Learn to Perform on Stage and Screen at NYFA
NYFA’s groundbreaking Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Musical Theatre program offers aspiring performers real-world training and experience to pursue their creative goals in the performing arts. This four-year, eight-semester program merges the most prominent facets of the performing arts industry: the musical theatre stage and screen.
With a faculty of professionals who actively work in the Broadway, dance, voiceover, television, and film industries, students receive hands-on education in all performance-based mediums. Our program is uniquely designed to give students the opportunity to hone their skills in the central hub for launching musical theatre careers – New York City.
Throughout the program, students participate in a broad array of classes that focus on helping them find the actor within, expand their vocal and physical range, and guide them to learn and apply the emotional, physical, and technical work necessary for quality stage and on-camera acting. Audition and performance opportunities may include mainstage productions, readings and staged workshops of new works, open mic nights, scene presentations, masterclasses, showcases, in-class production work as well as movie musical exercises.
Faculty Highlights
Curriculum
The Bachelor of Fine Arts Musical Theatre program curriculum includes:
- Classes in advanced musical theatre covering topics such as pop rock, improv, singing for the camera, voiceover, comedy, audition technique, period styles, and acting for film
- Instruction, critique, and individual attention from our faculty, consisting of Broadway and screen performers and industry professionals that also include Music Directors, Stage Directors, and Choreographers
- Comprehensive dance curriculum including Theatre Dance / Jazz, Ballet, Tap, Ballroom & Conditioning, Commercial / Street Jazz, Hip Hop, and Dance Audition Technique
- Professionally equipped voice practice rooms and dance studios
- Exclusive guest lectures with industry professionals such as Actors, Casting Directors, Agents, and Composers
To learn more, see NYFA’s Course Catalog or request more information.
NYFA’s BFA in Musical Theatre follows a traditional four-year undergraduate schedule of eight semesters.
New York Film Academy is in the process of seeking Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) approval for non-immigrant F-1 student statuses for the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre degree program. International students who are interested in studying with us as part of this program should still contact our admissions team to learn more about the program.
Prospective BFA musical theatre students must submit an application, an audition, and meet the supplemental requirements for acceptance. The audition requires:
- Two (2) contrasting musical theatre songs – approximately 60-90 seconds each; and
- One (1) contemporary monologue from a published American play – approximately 60-90 seconds; and
- At least one (1) dance video – the applicant will be given a choice to submit a solo piece or replicate a tutorial provided to them; and
- Wild Card (optional) – this video can be a pop/rock song, another style of dance, a special skill, an instrument that you play, etc. – what do you want us to know about you and what makes you unique?
Prospective students may audition in person, virtually, or through video submission.
To learn more, visit our Admissions Requirements page.
Students complete fully-produced main stage musicals and New Works Series, musical theatre exercises on film, a collaborative showcase, a thesis solo performance, a final Graduation Package, as well as additional on-camera content. At the end of the program, students perform in an industry showcase for casting directors and agents. To learn more details about the program, see our projects page.
A strong foundation in the liberal arts and sciences is crucial to the development of a performer. In addition to their musical theatre and performing arts coursework, students further their undergraduate studies in Foundation Studies, Arts and Humanities, and Social and Behavioral Sciences. The liberal arts and sciences courses complement the performing arts courses, creating a balanced course load that emphasizes critical thinking and develops college-level writing skills.
Prospective students can learn more about BFA requirements on our Liberal Arts and Sciences page.
Our Musical Theatre programs are located at our New York campus, where students get extraordinary exposure to the New York City theatre, tv & film communities. At the culmination of the BFA Program, students perform in an Industry Showcase for Casting Directors, Agents, and Managers who provide feedback and critique.
Please note: Equipment, curriculum, and projects are subject to change and may vary depending on location. Students should consult the most recently published campus catalog for the most up-to-date curriculum.