll combine studio classes in performance with theoretical knowledge and onstage experience, which begins your first year. As you progress, the flexibility of the degree allows for electives in choreography, directing, design, and playwriting, so you'll have an ability to create your own work.
Theater-by-the-Grove and the IUP Dance Theater Company support numerous creative opportunities in six productions a year, including one musical. Additional creative opportunities are provided through studio, touring, Music-Theater Opera, and workshop productions. As part of the Acorn Project, students are encouraged to explore playwriting, acting, and directing in up to 25 productions each year.
What You'll Become
The B.A. in Interdisciplinary Fine Arts with a Musical Theater track prepares you for entry-level work or graduate school training. Alumni have been successful in starting careers in musical theater and related occupations in theme parks and cruise line entertainments. Competition is keen in musical theater, and this degree should be followed with additional training to enter the field of professional performance.
Many graduates also find they're well suited for other careers that require collaborative skills and creative imagination coupled with the discipline of musical theater. Advertising, law, counseling, and event management are examples. This degree is ideal for budding entrepreneurs because it sharpens their creative abilities, especially when paired with a Business minor.
