MFA Musical Theatre

The Guildford School of Acting (GSA) delivers its provision across three teaching blocks, within the University of Surrey’s existing semester structure. This MFA Musical Theatre course comprises of four 15 credit modules and two 30 credit modules within the first year. In the second year, the course comprises of four 15 credit modules and one 60 credit module.

The structure of our programmes follows clear educational aims that are tailored to each programme. These are all outlined in the programme specifications which include further details such as the learning outcomes.

Disclaimer: Modules listed are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Please note that modules may be subject to teaching availability and/or student demand.

Year 1 (full-time)

Our MFA in Musical Theatre will provide graduates with:

• The ability to employ a broad range of Musical Theatre knowledge and skills in the creation and presentation of roles
• The ability to perform in plays of various types and from various periods
• The acquisition of advanced understanding and capabilities in singing, dance, acting and play analysis
• A working knowledge of historical, critical, and theoretical content and the ways they inform musical theatre writing, the creation of roles, and other aspects of production

The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, skills, qualities and other attributes in the following areas:

Knowledge and understanding

• The Radicalisation of Bradley Manning by Tim Price, directed by Sophie Lifschutz
• Fanny and Fagott by Jack Thorne, directed by Justin Audibert
• Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare
• The Colour of Justice by Richard Norton­-Taylor

You will work with external directors who will introduce you to the realities of industry practice. Recent visiting directors include:

• An advanced understanding of the physical and vocal techniques required to maintain an expressive body and the optimum functionality of the voice
• A critical understanding of key theoretical and methodological developments in the practice of musical theatre
• A sophisticated understanding of the application of technique to differing theatrical forms, styles, genres and historical contexts
• A comprehensive understanding of current industry practice

Intellectual / cognitive skills

• Recognise, interpret and contextualise approaches to genre, idiom, style and historical context
• Recognise and respond appropriately to the demands of different musical theatre styles
• Ability to evaluate, critique and develop methodologies of practice
• Critically analyse and reflect on their own and others’ practice

Professional practical skills

• Identify and develop a personally effective and methodological approach to rehearsal
• Select and apply vocal and physical techniques appropriate to different genres, styles and periods of musical theatre
• Demonstrate creative, original and imaginative work in performance
• Contribute effective and appropriate advanced practices and concepts to an ensemble process
• Demonstrate evidence of extensive practical research and effective preparation for entry into the current performance industry

Key / transferable skills

• Be disciplined and consistent in a professional context
• Conduct themselves constructively, positively and sensitively towards others
• Able to both lead and collaborate as part of a team, on practical and research projects
• Communicate effectively and at an advanced level in both verbal and written form.
• Seek out, critique and employ information appropriately
• Recognise and develop commercial and artistic career opportunities.

Our graduates have an unrivalled employment record in West End shows, national tours, television, radio and film. Our very distinguished alumni include performers such as:

• Brenda Blethyn OBE
• Bill Nighy
• Ella Balinska
• Owen Teale
• Celia Imrie
• Jonjo O’Neill
• Alexandra Mardell
• Kobna Holdbrook-­Smith MBE
• Danielle Fiamanya
• Tam Mutu
• Caroline Sheen
• Rob Kazinsky
• Jade Anouka
• Chris Geere
• Emma Barton
• Justin Fletcher MBE
• T'Nia Miller
• Stephen Carlile
• Maiya Quansah-Breed
• Grace Mouat
• Bronagh Waugh

Our alumni have also secured employment in numerous regional theatres, opera and ballet companies, arts venues, scenic construction and prop-making companies, corporate events and lighting, sound and video hire companies, as well as attaining management and creative production roles for major venues and production companies including the Really Useful Group, Cameron Mackintosh Ltd, the National Theatre, the BBC, the Royal Albert Hall, Birmingham Symphony Hall, ATG Theatres and PRG Dubai. Other career paths have included teaching and outreach work.

Entry by audition.  Students must hold a bachelor's degree in a relevant subject (minimum 2.2 or equivalent), as well as significant engagement with drama, theatre and performance. Alternatively, entrants may have 5 years of relevant professional experience in the industry. Offers are made subject to a successful audition and interview.

For more audition information please visit AUDITIONS & INTERVIEWS

In exceptional cases, where ability and experience clearly show that an applicant is able to complete the course, other qualification profiles may be accepted. Variations will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

English language requirements

IELTS minimum overall: 6.5

IELTS minimum by component: 6.0 in each element

We offer intensive English language pre-sessional courses, designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here.

Find out all about fees and funding here.

Visit our Scholarships and Bursaries page for more details.

Thinking of continuing your education at Surrey? As an alumnus of Surrey, you may be eligible for a ten percent discount on our taught Masters programme fees.

http://www.surrey.ac.uk/scholarships/discounts-surrey-graduates

We often give our students the opportunity to acquire international experience during their degrees by taking advantage of our exchange agreements with overseas universities.

In addition to the hugely enjoyable and satisfying experience, time spent abroad adds a distinctive element to your CV.

Learn more about opportunities that might be available for this particular programme by using our student exchanges search tool.

Steps to Postgraduate Study is an official, independent guide for anyone considering a taught postgraduate course. The guide is produced by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE), the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales, the Scottish Funding Council and the Department for Employment and Learning, Northern Ireland.

Steps to Postgraduate Study is available here