Colorado State University United States

Theatre / Musical Theatre (Pre)

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 4 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon January 2027

Course Overview

Explore the dynamic world of Theatre and Musical Theatre with this Bachelor's Degree from Colorado State University, designed for aspiring artists and technicians passionate about performance and production. You will delve into every facet of theatre, from the theory and practice of acting and directing to the intricacies of musical theatre, historical context, and cutting-edge theatrical design. This program is ideal for students eager to gain a comprehensive understanding of stagecraft, storytelling, and the collaborative art form that brings stories to life, preparing you for a multifaceted career in the performing arts.

This full-time, on-campus undergraduate program spans four years, immersing you in a rich curriculum that includes foundational courses like Text Analysis and Stagecraft, progressing to specialized areas such as Projection Design, Lighting Design, and Stage Management. You will gain practical experience through theatre practicums, working on productions and developing essential skills in areas like technical theatre and design. By the end of your degree, you will have a robust portfolio and the professional preparation needed to pursue diverse career paths in theatre, performance, and design.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This program provides a comprehensive four-year curriculum for students pursuing Theatre and Musical Theatre. The freshman year introduces foundational concepts in composition, drawing, stagecraft, and theatre practicum, alongside general education requirements. Subsequent years build upon these skills with specialized courses in theatre history, design, lighting, projection, and stage management, culminating in advanced practicum experiences and professional preparation. Elective options allow for further specialization and exploration of diverse theatrical and artistic fields.

1 Freshman Year

College Composition Compulsory
Text Analysis Compulsory
Drawing for Theatre Compulsory
Stagecraft Compulsory
Theatre Practicum I - Crew Assignment Compulsory
First Year Seminar - Telling Your Story Compulsory
Introduction to the Visual Arts Elective
Understanding Dance Elective
Music Appreciation Elective
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Elective
Quantitative Reasoning Elective

2 Sophomore Year

World Theatre History I Compulsory
World Theatre History II Compulsory
Computer Assisted Drafting for Theatre Compulsory
Lighting Design I Compulsory
Projection Design I Compulsory
Theatre Practicum II - Shop Assignment Compulsory
Theatre Practicum III: Production Crew Elective
Theatre Practicum III: Asst. Designer in Conceptual Design Process Elective
Biological and Physical Sciences Elective
Historical Perspectives Elective
Social and Behavioral Science Elective

3 Junior Year

Projection Design II Compulsory
Theatre Practicum III: Assistant Designer Applied Compulsory
Design Portfolio and Professional Preparation Compulsory
Stage Management I Elective
Set Design I Elective
Theatre Design and Production Seminar (Lecture Only, Lecture and Lab, or Lab Only) Elective
Theatre Practicum IV: Lead Production/Technical Elective
Theatre Practicum IV: Lead Designer - Conceptual Elective
Advanced Writing Elective
Upper-Division Electives Elective

4 Senior Year

Lighting Design II Compulsory
Theatre Practicum IV: Lead Designer - Applied Compulsory
Global Dramaturgies Elective
Global Theatre Elective
Study Abroad - South Africa: Performing Arts and Culture Elective
Theatre in London: Travel Abroad Elective
Theatre Internship Elective
Stage Management II Elective
Set Design II Elective
Musical Theatre History and Repertory I Elective
Theatre Design and Production Advanced Topics (Lecture, Lecture and Lab, or Lab) Elective

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 29,928.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 29,928.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 29,928.00
Fourth Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 29,928.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 119,712.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Food & Groceries USD 3,600.00 - USD 5,400.00
Transport USD 840.00 - USD 1,440.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,200.00 - USD 2,040.00
Estimated Total USD 5,640.00 - USD 8,880.00

Living cost estimates are based on Fort collins campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

84%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Amusement & Recreation ServicesAnimation & Visual EffectsEvent Promotion & ManagementLive Events & ConcertsMuseums & Cultural HeritageMusic & Performing ArtsSports & AthleticsStreaming & Digital ContentTalent & Artist ManagementTheme Parks & Leisure

Top Employers Hiring for this course

Denver Art Museum

Why Study Theatre / Musical Theatre (Pre) at Colorado State University

What makes this program stand out

January 2027 Closing soon

Next intake is in January 2027

Very Fast Application response time

Colorado State University typically responds to applications within 1 - 2 days, giving you clarity on your options quickly.

Life at Colorado State University in United States

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Theatre / Musical Theatre (Pre) at Colorado State University

Can I work while studying?

International students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks. No extra permits are needed for on-campus jobs.

What English language score do I need for this course?

To enroll, students must meet specific English language requirements. Acceptable tests include Duolingo, TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE, with varying score criteria for each.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue careers as actors, directors, stage managers, or in theatrical design.

What will I actually study in this course?

This program covers a wide range of topics, including acting and directing, as well as the history of theatre and dramaturgy. Students learn from experienced faculty and guest artists with backgrounds in professional theatre.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The Theatre / Musical Theatre (Pre) program at CSU has two intake months: January and August. Students can choose to start their studies in either of these months.
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