Eastern Michigan University adds new, high-demand program for students interested in the performing arts

New Bachelor of Arts in Musical Theatre program combines EMU’s excellent resources in theatrical and musical training

Students take a bow on stage silhouetted by bright lights.

YPSILANTI – Eastern Michigan University students will be able to focus on an exciting and dynamic area of the performing arts – musical theatre – along with receiving a strong liberal arts education under a new academic program: Bachelor of Arts in Musical Theatre.

The program was approved by the EMU Board of Regents at its regular meeting on Thursday, Dec. 10.

Musical Theatre is a highly competitive field that necessitates targeted training in the three performing arts disciplines of theatre, music, and dance. Students in this program will gain experience that spans the processes of audition, rehearsal, and performance, as well as the practical, day-to-day maintenance and continuing development of those practices.

The Musical Theatre major offers the breadth of curricular and co-curricular training that prepares students to establish and maintain a career in the Musical Theatre industry or for advanced study in graduate and professional training programs.

“An exciting cultural renaissance”

Students trained in those three areas of emphasis are not limited to performing on Broadway. Non-musical theater performances, television programs, movies, radio broadcasts, cruise line shows, or amusement park entertainment are also available to graduates of this program.


"American musical theater is undergoing an exciting cultural renaissance,” said Dana Heller dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at EMU. “It is most fitting that EMU's nationally ranked undergraduate theater program and celebrated music program come together to provide students with the opportunity to master the craft.

 

“Both student and industry demand for a Musical Theatre Major and the industry’s demand for trained performers is strong. A Musical Theatre Major at EMU would fill an integral need and attract new students to our campus.”

A strong liberal arts component and a solid reputation

Along with performance training, the new Bachelor of Arts in Musical Theatre program would also provide a liberal arts education crucial to EMU's core mission of producing "a supportive, intellectually dynamic and diverse community" that will "prepare students with relevant skills and real-world awareness."

The new program adds to what is already an area of distinction for Eastern Michigan. The EMU theatre arts program was recently ranked among the top 25 such programs in the country, the only program in Michigan to make the national rankings.

Eastern was ranked 15th in country by OnStage Blog, which covers theatre internationally, offering news, features and observations on the world of stage performance.

In its ranking of Eastern, the blog noted that EMU Theatre normally produces six large-scale faculty or guest-artist directed and designed Mainstage productions annually and two small-scale experimental Second Stage productions that are directed by faculty or graduate students. 

About Eastern Michigan University

Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 16,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and, its graduate school. EMU is regularly recognized by national publications for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website.

December 10, 2020

Written by:
Geoff Larcom

Media Contact:
Geoff Larcom
glarcom@emich.edu
734-487-4400