Image Source: https://drew.edu

Drew University in Madison, N.J.  has recently announced the addition of a musical theater minor. This new program will supplement the popular theater arts major and four other program minors. 

The minor is an interdisciplinary program incorporating the study of acting, dance, movement, vocal arts, performance history, and related musical subjects. The program distinctively offers students the opportunity to create original musicals as well as to participate in immersive experiences. 

“The minor is an interplay of theater, music, and dance,” said Lisa Brenner, chair of Drew’s Theatre and Dance department and professor of theatre arts. 

“Other programs offer the opportunity to study directing, but not as extensively as our program, which also covers choreography,” she said. “Additionally, what makes our program distinctive is the ability to focus not only on performance in these areas but also writing and composition. Our program also has an applied learning aspect, including a workshop course that features innovation and collaboration.”

The new musical theater minor joins a robust list of theater and dance program offerings, including a major in theater arts – with concentrations in performance; design and technology; playwriting and dramaturgy; directing and stage management; and applied performance and community engagement – as well as minors in applied performance, arts administration, performing arts, dance, and theater arts. 

Brenner predicts great interest both inside and outside of the theater and dance program.

“We anticipate that just as our dance minors often major in non-arts fields, many more outside the theater and dance department will want to minor in musical theater to satisfy their passions,” she said, noting economics, biology, and psychology majors frequently choreograph the department’s dance shows and perform in theater productions. 

“We see a great many prospective students inquiring about musical theater, both those who plan to major in theater and those looking to pair this interest with other majors at Drew,” said Brenner. 

Learn more about this and many other academic offerings at https://drew.edu.