Musical Theatre

Overview

The MA in Musical Theatre at Liverpool John Moores University seeks to develop your mastery of musical theatre craft, alongside current, relevant critical enquiry and scholarship. The programme focuses on the question: “what constitutes excellence in musical theatre?”​At the heart of the programme's work is an exploration of craft in creative processes and a belief that rigorous critical enquiry and best creative practice are inextricably linked. It aims to champion new work and new ways of working, and celebrates the unique expressive opportunities and appeal of the musical.

​With a unique ideology and appeal, the degree embraces not only the commercial musical theatre of Broadway and the West End but more experimental work, alongside other recognised forms such as cabaret, burlesque, melodrama, drag, and pantomime. The degree also provides a specific focus for the study of the British musical and its artists.

Career

This programme is aimed largely at applicants who consider themselves ‘musical theatre artists’, whatever the context of their activities – professional, amateur, or educational.

​It will have an appeal for librettists, lyricists, composers, directors, choreographers, musical directors, performers and teachers – though not exclusively so; anyone involved in and interested in getting better at making musical theatre (as well as meeting entry criteria, of course) is welcome to apply.

​In addition, for those with backgrounds in composition, orchestration, playwriting, poetry, etc, it is an opportunity to apply those skills to the specific demands of the musical theatre’s dramatic and theatrical imperatives.