Lori Meadows
The University of Michigan's School of Music, Theatre & Dance (SMTD) offers a variety of theatre-related courses, including a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre, a Bachelor of Theatre Arts (BTA), and a Musical Theatre curriculum. SMTD students can expect 75% of their coursework to be within SMTD and the remaining 25% within the liberal arts, typically through the College of Literature, Science & the Arts (LSA). This means that in addition to their theatre courses, students will take a number of performing arts courses and one non-SMTD course per semester. The BTA program, in particular, offers a lot of flexibility, allowing students to pursue a minor or second major and customize the program to fit their personal academic or career goals.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the course | Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre |
| Number of credits | 124 |
| Percentage of coursework in SMTD | 75% |
| Percentage of coursework in liberal arts | 25% |
| Opportunities | Revues, Broadway musicals, operettas, new and experimental works |
| Dual-degree programs | Available |
| Flexibility | Available |
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What You'll Learn
Dual degree programs
The University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance (SMTD) offers a range of dual-degree programs that allow students to pursue two concurrent degrees, expanding the academic options and opportunities available to them.
The SMTD's dual-degree programs enable students to study one degree at SMTD and another at a different U-M college. For example, a student could major in Performance at SMTD and Neuroscience at the College of Literature, Science & the Arts (LSA). Other approved dual-degree programs offered by LSA include Architecture, Art & Design, Business, Education, Engineering, Information, Kinesiology, Music, Theater & Dance, Pharmacy, and Public Health.
To obtain a dual degree, students must complete a minimum of 150 credits (128 for dual degrees with Engineering), with no less than 100 of these being LSA credits (90 for Engineering). Students must also maintain good academic standing in both colleges to continue in the program.
The Bachelor of Theatre Arts (BTA) program, offered by the SMTD, is another example of a dual-degree option. This program provides flexibility for students interested in pursuing a second major or developing a minor area of study. Students can customize the BTA program to fit their personal academic or career goals in consultation with a program advisor. The BTA requires a minimum of 120 credits, with roughly half of the coursework within SMTD and the other half taken in other schools at U-M.
The SMTD's Musical Theatre curriculum also includes a liberal arts component, with 75% of coursework completed within SMTD and 25% within the liberal arts. This program combines the focus and rigor of a conservatory with the academic breadth of a major public research university, offering a transformative educational experience.
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Coursework split
The University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance (SMTD) offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre, a Bachelor of Theatre Arts (BTA), and a range of dual-degree programs.
The SMTD Musical Theatre curriculum requires a minimum of 124 credits, with 75% of coursework within SMTD and 25% within the liberal arts. The SMTD offers a wide range of courses and resources for students to broaden their academic options. The remaining 25% of coursework is typically completed through the College of Literature, Science & the Arts (LSA). Students usually take a number of performing arts courses and one non-SMTD course per semester.
The BTA program provides students with the flexibility to tailor their theatre education to their interests and explore new areas. Students can also pursue a minor or second major at the university. The BTA curriculum includes coursework and hands-on learning experiences in areas such as performing arts management, playwriting, global theatre, theatre and social change, education, and stage management.
Dual-degree programs allow students to pursue two concurrent degrees, one at SMTD and one at another U-M college. For example, a student could major in Performance at SMTD and Neuroscience at LSA. These programs expand the opportunities available to students and are a unique aspect of a Michigan education.
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SMTD performances
The SMTD performance season typically includes nine fully staged productions and four major ensemble concerts, including the highly anticipated annual Collage Concert in January. These performances showcase the extraordinary talent of SMTD students and faculty, with a broad range of repertoires and artistic influences. The majority of SMTD performances are free and open to the public, with ticket revenue from the small number of ticketed performances going towards creating further educational performance opportunities for SMTD students.
SMTD students can also take advantage of the surrounding communities in the Ann Arbor area, which embrace the arts. This provides them with numerous professional opportunities to supplement their education and enhance their skills, playing an important role in their success after graduation.
In addition to the performances, SMTD offers a full range of dual-degree programs. These allow students to pursue two concurrent degrees, such as majoring in Performance at SMTD and Neuroscience at the College of Literature, Science & Arts. This expands the opportunities available to SMTD students and is another reason why a Michigan education is unique and excellent.
The SMTD Musical Theatre curriculum is robust and interrogative, with students investigating the musical theatre canon and adapting to an ever-changing creative field. SMTD Musical Theatre alumni are accomplished professionals who are passionately committed to the department. They routinely return to Ann Arbor to work with current students, and a robust alumni family provides incomparable support and connections.
