BA (Hons) Musical Theatre (Cabaret)
Become a specialist in musical theatre, stage entertainment and performance
Become a specialist in musical theatre, stage entertainment and performance
- Train in musical theatre with specialist options in stage entertainment and performance
- Build your professional network through our industry partnerships with Talent Artistic Group (TAG) and Sonic Artists
- Spotlight accredited
- Star in our professional showcase and perform throughout your degree
- Learn from our expert and industry-active teaching staff
Top 40
UK university for four
years in a row
The Guardian University Guide 2024
94%
positivity for teaching
on my course
National Student Survey 2024
Top 10
in the UK for freedom
of expression
National Student Survey 2024
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Overview
Combine traditional musical theatre training with specialist stage entertainment and performance practice
The only course of its kind in the UK, our BA (Hons) Musical Theatre (Cabaret) degree provides you with a traditional training in Musical Theatre with additional preparation for a career in cruises, holiday resorts and stage entertainment.
Gain highly-practical musical theatre training with a focus on stage performance
You will receive traditional training in every aspect of Musical Theatre (singing, acting and dance) alongside a specialist focus on developing specifical techniques and skills from a wide range of stage entertainment and performance options.
Throughout your degree, you will study a very generous amount of dance (jazz, ballet, tap, commercial, body conditioning) and singing, plus ensemble, stage acting and recording studio techniques.
Study a variety of stage entertainment and performance disciplines, including:
- Acting through song
- Spoken voice
- Tap
- Jazz
- Comedy
- Magic
- ...and many more!
Guaranteed roles in fully-staged productions
This high-contact course guarantees you performance roles in our productions, in collaboration with professional production teams in regional theatres, alongside cruise-styled, fully-staged, cabaret floor shows.
Star in your professional showcase and kickstart your career
You will also perform at a graduate showcase for agents, bookers and industry professionals, which is also professionally recorded. This means that you will graduate with a professional showreel, headshots and a vocal rep folder, giving you everything you need to start your career within the performance industry.
Seize networking opportunities with our industry partners
You will have regular visits from industry professionals and partners throughout the course and work with them to develop your performance skills.
The course is unique in the UK as being the only Musical Theatre (Cabaret) course in the country, being partnered with leading international show producers TAGlive, based in the USA and the UK (TUI, cruises, and resorts worldwide), bringing the profession into the classroom.
Andy Mills-Brown
Jon Perry
Spotlight accredited
Our Spotlight accreditation offers you discounted graduate membership to the largest casting resource in the United Kingdom, inclusion in a dedicated ‘graduate’ section of their website, access to their dedicated one-to-one career advice sessions and much more.
The Course
Develop specialist technical and performance skills across acting, dancing and singing
This highly-practical degree provides you with comprehensive training in the three key areas of musical theatre (acting, dancing and singing) and encourages you to develop your own individual combination of skills through our various optional study options in stage entertainment and performance.
Darcey
Create your own pathway
You will be encouraged to develop your own individual combination of skills.
You will access vocal masterclasses, one-to-one singing lessons, ensemble, singing and acting through song. Dance will include tap, jazz, ballet, with options in pole, aerial and silk. Your acting and stage classes will cover physical theatre, dialect, script work, with options in magic, comedy and guitar and ukulele performance.
Year One
During your first year you will study singing, acting, dance, recording studio techniques, spoken voice and entertainment skills, and take part in fully staged cabaret floor shows working with musical theatre industry experts.
Year Two
In the second year, you will continue to develop your acting, singing and dance in regular classes, and have the choice to be assessed in singing or dance as your primary study.
In addition to being featured in the Cabaret Performance Company floor shows, you will also audition for our fully staged musical theatre shows which take place in leading regional theatres including Alexander Theatre, Bognor Regis, and the New Theatre Royal, Portsmouth, produced by leading industry creative teams.
Year Three
In the third year, you will appear in our fully staged musical theatre shows at leading regional theatres, in Cabaret Performance Company shows, in an Agents Showcase and create an industry Showreel, with regular visits from agents and industry professionals.
Modules
Select a year
Cabaret Skills
This year-long programme of study is focused on preparation, developing the different disciplines and practices needed for cabaret performance skills.
In addition, the module focuses on developing a good sense of performance context.
You will be challenged creatively, physically and intellectually under the direction of specialist teachers, preparing them for your professional career.
History of Cabaret
To develop an individual voice as a cabaret performer, it is important to understand the traditions of entertainment from which the role derives.
This module allows you to understand and learn from the key figures in the history of cabaret entertaining either with a view to working within a particular chosen style, or breaking away from the tradition from an informed position.
This module looks at the evolution of the role and changes in the way cabaret has been consumed from the 19th century and earlier through to more current models.
Musical Theatre Development 1
This module develops your performance and communication skills in the musical theatre disciplines of acting, singing and dance, and introduces a more developed sense of performance context.
You will develop your current repertoire, your exploration of new work under the direction of specialist acting, dance and vocal teachers, and your skill in preparing for performance.
Performance Development
This includes your 1 to 1 tuition in your selected instrumental or vocal study.
Professional Resilience
This module will explore a range of different strategies designed to offer support to the emerging arts practitioner and will introduce you to a number of different models of successful self-development.
