BS in Musical Theatre

This major is offered to those students who demonstrate excellence in acting, dance and singing, and who are committed to professional careers in musical theatre performances. This collaborative program through Russell Sage College and the New York State Theatre Institute (NYSTI) offers students training in the creative process as well as theory and history. All majors will complete 15 credits of major study with NYSTI, the professional youth theatre of New York State. There is a $250 fee for the internship with NYSTI. Students will study, train and perform with Russell Sage faculty and the teacher artists of NYSTI.

Degree Requirements

Total Major Requirements: 78 Credit Hours (All courses are 3 credit hours unless otherwise indicated.)

Performance Techniques
THR 103 Acting I (H/A)
THR 203 Acting II

Select one of the following courses (H/A)
THR 404 Acting III
THR 304 Directing

Technical Theatre
Select one of the following courses (H/A)
THR 107 Design for Performing Arts I
THR 110 Stagecraft I (TI)

Theatre History and Theory
THR 205 History of Theatre I (H/A)
THR 209 History of American Theatre (H/A)
THR 212 20th Century Theatre (H/A)

Internship (15 credit hours)
THR 407 Internship: New York State Theatre Institute

Music Theory
MUS 111 Basic Musicianship I
MUS 112 Musicianship II

Music History
MUS 208 Masterpieces of Music
MUS 217 American Musical Theatre (WI)

Applied Music
Select the following course for four semesters
MUS 316 Women’s Chorus [1.5 cr each semester]

Select the following course for eight semesters
MUS 319 Applied Music (Voice) [1.5 cr each semester]

Dance Courses
DAN 111 Introduction to Modern Dance
DAN 231 Ballet Techniques I
DAN 235 Tap Dance Techniques I
DAN 241 Jazz Dance Techniques I

General Education Requirements – not fulfilled by Major or required Supporting Courses

Core Requirements:
ENG 101 Language and Community
ITD 120 Women in the World
ITD 420 Women Changing the World

Humanities/Arts:
Language (may include cross-cultural requirement) 0-6
Social Sciences (may include cross-cultural requirement) 6
Natural Sciences
Quantitative Reasoning Course
Cross-Cultural Course
Technical Intensive Course
Electives 6-18

Total 120

Suggested Course Sequence for BS in Musical Theatre

Check all course descriptions for prerequisites before planning your course schedule. Other course sequences are possible. Consult your advisor or the Theatre Program Coordinator. Note also that one can introduce flexibility into this recommended sequence by shifting elective and/or general education slots around to allow one to pursue other courses of personal interest or compensate for scheduling conflicts. Due to the planned rotation of courses, the suggested course sequence depends upon which year the student enters the program.