Bachelor of Music Theatre

This three-year degree will give you the skills needed to succeed in several branches of the performing arts.

You'll gain practical experience in performance and production work in key theatre disciplines such as acting, singing and dance, as well as studies in spoken voice, music theory, theatre history, technical theatre skills and research methods.

From the second year, you’ll learn to integrate the skills acquired in your first year. In the final year, most assessment is performance focused with the option to pursue an independent capstone project of your own design. This project allows for work-integrated learning in industry settings—including the possibility of working in professional productions—and further specialisations to develop other, related skills within the worlds of applied theatre and theatre for the stage. You'll learn from experienced performers and teachers who are dedicated to helping you make the most of your career. Note: Successful applicants will be invited to audition in Christchurch or Auckland and will be contacted with specific time slots. Audition dates: Christchurch:• 20 - 22 September• 4 December (Late auditions accepted if space available) Auckland: 15 September

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, book an IELTS or other test through the Ara Examination Centre or 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. 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. You will be required to attend an audition. Auditions are held during September and October of each year, however, early or late applications and audiitions may be arranged in consultation with the Programme Leader. Absentee auditions may be arranged (such as overseas applicants) via digital media platforms such as Skype or Zoom or via YouTube and Vimeo with applicants interviewed by phone Submit a completed Audition form with the requested information Applicants are responsible for submitting the completed Additional Requirements form with the requested information Applicantions are accepted throughout the academic year Candidates must attend an audition which includes solo singing, a group acting workshop and a group movement class 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, applicants may be offered a place in the Bachelor of Music Theatre University Entrance: NCEA Level 3 (60 credits at level 3 and 20 credits at level 2 or higher) which must include 14 credits at Level 3 in each of three approved* subjects and: Literacy* - 10 credits at Level 2 or above, made up of 5 credits in reading, 5 credits in writing, Numeracy* - 10 credits at Level 1 or above (specified achievement standards, or unit standards 26623, 26626, 26627) OR New Zealand Certificate in Performing Arts (Level 4) or equivalent Due to Covid-19 disruption, if you studied and achieved NCEA Level 3 during 2020, you only need 12 credits per Level 3 subject (i.e. total of 36 credits). Literacy and Numeracy requirements remain the same 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 http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/qualifications-standards/awards/university-entrance/