What are strengths/highlights of UCI’s MT program?
The UCIrvine Music Theatre Program is diverse in its training and particular strengths. The faculty trains actors to be their best self: as an actor, a dancer, a singer, and as a person. Each student is valued as an individual and trained in that manner – ours is not a “one size fits all” program. We have faculty who are active in the professional theatre world who share their expertise and experience in classes, workshops, rehearsals and performances. The New York Satellite Program takes students to the world of Broadway where it all happens at the highest level.
Unique to UCI MT is the chance to design and arrange curriculum suited to each actor’s specific needs, focused on the areas they desire to develop. We maintain the philosophy that MT students are best served by a wide exposure to all aspects of theatre, which includes musical theatre. The Drama Department’s acting, movement, improvisation, design, production, and history courses are designed to broaden each actor’s understanding of the art of making theatre. Musical Theatre is an inclusive art form; having specific knowledge about each aspect of creating theatre allows for deeper, more insightful collaborations and results in more productive, creative careers.
What professional preparation do all Music Theatre students (BA or BFA) receive?
Once an actor is accepted into Music Theatre Workshop Level I, they will begin training their voice, body, and heart for the theatre. They will gain knowledge of appropriate audition material as well as how to handle themselves in auditions, rehearsals and performances. They will also engage in analysis of text and music to deepen their understanding of the connection between these elements and themselves.
Are private voice lessons a part of the program?
Voice training is a part of the curriculum throughout the Music Theatre Workshop levels. Small group instruction is provided for students in Level III. Those admitted into the BFA program receive paired voice lessons in preparation for the Professional Showcase and its distribution.
How many musicals do you have each school year?
For the 2021-22, UCI will produce only one musical. This will be an all-undergraduate production. Normally, we have two fully produced musicals each year – our Fall Musical (open to grads and undergrads) and our Spring Musical (undergrads only). In addition, we provide the opportunity for student inspired independent musical theatre projects each quarter.
What are the qualifications for a BFA student?
Actors that attain the BFA are determined, bright, talented and ready to play leads in non-union musical theatre national tours. They can hold the stage as lead singers, dance at a level required of a lead singer, and be excellent actors as well.
How do I get into the BFA program at UCI?
Each actor auditions through the Music Theatre Workshop Levels I – IV. Once an actor completes one quarter of Music Theatre Workshop Level III, they may audition for the BFA program. Every actor may also continue to pursue their training through other music theatre courses (such as musicianship, dance technique, and the New York Satellite Program) and receive the Honors in Music Theatre denotation on their diploma at graduation.
What is the size of the BFA class each year?
The class size varies each year and is dependent on those actors deemed ready for a professional career in music theatre upon graduation from university. The 2021 BFA Class consisted of 11 actors – 9 women and 2 men. We currently have 8 students in the BFA 2022 class.
What is a Musical Theatre Showcase?
The BFA Showcase is an opportunity to introduce yourself and your talent to casting directors and agents across the country through the wide distribution of the filmed video showcase.
Is a Showcase necessary to have a career?
A Showcase is not necessary to start a career in show business. Most actors beginning their careers in NYC and/or LA do not have agents or managers. You will acquire representation when your career grows and it becomes important.
Is it possible to do showcase and the New York Satellite Program in the same year?
The answer to this question is Yes in 2021-22. Normally though, BFA actors will participate in the New York Satellite Program (NYSP) the year before they graduate and showcase in most cases though. NYSP opens the doors and eyes of each participant and encourages students to train more vigorously during their last year of education at the undergraduate level.
If I am a new transfer student, can I complete the BFA in two years?
While it may be possible, we have found that transfer students who are on campus for nine (9) quarters have better outcomes upon graduating. Spending the first year at UCI deepening one’s understanding of musical theatre, the second year preparing and participating in the New York Satellite Program, and the third year preparing and participating in the BFA Showcase allows the actor the opportunity for more rigorous and thorough training.
What kinds of opportunities have BFA and Honors’ Students received after graduating from UCI?
Many of our BFA students and our Honors students move to New York City or Los Angeles to pursue careers in theatre, film and television. Our BFA and BA alumni have been seen recently on Broadway in Hadestown, Mean Girls, Tootsie, King Kong, Be More Chill, Cher, Phantom of the Opera, Frozen, Book of Mormon, Jersey Boys and The Play That Goes Wrong. Some are “living the dream” on cruise ships across the world or working in theatre companies across America, including the Utah Shakespeare Festival, TimberLake Playhouse, Sacramento Music Circus, Forestburg Playhouse, Mill Mountain Theatre, Santa Rosa Theatre, Laguna Playhouse, Nashville Repertory Theatre, Sierra Repertory, Olgunquit Playhouse, and many others.
We thank you for your interest in Music Theatre and look forward to ‘meeting’ you at our 2020 auditions.
Zachary Dietz, Music Director & Arranger
Andrew Palermo, Dance Technique & Director/Choreographer
Dr. Myrona DeLaney, Head of Music Theatre & Director of the New York Satellite Program in Music Theatre