Musical Theatre, B.F.A.

Program overview

Enhance your performance potential by immersing yourself in the study of acting, performance and voice for the stage. Learn from faculty who possess a combined century of Broadway, Off-Broadway and national touring experience to prepare to succeed in the highly competitive world of professional musical theatre.

Admission options

Three students pose for photo on Rider campus.

First-year - How to Apply

Rider is where your future begins. First-year students are defined as recent high school graduates who are attending college for the first time. There are so many opportunities ahead. Take the first step towards your tomorrow at Rider.

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Transfer - How to Apply

No matter where you began your journey, Rider has the resources you need to continue moving forward. At Rider, transfer students are defined as students who are under the age of 25 and have credits from another college or university.

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Continuing Education - How to Apply

Rider offers flexible pathways for adult learners aged 25 or over, including veterans and active duty military personnel, that allow you to earn your bachelor's degree or take courses for personal enrichment. Non-matriculated or visiting students should apply using the Continuing Education application.

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Program requirements

The BFA in Musical Theatre program is focused on integrating the principles and techniques of music, dance and theater.

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Actualize your dream

Our graduates take their talents to the stage, landing roles on Broadway and in national tours, such as the acclaimed musical Hamilton, and have been spotted in film and television, and in careers behind the scenes. You’ll find alumni hard at work in one of the many career paths.

Common careers:

Actor/performer
Choreographer
Music instructor
Producer
Production assistant

Broadway is within your reach

Musical Theatre majors use Rider’s close proximity New York City - the epicenter of American musical theater and home of Broadway - to their advantage to supplement their training and build lasting relationships with fellow performers.

Students also have the opportunity to spend a semester in Los Angeles to study and intern with industry professionals while living full-time in the heart of Hollywood's entertainment industry.

Engaged Learning

We never stopped working at Rider, whether it was a main-stage show, a cabaret or a student-run production where we could be working on a hip-hop piece or a contemporary number. That type of eclectic training really taught me about a number of styles."

Braden Sweeney '17

Showcase your talents

Performance lies at the heart of Rider and it serves as the key to your learning. Our abundance of mainstage and student-led productions alongside countless performance groups offer you the opportunity to put theory to practice without leaving campus.

Audition Requirements