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Academic breadth
The University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance (SMTD) combines the focus and rigour of a conservatory with the academic breadth and depth of a major public research university. SMTD offers a full range of dual-degree programs that allow students to pursue two concurrent degrees, one at SMTD and one at another U-M college. This means that students can broaden their academic options by taking courses at, for example, the College of Literature, Science & the Arts, the College of Engineering, or the Ross School of Business.
The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre requires a minimum of 124 credits, with 75% of coursework within SMTD and 25% within the liberal arts. Similarly, in most SMTD curricula, 75% of the coursework is completed within SMTD, with the remainder completed in non-SMTD courses, typically through the College of Literature, Science & the Arts. Usually, students will take a number of performing arts courses and one non-SMTD course per semester.
The Bachelor of Theatre Arts (BTA) program offers students the flexibility to tailor their theatre education to their interests, allowing them to pursue a minor or second major. Students can complete coursework and hands-on learning experiences in a wide range of areas, including performing arts management, playwriting, global theatre and ethnic studies, theatre and social change, practice-as-research, education, and stage management.
The University of Michigan's SMTD provides students with the academic breadth to pursue a range of different disciplines and the opportunity to broaden their academic horizons.
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Audition/interview process
The University of Michigan's School of Music, Theatre & Dance (SMTD) is a professional school for the performing arts. SMTD offers over 900 concerts and performances each year, providing students with ample opportunity to express themselves through performance. SMTD graduates play a large role in shaping the direction of the performing arts industry.
The SMTD audition/interview process is interactive, allowing students to experience SMTD firsthand. The process is not a competition but a way to determine where applicants fit in with the school's training and educational programs. The school is looking for intellectual curiosity and a cultural fit with the school itself.
All applicants to SMTD must complete an audition, interview, or portfolio review before being offered admission. Auditions and interviews are held in both in-person and virtual formats, with candidates given full and equal consideration regardless of the format chosen. Upon receiving an invitation to audition/interview, candidates can register for their preferred date and format. Auditions and interviews are scheduled after a successful review of an applicant’s complete application materials, submitted no later than the application deadline.
As part of the application process, all applicants are required to create an Artistic Profile to demonstrate their artistic preparation for their program of study, including any required recordings for their primary instrument/voice. Applicants must upload a video in which they answer three questions:
- What experience do you have teaching others or working with groups of young people?
- How would you describe yourself as a teacher or leader?
- What is your background and life experience, and how has this motivated your decision to pursue a dance degree at the University of Michigan?
Additionally, applicants should be prepared for a short conversation with the Design & Production faculty, where they will discuss the materials in their portfolio, previous creative work, the kind of performing arts they enjoy, and why. Students will also be asked to attend a group meeting with the faculty to discuss the school, the curriculum, performance opportunities, and more.
For music theory applicants, students who advance to this stage in the application process will meet online with Music Theory faculty to discuss training, future career goals, and a review of previously submitted materials. Students may also be asked to complete a keyboard harmony assessment and/or theory assessment of part-writing and analysis.
It is important to note that SMTD is a university program, and academics play a significant role in the evaluation of applicants. The school looks for a "B" average (3.0 GPA) or better for the academic preparation of first-year students. Standardized test scores are not required, as the University of Michigan is test-optional as of the 2025 application cycle.
While the audition/interview process can be stressful, applicants are advised to relax and let it be a meeting of people interested in the arts. It is not about impressing or "winning the game" of getting in, but rather finding the right fit for the applicant's talents and educational needs.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, theater students at the University of Michigan have general education requirements as part of their degree. 75% of the coursework is within the School of Music, Theatre & Dance (SMTD), and the remaining 25% is completed in non-SMTD courses, typically through the College of Literature, Science & the Arts (LSA).
The SMTD is the University of Michigan's School of Music, Theatre & Dance. It offers a wide range of courses and dual-degree programs, allowing students to pursue two concurrent degrees.
Students can pursue a dual degree with one degree at the SMTD and another at another U-M college. Examples include majoring in Performance at the SMTD and Neuroscience at the College of Literature, Science & the Arts (LSA), or majoring in Music at the SMTD and Business at the Ross School of Business.
Pursuing a dual-degree program expands the academic options and opportunities for students, providing them with a unique and excellent educational experience.
Yes, the Bachelor of Theatre Arts (BTA) program, for example, offers students the flexibility to pursue a minor or a second major. Students can customize the program to fit their personal academic or career goals.
