Students interested in musical theater will have a brand new program to consider at CSU Stanislaus, with a Bachelor of Arts in Musical Theatre program. This program will help students develop skills in many areas of musical theatre, such as dancing, stagecraft, and acting. 

The demand for a B.A. in musical theatre exists on the Stan State campus and musical theatre has become extremely popular in the last couple of years.

Manny Valenzuela (senior, English) said he thinks it’s an excellent opportunity for those who want to enter the field.

“This could help them get through the right doors,” he said. “I know there are other renowned schools for this, but I think this could help those who are closer and don’t want to move far away.” 

The Musical Theatre B.A. will feature more musical training than a traditional B.A. degree, according to theater arts professor, Jamie Johns. 

“Students in the program will learn every aspect of the craft, from lighting and set design to stage management and backstage crew,” he said. 

It’s a welcome change to the curriculum at the university, particularly in the Department of Theatre. The goal for this new degree program is to increase the number of students interested in Musical Theatre in the hopes that they will  enroll at Stan State versus other universities that may not offer this particular program, according to theater arts professor, Marika Becz.

“My hopes are for this program to attract students from all over the U.S., as a hub of training in musical theatre that will give them extraordinary skills,” Becz said. “I hope for them to go into the field with confidence and passion.” 

Beckz explained that once the program is completed, students should be able to work as performers, directors, producers, or in other related fields such as theatre art education and the entertainment industry.

“In order for a person to thrive in this type of career, the training must be thorough and well-curated,” Becz said. “That is what students will get in this program.

She added that the type of student that will thrive the most is one who is passionate, self-motivated, and endlessly curious about how they can grow their strengths in the art form.

A Bachelor of Arts in Musical Theatre is a fantastic choice for students interested in music, dance, and acting. It will provide students with a broad education in the field and prepare them for their future in the performing arts industry.

For more information, please contact @stan_state_arts and check out Shakespeare’s returns to Stan State with the Theatre Department production of The Tempest.