Welcome to the MSCD Theatre Program!

The Department of Communication Arts & Sciences offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre as well as a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Applied Theatre Technology & Design. A Minor in Theatre is also offered.

Tradition... Imagination... Success

MSCD offers a BA/BFA Theatre degree that includes a BA in Theatre and a BFA with concentrations in Music Theatre or Applied Theatre Technology and Design. Music Theatre has been the hallmark of the program for fifteen years. Liberal Arts based, in partnership with the Music Department, the Music Theatre program is the only one of its kind in the Denver-Metro area.

The MSCD Theatre program's annual productions are held in the MCSD Studio Theatre at the King Center on the Auraria Campus, in downtown Denver, Colorado. The technologically advanced and accessible Kenneth King Academic and Performing Arts Center provides extraordinary shared performance spaces. Click here to purchase tickets.

Accomplished professionals mentor students toward the goal of becoming well-rounded, professionally prepared technicians and performers.

About Our Program

On February 7, 2003 the Colorado Commission of Higher Education approved a new MSCD degree program in Theatre, offering both the Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Theatre, and Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) with concentrations in Music Theatre and Applied Theatre Technology and Design. The Theatre program also offers a minor in Theatre.

Students can find many performance opportunities at MSCD. Several theatre classes, such as directing, reader's theatre, and stage movement offer students the opportunity to showcase their work. Three to four major productions are also produced each year, including musicals produced in collaboration with the MSCD Music Department. The Metro Theatre Association, a student run organization, provides a forum for students to work closely with production development.

Students may also apply for Colorado Scholars Theatre Scholarships. In 1997, the MSCD Theatre program was accepted for membership in Alpha Psi Omega, a national dramatic honor society, and established the Alpha Gamma Beta chapter. For additional information concerning all aspects of the Theatre program, contact Dr. Marilyn A. Hetzel, Director of Theatre, Department of Communication Arts & Sciences, at (303) 556-3033.

Degree Information

List of Degress Offered	Credit Hours Required
BA Theatre	42
BA Music Theatre	80
BFA Applied Theatre Technology and Design	80
Minor in Theatre	21

BA THEATRE – 42 credit hours

Students may declare a theatre major at any time.

Students who major in Theatre must designate a minor in another field. All theatre majors should arrange for an academic advising appointment with a theatre faculty member at least once per year.

All students working in the theatre major must work in a performance or technical capacity on a minimum of two MSCD productions per academic year. Students must cycle through a variety of production areas.

BFA – 80 credit hours

(Applications accepted during the Spring semester no later than April 1.)
Students must complete an audition or portfolio review during the spring semester.
Students may declare a theatre major in the BA program and work toward acceptance to the BFA program. Official acceptance into the BFA program will take place during the spring semester of any given year. Students must submit the following in order to be considered for acceptance to the BFA program in either Music Theatre or Applied Theatre Technology and Design.

A Cover Letter that explains
1. what the student hopes to do after graduation;
2. what the student hopes to gain from the theatre BFA program;
3. what skills the student brings to the program.
A Resume that includes the student’s
1. name, address, contact information, year in school;
2. general work experience both on and off campus;
3. entertainment arts work experience both on and off campus, professional and non-professional;
4. education including high school, workshops, internships, special programs;
5. professional affiliations and or club associations.
A current CAPP report or copy of transcripts.

In addition to the above, BFA Music Theatre applicants must pass two separate auditions:

a Music Department Audition;
a Theatre Division Audition.

See the following audition descriptions:

The Music Department Audition- requires a singing audition and a music sight-reading test before one can be considered for acceptance into the voice program. These auditions are held the first Thursday before classes begin both fall and spring semesters. (A student must contact the Music Department to schedule the singing auditions and sight reading test.)
The Theatre Division- requires an audition that includes two 1 min. monologues and one song (this song may also be used for the Music Department Audition).

Students may be accepted into the Music Theatre concentration before passing the Music Department auditions, but these auditions must be successfully completed within two years of being accepted into the program, or the students will be moved to the BA Theatre program (with no loss of credit).

BFA Applied Theatre Technology applicants will complete an interview with selected faculty members

ONGOING EXPECTATIONS OF ALL BFA STUDENTS

Performance & Portfolio:
BFA Applied Theatre Technology students will present a portfolio for review each spring semester. BFA students in Music Theatre will present a portfolio for review and will perform in a performance showcase during the spring semester each year.
Students must successfully pass portfolio/performance reviews in order to remain in the BFA program. BFA students in Music Theatre must audition for every MSCD production (including both musicals and dramas – but excluding directing projects) either for “experience only” or for a role.

General Expectations:
BFA students must attend every MSCD production.
All BFA students are required to work in a performance or technical capacity on a minimum of two MSCD productions per academic year. All BFA students must arrange for an academic advising session with a theatre faculty member at least once per year.

Students majoring in Applied Theatre Technology and Design must perform technical work on a minimum of two MSCD productions per year. Students must cycle through assorted production areas. All majors are free to audition for and work on additional productions. Students will continue to follow the current application procedures for technical positions. These positions will be assigned, as per the current process.

INITIAL ACCEPTANCE & YEARLY REVIEW STATUS FOR BFA PROGRAMS

BFA applicants will be apprised of their application status, and BFA majors will be notified of their review status no later than June 1.

MINOR IN THEATRE – 21 credit hours

Students may declare a theatre minor at any time.
Note: Students who major in Speech Communication or Journalism may choose to minor in theatre. Theatre minors are encouraged to arrange for an academic advising appointment with a theatre faculty member at least once per year.