2024-25 Edition

Music Theatre, B.F.A.

The B.F.A. in Music Theatre includes high-level training curriculum including song repertoire building, audition technique, dance technique and repertoire, singing for the stage, and study in the history of the American musical. Each quarter, those students that have completed one quarter of Music Theatre Workshop, Level III (DRAMA 143ADRAMA 143B , or DRAMA 143C) can audition for entry into the B.F.A. track.

A. Complete the following:
DRAMA 10 Introduction to Theatre
DRAMA 30A- 30B- 30C Acting
and Acting
and Acting
DRAMA 40A- 40B- 40C Development of Drama
and Development of Drama
and Development of Drama
B. Select one of the following:
Performance Now
Culture in Performance
Culture in Performance
Culture in Performance
C. Select one of the following design courses:
Introduction to Costume Design
Introduction to Scenic Design
Introduction to Lighting Design
Introduction to Sound Design
Introduction to Stage Management
D. Complete:
DRAMA 100 University Theatre
DRAMA 136 Music Theatre Acting
DRAMA 142 Music Theatre Workshop II
DRAMA 143A- 143B- 143C Music Theatre Workshop III
and Music Theatre Workshop III
and Music Theatre Workshop III
DRAMA 144 Music Theatre Workshop IV
DRAMA 145 Music Theatre Singing (taken three times)
DRAMA 146 NYSP-Preparation
DRAMA 148A- 148B History of American Musical Theatre
and History of American Musical Theatre
DRAMA 149 Music Proficiency for Actors
DRAMA 176 Script and Score
DRAMA 177 Song Repertoire
E. Complete:
DRAMA 182A- 182B Dance Technique, Level I
and Dance Technique, Level I
or
DRAMA 183A- 183B Dance Technique, Level II
and Dance Technique, Level II
F. Select one Dramatic Literature course from DRAMA 103-129 or 180.
Theatre Production (DRAMA 101) requirements:
Freshmen—eight units, of which four units must be completed during the first year of residency at UCI.
Transfer Students: Sophomores—six units, of which four units must be completed during the first year of residency at UCI; Juniors and Seniors—four units, which must be completed during the first year of residency at UCI.
Plus each of the following courses when in residence in the New York Satellite Program:
NYSP-Acting
NYSP - Dance
NYSP - Singing
NYSP - Performance
NYSP-UCI Residency
Also complete two ballet classes, one tap class, and one jazz class in Dance.
Application Process to Declare the Major

Drama majors may audition for the program upon acceptance into the Music Theatre Workshop, Level III (DRAMA 143A, DRAMA 143B, or DRAMA 143C). B.F.A. auditions are held three times per year: during Welcome Week and finals week of the fall and winter quarters. A grade point average of 3.0 in music theatre courses completed prior to the B.F.A. audition is required.

Graduates from the Department of Drama perform, stage manage, or design on Broadway, in national tours, regional and summer theatres, in films and on television. UC Irvine's Drama alumni serve as artistic directors, business managers, designers, art directors, and performers at more than 100 theatre companies, and are faculty at more than 75 institutions of higher learning.

A degree in Drama may or may not lead to professional employment in theatre or film. While some alumni may pursue careers as professional theatre artists, many may use the skills learned from their degree and embark upon careers in law, business, arts management, advertising, and teaching. Others may pursue further study at UC Irvine or other notable institutions.