Students perform Cabaret musical on stage.

Musical Theatre

Challenge yourself as you develop your talents to become a musical theatre performer.

Why Study Musical Theatre?

As a theatre student specializing in musical theatre, you will develop independent, creative and responsive skills to become a bold performer. Here, you will gain a general knowledge of musical theatre, dramatic literature, musical theatre history and technical theatre production. Our program provides you with extensive knowledge of the acting process as it applies to classical and contemporary musical theatre performance, vocal technique for singing classical and contemporary works, and dance technique in the styles of ballet, jazz and tap.

Become an adaptable, proactive, effective and collaborative performer by studying musical theatre. At USD, you'll develop an expressive vocal/physical/sensory instrument and special skills in dance and singing, preparing you to be a highly skilled and specialized performer.


Degrees & Offerings

Theatre: Musical Theatre (BFA)

Bachelor’s
  Vermillion Main Campus

The musical theatre specialization seeks to prepare you for entry into the musical theatre profession, as well as prepare musical theatre performers for advanced training programs in vocal music, dance and acting. An audition and interview is required for admittance into the musical theatre specialization.

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Program Details

Undergraduate

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Known For Excellence

With qualities like small class sizes, specialized programs and incredible student opportunities, USD is not your typical university. What makes us unique is what makes your education exceptional.

Departments & Facilities

Explore the departments, facilities and centers that contribute to your education.
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Black Hills Playhouse

The Black Hills Playhouse, a division of the University of South Dakota College of Fine Arts, is a regional theatre located in Custer State Park. 

USD Theatre Production

Theatre

Whether you are interested in a career in acting, musical theatre, design technology or a related field, the real-world experiences and connections you find in the Department of Theatre will help you get there.

Hands drawing music notes on chalkboard.

Chase Your Dream Career

Leading artists, artisans and technicians serve as guest artists for USD’s Department of Theatre. From Tony Award-winning choreographers to master puppeteers to cutting-edge automation, we celebrate the amazing wealth of knowledge our fellow artists from across the country and around the world bring to Vermillion and our students.

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