BA Musical Theatre

Program Overview

Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) in the United Kingdom offers a dynamic BA (Hons) Musical Theatre program, designed to transform aspiring performers into versatile "triple threat" artists proficient in singing, dancing, and acting. This immersive degree goes beyond pure performance skills, encouraging students to explore design and management roles within the musical theatre industry, fostering a holistic understanding of the field. The program's strength lies in its practical focus, culminating in an annual musical theatre event that provides significant showcasing opportunities, and benefits from guidance by campus-based lecturers and associate tutors with strong industry connections. CCCU's location in Canterbury, a rich cultural hub with venues like The Marlowe Theatre and the annual Canterbury Festival, provides an inspiring backdrop for artistic development.

Curriculum: The BA Musical Theatre curriculum at CCCU is carefully structured to develop students across the three core disciplines of musical theatre: singing, acting, and dancing. Key modules include "Singing with Confidence," "Acting with Confidence," "Dancing with Confidence," "Reading Musical Theatre," and "Musical Theatre Showcase." Beyond performance, students have opportunities to delve into "Introduction to Stagecraft," which can include elements of stage management and theatre design, providing a well-rounded understanding of musical theatre production. The learning environment is supported by excellent facilities within the Anselm building, which houses two dedicated studio spaces equipped with professional lighting rigs, sound systems, sprung floors, and mirrors, creating ideal settings for theatre, dance, and music rehearsals and performances. Each year culminates in a significant musical theatre event, allowing students to apply and showcase their developing skills.

Research Focus: The BA Musical Theatre program at Canterbury Christ Church University is taught by a team of academics and associate tutors who bring a wealth of professional experience from national and international performance productions. Their practical expertise is complemented by active engagement in research within the School of Creative Arts and Industries. Research interests among the faculty span various areas of performance, including theatre history, performance analysis and theory, performance making, directing, dramaturgy, and the cultural and political implications of theatrical performance. This research-informed teaching ensures that students are not only trained in practical performance techniques but also engage with critical academic perspectives on the context, evolution, and performativity of musical theatre, fostering a deeper, more nuanced understanding of the art form.

Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a significant strength of the BA Musical Theatre program at CCCU. The university prides itself on having tutors with professional experience and fantastic industry links, ensuring that the curriculum remains relevant to the contemporary musical theatre landscape. Students benefit from being in a creative and cultural hotspot like Canterbury, with opportunities to immerse themselves in the world of musical theatre both within the university and through local professional venues like The Marlowe Theatre. The program is designed to help students "present themselves as a performer" while also exploring broader industry roles. The development of professional and artistic skills, alongside practical performance experience and the cultivation of production skills, directly prepares graduates for diverse careers in the performing arts and broader creative sectors.

Global Perspective: The BA Musical Theatre program at Canterbury Christ Church University inherently incorporates a global perspective through its exploration of diverse musical theatre traditions and the international nature of performance. The teaching staff, many with experience in international productions, bring a broad range of influences and insights into the classroom. While the program is grounded in the rich UK theatre scene, the study of musical theatre's evolution and its contemporary performativity naturally touches upon global influences and cross-cultural adaptations. The transferable skills developed, such as communication, collaboration, and adaptability, are universally valued in the performing arts, enabling graduates to pursue opportunities not only within the UK but also on international stages and in diverse creative industries worldwide.