• Join our mailing list

  • Blog

Institute of Technology or Polytechnic

Ara Institute of Canterbury
Ara Institute of Canterbury logo

Bachelor of Music Theatre

This course is available

On-Campus

Level of Study

Bachelor's Degree

Visit provider website

Summary

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

Entry criteria

Academic Requirements

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/

Additional 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.

Alternative Requirements

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.

English Requirements

What if English is not my first Language?

Overall IELTS 6.0 Academic

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

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
    • English Proficiency Outcomes Chart.
  • 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.
Selection Requirements

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.

Share this course

Share this course

Disclaimer

The listings provided on the Study with New Zealand website ( Study with New Zealand ) are for information and promotional purposes only. ENZ does not endorse any of the education providers listed. The information, content and material provided in the listings is the sole responsibility of each education provider. This search is powered by StudySpy(external link that opens in a new tab).

Please note that degrees and qualifications earned via remote or distance learning are excluded from the overseas credential evaluation and recognition services provided by the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange (CSCSE). For more information, please contact CSCSE directly: +86-10-62677800 (phone) or visit their website(external link that opens in a new tab).

You can learn more about international recognition of New Zealand qualifications on the NZQA website.