Musical Theatre

The BFA degree in Musical Theatre is rooted in the liberal arts tradition of Lees-McRae College and is designed to prepare you to pursue a career as a performer and or leader in musical theatre. Entrance into the BFA in Musical Theatre is by audition only. Transfer students should audition in the semester before they plan to enter Lees-McRae College. 

What You'll Study

Acting, dance and voice will be your main areas of study. However, we believe in the well-rounded theatre practitioner, so you will also take classes in technical theatre, management, artistic direction and cultural and historical perspectives. You are also required to complete an intensive course in stage combat and an internship.

Beyond the Classroom

Intern with Lees-McRae’s professional Summer Theatre company or travel to England or New York City during our May term and participate in mock auditions in front of multiple professional companies.

You'll also have the opportunity to travel to the Southeastern Theatre Conference (SETC)—the largest theatre conference in the U.S.—with faculty and peers to build connections and find employment.

After Graduation

Common Career Areas

• Performance—Actors, Singers, Extras, Choreographers,
• Directing—Stage Directors, Stage Managers, Creative Directors
• Educating—Dance Instructor, Drama Teachers, Education, Professor, Secondary Education

Career information is provided through Vault and O'Net. Current Lees-McRae students can see the full results on Vault using their student email and password. 

Alumni Success

Musical Theatre Department Chair Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts
ELWOOD in the Blues Brother's Show at Universal Studies
ANCHOR in Finding Nemo, the Musical at Walt Disney World's Animal Kingdom
Director at Quincy Music Theatre
Educator with N.E.W. Musical Theatre Workshops
Feelance Actor

Meet the Faculty

Joshua Yoder, MFA
Director and Assistant Professor of Theatre Arts

Michael Hannah, PhD
Program Coordinator for Theatre Arts, Professor

Natalie R. Davies, MFA
Production and Design Manager, Assistant Professor of Theatre Arts

Shauna Godwin, BA
Adjunct Instructor of Dance

Kathleen DenBleyker, MM
Instructor of Theatre Arts

Allison Bishop, MA
Staff Accompanist

Scott Koenig, MFA
Theatre Arts Technical Director

Stacey Trivett, BA
CAPA Director

Janet Barton Speer, PhD
Professor Emeritus
Artistic Director, Summer Theatre

Guest Artists:
Kara Wooten
Dustin Gibson
Todd Teagarden