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Bachelor of Music Theatre

Launch your performing arts career with multidisciplinary training.

Please note that this programme is pending approval with NZQA.

Bring stories to life by combining the disciplines of singing, acting and dance. Through practical classes, rehearsals and performance projects, you’ll strengthen each area while learning how to integrate them with confidence.

Your training progresses from core techniques to public performances and self-directed creative work. You’ll explore different styles, genres and cultural contexts, collaborate with performers and creative teams and develop work habits that reflect the realities of the performing arts industry.

Key features

  • Dedicated music theatre degree:

    Train in New Zealand’s only three-year, full-time bachelor’s degree dedicated to music theatre.

  • Live performance experience:

    Build stage experience through public productions and performance opportunities with local industry partners.

  • Tutors with industry experience:

    Learn from practising professionals with extensive experience across music theatre and performance.

  • Committed creative community:

    Join a close-knit community united by a passion for music theatre.

What you'll learn

  • Singing technique, musicianship and keyboard skills
  • Acting, character development and text analysis
  • Ballet, jazz and tap dance techniques
  • Movement, physical theatre and spoken voice
  • Integrated storytelling through singing, acting and dance
  • Ensemble performance and collaborative practice
  • Theatre and music theatre history
  • Improvisation and devised performance
  • Kaupapa Māori, Te Ao Māori and mātauranga Māori in performance

Audition dates:

  • Christchurch: Late Auditions

Acting, singing, dancing, Sophie can do it all! Her study at NASDA has been pivotal in preparing her for the performing world, with careers in musical theatre lining up her future, the world is her oyster!

Sophie James

University Entrance as specified by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA)

OR New Zealand Certificate in Performing Arts (Level 4) or equivalent

If you have undertaken examinations other than NCEA (e.g. International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Examination), Ara will assess your qualification for academic entry equivalency.

* NZQA approved subjects: see https://www2.nzqa.govt.nz/ncea/understanding-secondary-quals/university-entrance/

Submit a completed Audition form with the requested information

Attend an audition. Absentee auditions may be arranged (such as overseas applicants) via digital media platforms such as Skype or Face Time or via YouTube and Vimeo with applicants interviewed by telephone.

Still want to study but don't meet the Academic Requirements?

If you show that you have equivalent skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, you may be able to gain alternative entry.

Note: The number of courses you have to complete for this qualification may be reduced where you have relevant credits from previous study, or evidence of similar learning or experience in the workplace.

What if English is not my first Language?

If English is not your first language, we want to make sure that you will be successful in your chosen programme of study.

  • Please provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives
  • If you are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident, complete an Admission and Enrolment form and Ara will contact you regarding a free assessment.
  • If you are not a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent resident, please book a PTE Academic test through the Ara Examination Centre or complete an NZQA-approved English language test in your home country.
  • IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.
  • What if I have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance?
  • You do not need to provide additional evidence of English Language skills.

Overall IELTS 6.0 Academic

  • 5.5 Listening
  • 5.5 Reading
  • 5.5 Writing
  • 5.5 Speaking

Applicants are responsible for submitting the completed Additional Requirements form with the requested information

Applications are accepted throughout the academic year

Candidates must attend an audition which includes solo singing, a monologue, a dance/movement audition and a programme advisement interview.

Candidates are assessed and awarded scores under the following headings:

Interpretation, Communication, Intonation, Technique, Vocal Quality, Sense of Pitch and Rhythm, Comprehension, Acting Technique, Spoken Voice Quality, Alignment, Physical Expressiveness.

Candidates are ranked and based on this ranking together with the rest of the application, ākonga may be offered a place in the BMT.

Funding your studies

If you experience financial hardship during your studies, you may be eligible for funding, scholarships, and awards to help you continue your education.

Find out more

Career opportunities

  • Music theatre performer
  • Theatre actor
  • Screen actor
  • Cruise ship entertainer
  • Performing arts teacher
  • Cabaret artist

Study pathways

Pathways into this qualification

  • New Zealand Certificate in Performing Arts (Level 4)

Study options after this qualification

  • Postgraduate Diploma in Creative Practice
  • Master of Creative Practice

Recommended school subjects

  • English and English-rich subjects
  • Drama
  • Music
  • Dance
  • Physical Education

Bachelor of Music Theatre

Full-time - 3 Years

Launch your performing arts career with multidisciplinary training.

Information
Type Degree
Code CH4086
May be available for Study Visa? Yes
Credits 360
Level 7
May be eligible for Studylink? Yes
Reference CH4086-MAIN
Enquire Now
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Additional Entry Requirements

Submit a completed Audition form with the requested information

Attend an audition. Absentee auditions may be arranged (such as overseas applicants) via digital media platforms such as Skype or Face Time or via YouTube and Vimeo with applicants interviewed by telephone.

See overview for more

Credit Recognition

Translate your knowledge from previous study into credits towards a new qualification.

Apply for credit recognition

Documents

Area of Interest

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