MA Music Theatre

About the course

On the MA Music Theatre at Central, we see performers as creators, and regularly produce new works with professional composers, writers, directors and choreographers.

• Encourages and develops a wide range of skills, with acting, singing and movement at the core, across many genres and styles
• Experience a diversity of music theatre forms in public productions, from conventional Broadway and West End repertoire to new writing and opera
• Alumni successes internationally include opera, television, film, live action animation, video-games, theatre, musicals, stand-up comedy and actor-musicianship.

Our approach

An established team of specialist lecturers and professional artists deliver classes and workshops. Our work is multidisciplinary: flexibility and sustainability are at its centre, and collaborative teamwork is the model. Research is embedded, reflecting the specific methodologies required by performers at a professional level.

The course is conservatoire-based, intense and demanding across four extended terms, with demands of commitment from students. The well-being of the students is fundamental and regular attention to physical, mental and intellectual well-being is uniquely supported.

Course Detail

This master’s level, conservatoire-style training provides the opportunity for music and theatre practitioners to develop performance techniques and creative skills and experience some of the diversity of music theatre forms.

Structure of the Course

Term One provides acting, dance and movement classes, alongside individual singing lessons that continue throughout the year. Conditioning classes underpin health and well-being for performers. Performance workshops, actor-musicianship and choral ensemble work are activities designed to synthesise skills.

Term Two includes several performances of an ensemble production in a studio theatre directed by a professional team showcasing the individual-specific skills of the company members. Opportunities to develop composition, writing, choreography and instrumental performance may be integrated into the curriculum. Skills learnt in Term One are targeted towards specialised performance requirements. An industry day brings students in to dialogue with agents and casting directors at the decision-making centre of the performer’s life.

Term Two concludes with an industry showcase.

Term Three comprises a full-scale public production of a contemporary work in the Embassy Theatre and the course frequently commissions and premieres new work. Acting, singing and dance/movement continue as part of preparation for that performance. The term ends with a unit which will prepare you for industry-standard audition techniques.

Term Four is devoted to the Sustained Independent Project, the character of which will reflect your strengths across research, writing, performing or creating. The research, performing and creating experiences from previous units contribute to this final piece of work also faces outwards to your career ahead.

Specialised pathway

MA Music Theatre is for performers, but we now offer a specialised pathway for composers and/ or musical directors who are also performers. Each case is taken individually and those interested will be invited to communicate directly with the Course Leader prior to audition.

Assessment

Assessment is by public performances, process, examination and written submissions.

How to Apply for Postgraduate Courses

All applications to postgraduate courses at Central must be made directly to the School. We have an online application system through which you should submit your application.

Visit the website for further details. 

Visit the MA Music Theatre page on the Royal Central School of Speech & Drama website for more details!