B.F.A. in Music Theatre

Six performers in colorful, fantasy-inspired costumes sing and play instruments onstage under theatrical lighting, arranged in a dynamic group performance.

UCI Drama students perform a high-energy musical theatre scene, featuring bold costumes and expressive movement under stage lighting.

Little Women: The Broadway Musical. Three actors in period costumes perform a scene, with one braiding another’s hair while seated on stage

A student applies theatrical makeup in front of a lit dressing room mirror, preparing for a performance

RENT - UCI Drama students perform an ensemble musical number, singing together on stage under theatrical lighting

UCI Drama student performs an emotional musical theatre solo, supported by cast members on stage

Music direction students sing together on stage at standing microphones, performing as an ensemble during a live vocal presentation.

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Overview

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Music Theatre at UC Irvine offers intensive training within a comprehensive academic environment. Housed in the Department of Drama at the Claire Trevor School of the Arts, the program serves as a critical bridge between undergraduate study and professional practice.

UC Irvine Music Theatre alumni perform regularly on Broadway, in national tours, regional theatres, and across film and television. Recent alumni have starred on Broadway in: Mean Girls, Book of Mormon, Aladdin, and in touring productions of Clue, Tina, Rent.

Undergraduate Music Theatre Training

Undergraduate Music Theatre training is available to Drama majors through an audition-based sequence of courses. The curriculum emphasizes professional preparation through focused study in song repertoire, audition technique, dance technique and repertoire, and singing for the stage. Students deepen their understanding of the musical theatre canon while developing the skills required to work within this distinctly American art form.

Instruction balances performance practice with artistic discipline, preparing students to work collaboratively across acting, singing, and movement.

Performance Opportunities

Drama produces multiple musical productions annually. The department works to focus on exclusive opportunities for undergraduate students, providing significant performance opportunities. Past undergraduate productions include 9 to 5, Legally Blonde, American Idiot, The Prom, and The Sweet Smell of Success.

In addition to Mainstage work, students participate in faculty- and student-directed musical theatre projects throughout the academic year. The development of new musicals is also a core component of the program, offering students experience with original work and contemporary creative processes.

New York Satellite Program in Music Theatre

The New York Satellite Program in Music Theatre is a signature opportunity unique to UC Irvine. This four-week intensive program, held in Manhattan, is open to students across the Claire Trevor School of the Arts.

Preparation begins in the fall, with auditions held during Welcome Week. Coursework continues through the winter, and the program culminates in a spring residency in New York City. Students study voice, acting, singing, songwriting, and improvisation, and participate in auditions and workshops with New York–based casting directors and industry professionals.

Learn more about the New York Satellite Program

Honors in Music Theatre

Honors in Music Theatre is awarded at graduation to students who complete a required sequence of Music Theatre courses and maintain a minimum overall GPA of 3.2, with a GPA of 3.4 in Music Theatre coursework.

Bachelor of Fine Arts

The B.F.A. in Music Theatre represents the most advanced level of undergraduate Music Theatre training at UC Irvine and are encouraged to submit a portfolio of their work when they apply to the program. Students who complete one quarter of Level III in the Music Theatre Workshop sequence may audition for entry into the B.F.A. track.

B.F.A. coursework includes advanced song repertoire, Level IV Music Theatre Workshop, and B.F.A. Acting. During their final year, students create a professional showcase, which is filmed during the winter and spring quarters and performed in both Irvine and Manhattan for casting directors, agents, and other theatre and film professionals.

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