Musical Theatre

Our small program model allows for individual mentorship in the classroom, in performance, and in the capstone experience. We teach and inspire our musical theatre students through scholarship, studio practice, and live performances directed by faculty and guest artists. The flexibility of the major supports opportunities to double major or minor in another discipline within the liberal arts degree framework of Converse.

• Perform powerful roles in a unique environment
• Enjoy small class sizes and a dedication to personal mentorship
• Meet with and learn from guest artists, as well as professional opportunities
• Study the Michael Chekhov Acting Technique with certified teacher, Professor Melissa Owens
• Take cutting-edge courses in devised theatre and dramaturgy
• Create a collaborative senior capstone project by writing a play, researching a legendary diva or directing a musical.

Productions

Theatre Converse’s rich production season includes mainstage and studio series productions, giving you opportunities to shine onstage, backstage, and in all aspects of theatre arts.

Previous productions include:

• Hair
• Heathers the Musical
• Cats
• 1776
• Godspell
• Cabaret
• Urinetown
• Little Women
• Little Shop of Horrors

Internships

• Stage Management Team, Spartanburg Little Theatre
• Actor, Spartanburg Youth Theatre’s The Fantastic Mr. Fox
• Assistant Director, Spartanburg Little Theatre’s Cat On A Hot Tin Roof
• Drama Teacher, Woodland Heights Elementary After School Program
• Dance/Theatre Instructor, Fine Arts Day Camp

Musical Theatre Mentoring Project

As part of the interdisciplinary Psychology of Musical Theatre class, students and faculty team up to lead an “acting the song” month-long workshop with local high school students. Together they create a collaborative musical performance, exploring major themes such as “To Dream” and “To Fight.”

Study-Travel

Theatre & Dance students have the opportunity to study and experience live international theatre through the recurring Travel-Study course. In past courses, students have traveled to England, Greece, Disney World, and more to experience theatre and performing arts beyond Converse.

Musical Theatre students at Converse take a variety of courses in acting, dance, voice, script analysis, and design and production. Courses are offered at beginning through advanced levels, and ensure each student graduates with a deep understanding of musical theatre, ready for the next step in their career. Musical Theatre courses may be taken as electives by any student interested in musical theatre, though some courses are restricted to majors and require a placement exam.

Sample Courses

• Acting courses (multiple levels)
• Acting the Song
• Voice Lessons
• Musical Theatre Dance I & II
• Stage Management
• Directing
• Senior Capstone Project

Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Musical Theatre

Our Musical Theatre degree involves intensive study and research in acting, voice, and dance, as well as histories and theories of music and performance.

As a musical theatre major at Converse, you will perform powerful roles in a unique environment, enjoy small class sizes and a dedication to personal mentorship, and create a collaborative senior capstone project as part of our mainstage performance series in your senior year.

View the BA in Musical Theatre Major requirements.

Minor in Musical Theatre

Converse’s minor in Musical Theatre consists of a minimum of 18 hours of coursework and allows students to gain a strong foundation in performance while pursuing a major in another field of study. The minor offers opportunities to participate in productions and workshops while enhancing creativity and critical thinking skills.

View the Musical Theatre minor requirements.

Course Offerings & Academic Catalogs

Studying musical theatre at Converse will prepare students for careers in performance, directing, education, arts administration, and other fields that value collaboration, critical thinking, leadership, and creative problem-solving skills.

What are common careers in Musical Theatre?

• Actor
• Director
• Choreographer
• Costume, Scenic or Sound Designer
• Theatre Management
• Monologue Coach
• Dance Instructor
• Educator