The field of theatre – musical theatre in particular – is constantly changing and evolving, and Shenandoah Conservatory’s Musical Theatre Program is evolving as well. We are regularly reviewing our curriculum and comparing it with the demands of the industry to be sure that we provide the most cutting edge preparation for our students to go out and have long, successful careers in theatre. We are pioneers in the training of healthy pop/rock singing for musical theatre performers; we are leaders in preparing our performers to think of themselves as small business owners; and we take immense pride in the professional connections we are able to help our students forge within the industry.

Shenandoah’s Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre curriculum is designed for the talented performer who wishes to prepare for a professional career in musical theatre. The curriculum provides a balance of theatre, music and dance study with practical applications.

We’re known as the “pop/rock” school because we offer the only program with faculty dedicated to the genre. We’re also the “business of the business” school because we teach a full course on branding and marketing and offer life and survival skills beyond the arts. In addition, Shenandoah is known as the “Meisner” school as one of the only undergraduate degree programs in the country to offer two full years of the Meisner acting technique.

You’ll receive full training in acting, voice, dance, music theory and general theatre studies, as well as business training.

Our hands-on approach to training the whole performer/artist is unique. We cater to the individual and you’ll feel like an individual, not a number. Our program is challenging, yet still nurturing to the individual.

Shenandoah offers numerous performance and travel opportunities, and connects you to the industry by bringing in guests from well-known musical theatre hotspots such as New York, D.C., and L.A.

Winchester, VA

Conservatory

B.F.A. in Musical Theatre

Small (<10k Students)

10K-20K

Yes

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Song

• Two musical theatre song selections and one monologue, prepared according to the live audition requirements listed below
• Applicants must use an accompanist or track; a cappella auditions will not be considered
• You may accompany yourself on guitar, piano, ukulele, etc if desired

Monologue

• Prepare a one-minute, age-appropriate, monologue from a contemporary play, George Bernard Shaw or later

Dance

• If you are primarily a dancer or consider dance to be your number one strength, you are encouraged to also submit a dance video showcasing a style of your choice
• Dance videos are optional for all other applicants

Song

• Prepare two musical theatre song selections (32 bars to 1 minute per selection) that best represent your work
• Selections may be from Golden Age, Contemporary Music Theatre, or Pop/Rock, but should be chosen to demonstrate your strengths, not your weaknesses
• We want to see what you do well now, not what you will eventually be able to do
• At least one of the two selections should be contemporary, 90s or later
• If you play guitar and would like to accompany yourself on a selection, you may bring your instrument to the audition
• A piano will also be available in the room
• Musical theatre applicants, must perform with accompaniment. Shenandoah will provide an accompanist for all on-campus or you may bring your own accompanist with you

Monologue

• Prepare a one-minute, age-appropriate, monologue from a contemporary play, George Bernard Shaw or later

Dance

• Students will learn and be evaluated on a dance combination at the live audition
• Dance or workout attire is required

On-campus

January 27, 2018

February 10, 2018

February 24, 2018

New York

January 20-21, 2018

All students admitted to a Shenandoah Conservatory program will receive a Conservatory Award. These awards are based on the student’s talent as demonstrated at the audition or portfolio review, and on the student’s academic record and potential for success.

It is strongly recommended that all students submit a FAFSA to the Shenandoah University Office of Financial Aid by February 15.

Notification of Conservatory Awards and other Financial Aid will be sent in March, provided a student has successfully completed their audition/application process and been fully admitted to the university.

Conservatory Awards are renewable for up to four years (eight semesters) and are reviewed annually.

Recipients of a Conservatory Award must maintain satisfactory progress in their course of study and are also required to contribute substantially and productively toward the artistic stature of the Conservatory.

For more information go to: su.edu/admissions

Senior Showcase, bringing Industry to campus for workshops and showcase

Freshmen may perform

Hands-on preparation for participation in professional theatre conferences so that students are encouraged to go out and work in the summers.

Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre (SSMT), our own professional stock company, which produces four major musicals each summer.

Kevin Covert, Director of Musical Theatre; Assistant Professor, Theatre

kcovert@su.edu

800-432-2266
Shenandoah Conservatory E-mail

Shenandoah MT Home page

Admissions

Office of Admissions at 540-665-4581 admit@su.edu

• Partnerships with Musical Theatre Programs in Europe (Sweden, Denmark, Germany) providing students with exchange opportunities to study abroad
• Ongoing partnership with the Tony Award-winning Signature Theatre in Arlington, VA, which has provided a professional pipeline for many students