Musical Theatre

Do you think you’re made for the stage? Are you interested in developing your skills in acting, music, singing and more? If this is the pathway you’re hoping to go down then a course in Musical Theatre may be a good course for you.

What is Musical Theatre?

Musical Theatre is the theatrical genre where song and music is an integral part of the content, along with drama and, usually, dance.

What third level courses are available?

Universities and colleges in Ireland are offering courses in the following subject areas:

Musical Theatre

Musical Theatre & Dance
Music/Modern Language
Music with Drama
Music Production
Music, Film and Drama

Studying Musical Theatre in college

Musical Theatre is a course offered in multiple colleges around Ireland. To give an example of one of the courses we will look at the Musical Theatre course offered by Cork Institute of Technology (CIT). It is a full time four year course that is intensively hands-on, aimed at talented students who already have a basic level of skill in the three ‘triple-threat’ areas: singing, dancing and acting.

Your first year of any undergraduate course will act as a foundation year. You will become familiar with the basic principles of musical theatre. You will also become familiar with what is to come throughout your course and develop your skills and interest in different areas.

Examples of modules you will cover in your first year will include Creativity Innovation and Teamwork, Musical Theatre Rep Studies, Acting for Musical Theatre, Musical Theatre Dance, Musical Theatre Singing and Musical Theatre Ensemble as well as Theatre Technology.

Your second year will introduce you to more complex and in depth information and build on the foundations that you covered in your first year. A lot of the modules have the same names as your first year modules but will have different content and build on your previous information and knowledge. Modules will include your singing, dancing and acting for musical theatre modules as well as choosing from electives including Sound Design, Set Design and Props, Music and Technology, Introduction to Music Education and Costume and Make-up Design. You will also look to choose between Lighting Design and more.

Drama Therapy is a different elective that is offered in your third year but other than that, the majority of modules are the same name but covering different areas within the heading. You will also do work placement in your third year to become familiar with the different work involved and gain an insight into a future career you could have while also developing your skills and knowledge on a new level.

Your final year will see you choose from a wide range of modules that are offered to extend your knowledge and get you prepared for the future ahead.

As mentioned above, this information is based on the Musical Theatre course offered by CIT. Other Musical Theatre courses may differ in their exact course layout and content. Be sure to research your ideal course to be sure.

Career options

There are a number of options to choose from in this career path. You can work in theatres, stage school or even in specific areas of music, dance and singing. There are many roles you can work in that all play a major role in the production, background and materialisation of musical theatre.

There is also the opportunity to study a postgraduate course of your choice to specialise in a particular area of your interest as well as opportunities in education and research.

Skills and qualities that are important in this area include excellent creativity skills, confident, disciplined, computer skills, excellent communication skills, the ability to work well with others, organisation skills, time management skills and the ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure. You will also need confidence, self belief, a good memory for lyrics and choreography and a good stage presence.

Related Jobs

Musical Theatre Performer
Stage Dancer
Singer
Writer
Arts Administrator
Producer
Director
Choreographer

FAQ

Different courses and different colleges will have different entry requirements. It’s always safest to check with the individual higher education institution which is available on their websites. As a general rule. Leaving Cert students should have a minimum of six subjects which should include: Two H5 (Higher Level) grades and Four O6 (Ordinary Level) grades or four H7 (Higher Level) grades. Subjects must include Mathematics, Irish or another language, and English.

Specific courses may have their own requirements.Certain QQI courses may be accepted.

Points needed to study this course in CIT last year were 518 points where there was also a portfolio/audition needed upon applying.

Where can I study?

For other courses in the area you would like to explore, you can do so here.

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