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overview
Curriculum
BA vs. BFA
Professional Development
IN LOS ANGELES
APPLICATION OVERVIEW
Overview
The BFA in Musical Theatre offers comprehensive training in acting, singing and dance for the next generation of musical theatre artists, grounded in collaboration with their peers, their faculty and visiting artists. This holistically integrated program empowers students with the tools they will need to create lasting and healthy careers as performers at the intersection of acting, music and dance.
Featured Faculty
We work with a faculty of accomplished professionals with extensive experience in theatre, film and television.
Curriculum
In addition to a thorough musical theatre curriculum, all candidates for the BFA degree must complete a series of general education courses required by the university. The USC Core and General Education Program has been designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to be informed citizens of the 21st century, who understand its challenges and participate in the debates of their time. It requires eight courses in six Core Literacies, plus two courses in Global Perspectives (which may double-count with courses in the Core Literacies) and two courses in writing.
For complete curriculum requirements, please visit the USC Catalogue.
Year One
THTR 125 Text Studies for Production (4 units)
THTR 12oal Acting I (4 units)
THTE 107 Vocal Musical Theatre Production (2 units)
THTE 206 Dance for Musical Theatre I (4 units)
General Education Seminar 120-161 (4 units)
THTR 12obL Acting I (4 units)
THTR 130 Introduction to Theatrical Production (2 units)
THTE 207 Dance for Musical Theatre II (4 units)
THTE 208 Musical Theatre Theory (3 units)
THTE 354 Individual Instruction (1 units)
Writing 150 (4 units)
Year Two
THTE 201aL Acting for Musical Theatre (2 units)
THTE 306 Dance Musical Theatre (4 units)
THTE 354 Individual Instruction (1 units)
THTE 205 MT Vocal Ensemble & Theory (1 units)
CTCS 190g Introduction to Cinema [A] (4 units)
General Education (4 units)
THTE 340L MT Integration Workshop (7 units)
THTE 354 Individual Instruction (1 units)
General Education (4 units)
General Education (4 units)
Education (2 units)
Year Three
THTE 35oaL MT Integration Workshop II (7 units)
THTE 354 Individual Instruction (1 units)
General Education (4 units)
General Education (4 units)
Education (2 units)
THTE 35obL MT Integration Workshop II (7 units)
THTE 354 Individual Instruction (1 units)
CTPR 386 Art & Industry of the Theatrical Film (4 units)
DANC 342gp Historial Perspectives (4 units)
Education (2 units)
Year Four
THTE 45oaL MT Integration Workshop Ill (5 units)
THTR 497 Theatre Practicum (2 units)
CNTV Elective (4 units)
THTE 354 Individual Instruction (1 units)
Writing 340 (4 units)
THTE 45obL MT Integration Workshop Ill (5 units)
THTR 471 Senior Showcase (4 units)
THTE 354 Individual Instruction (1 units)
General Elective (4 units)
Education (4 units)
BA vs. BFA?
Not sure which program is right for you? Compare details below!
(BA) Bachelor of Arts
- A broad-based approach to dramatic arts training that allows the student to experience a core curriculum, but gives them the flexibility to choose their own journey, and allows for the selection of an emphasis to further focus their studies.
- Allows for the possibility of a double major or a minor as well as study-abroad opportunities.
- Mainstage production performance opportunities (by audition for actors, by assignment for design emphasis students).
(BFA) Bachelor of Fine Arts
- Conservatory-style programs built with a formal progression of classes and limited to a specific cohort of students.
- More focused curricular studies within the USC School of Dramatic Arts.
- Mainstage production performance opportunities (by audition for actors, by assignment for production and design students); cohort-based second stage performance opportunities for BFA acting and musical theatre classes.
Undergraduate Application Process

The Office of Admissions & Student Services of the USC School of Dramatic Arts looks forward to assisting you. If we can be of service to you in any step of this process, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 213-740-1286 or sdainfo@usc.edu.
Professional Development
We break the mold on career preparation by being the first drama school with a dedicated professional development center, a one-of-a-kind support office devoted to supporting our students and recent graduates as they establish successful careers as performers, creators and cultural innovators. Additionally, a wide range of distinguished talents and industry leaders of the stage, screen and digital media lead professional development sessions, lectures and master classes.


In the Heart of Los Angeles
As a major center of American theatre and, of course, a world center for film and television production, the city is home to an unmatched community of artists upon which the School draws for its faculty and guest artists. By working with professionals, our students receive practical insights into their art and the crucial experience of performing in “real world” conditions. They also make professional contacts that are critical for starting a career.
Related Programs
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Contact Us
To reach the Office of Admissions & Student Services, you may call us at 213-740-1286 or email us at sdainfo@usc.edu.