Bachelor of Music Theatre
Course details
| NZQF Level | 7 |
|---|
About the course
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 requirements
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.
About the provider
Ara Institute of Canterbury is recognised as one of New Zealand’s leading tertiary institutes. Specialising in applied, vocational and professional training, it offers more than 150 courses from foundation to postgraduate level.
Ara caters to a diverse range of learners; from school leavers and career changers to professionals wanting to upskill and individuals seeking to re-enter the workforce.
All Ara students benefit from the Ara Advantage: relevant courses, taught by inspirational mentors in real-life learning environments. Almost every Ara programme includes work-integrated learning. Work placements, apprenticeships, industry-based projects and internships ensure students are work-ready when they graduate.
Across its six campuses, Ara’s dedicated tutors and non-academic staff support students throughout their study journey. A comprehensive range of student services - such as financial assistance, learning support, health and wellbeing services, accommodation, childcare and student events – contributes to the success of every student.
It also has six additional small community hubs which deliver free digital upskilling and personal development courses.