Professional Skills
Supporting the Cabaret Skills module, this year long programme of study is focused on professional practice, developing the different skills needed for cabaret performance, as well as developing a good sense of technical knowledge.
As part of this, you will work under the direction of specialist teachers, preparing them towards professional careers.
Cabaret Skills
This year-long programme of study is focused on preparation, developing the different disciplines and practices needed for cabaret performance skills.
In addition, the module focuses on developing a good sense of performance context.
You will be challenged creatively, physically and intellectually under the direction of specialist teachers, preparing them for your professional career.
Ensemble
You will produce a professional standard performance, demonstrating confidence within your chosen repertoire(s) and technical and expressive maturity. You will need an appropriate balance in programming and the ability to lean towards either a supporting or leadership role and develop your skills in hosting events and presenting the work to others.
Musical Theatre Development 2
This module develops your performance and communication skills in the musical theatre disciplines of acting, singing and dance, and introduces a more developed sense of performance context.
You will develop your current repertoire, your exploration of new work under the direction of specialist acting, dance and vocal teachers, and your skill in preparing for performance.
Musicals On Screen
This module explores the diverse cultural, social and historical contexts in which the movie musical has developed and currently operates. In addition, you will focus on the exploration of different filmmaking techniques, technologies and creative methodologies, using real world movie musicals as examples.
Performance Development
This includes your 1 to 1 tuition in your selected instrumental or vocal study.
Professional Skills
Supporting the Cabaret Skills module, this year long programme of study is focused on professional practice, developing the different skills needed for cabaret performance, as well as developing a good sense of technical knowledge.
As part of this, you will work under the direction of specialist teachers, preparing them towards professional careers.
Self-Employment, Employment and Visualising Success
This module explores the local and national marketplace and will introduce you to a number of different models of successful positioning within it.
A successful career as a music professional needs to be informed, alongside musical and communication skills, by an understanding of the nature of self-employment in business.
This module will seek to develop this, and to encourage a confident approach to the world beyond university, enabling a tailored financial and business planning which encourages an awareness of local markets and circumstances.
Cabaret Performance Showreel
This large all-year module incorporates a huge array of classes specific to your specialisms, including:
- instrumentals studies
- sight-reading
- vocal rep
- musical direction
- spoken voice/entertainment skills
- video and audio editing
- plus your chosen option (comedy song, guitar or magic) to create your own Industry Showreel at the conclusion of the course.
Working with a wide range of tutors, this module will encourage you to look at how to present your own work on camera, how you market your skillset in the profession and help you to reflect on positioning yourself to a professional standard to agents and bookers.
Cabaret Skills
This year-long programme of study is focused on preparation, developing the different disciplines and practices needed for cabaret performance skills.
In addition, the module focuses on developing a good sense of performance context.
You will be challenged creatively, physically and intellectually under the direction of specialist teachers, preparing them for your professional career.
Create Your Own Show (Personal Study)
This module allows you to select an area or areas of study of their choice, in singing, instrumental study, dance (including choreography), acting, comedy, magic, and to develop this over an extended period into a self-devised show.
This provides an opportunity to develop an individual repertoire, and to present a longer and more challenging programme of work centred around your individual skill set.
Ensemble
You will produce a professional standard performance, demonstrating confidence within your chosen repertoire(s) and technical and expressive maturity. You will need an appropriate balance in programming and the ability to lean towards either a supporting or leadership role and develop your skills in hosting events and presenting the work to others.
Musical Theatre Development 3
This module develops your performance and communication skills in the musical theatre disciplines of acting, singing and dance, and introduces a more developed sense of performance context.
As part of this, you will develop your current repertoire, your exploration of new work under the direction of specialist acting, dance and vocal teachers, and your skill in preparing for performance.
Performance Development
This includes your 1 to 1 tuition in your selected instrumental or vocal study.
Personal Study (Recital)
This module sees you select an area of study in performance and develop it over an extended period.
For performers, this is an opportunity to present a longer and more challenging programme of work.
Personal Study (Written)
This module provides you with an opportunity to select an area of study of your choice, to research it and present your findings in written form, and to develop this over an extended period.
The MT Swing
This module gives you an insight to the role of a ‘swing’ within a musical theatre performance context. This is where you will be asked to learn all the parts of a particular production to be ready to fill any role.
You will develop an exploration of performance styles in practical work and a willingness to approach new and more complex learning strategies.
A more professional approach to rehearsal will be encouraged and you will keep a ‘swing bible’ (written log) of all information needed to effectively take part in the performance, in any given role.
Venues and Organisations
In this module, you will conduct self-analysis in your knowledge of and skills in accompaniment, clowning, magic and comedy, as you discuss with confidence aspects of practice relevant to their individual choice of or combination of discipline development.
Teaching and Assessment
Feel the support of our expert and experienced staff
Our expert and experienced musical theatre practitioners get to know you as individuals so you can feel more confident to develop your technical skills and explore your creative ideas in a supportive environment.
Typical study weeks include:
- Performance technique classes
- Supplemental training classes
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Tutorials
- Studio-based workshops
- Application of practice classes.
Outside of scheduled classes, you will complete independent study including developing repertoire, researching texts, individual solo practise, completing individual or group tasks and working on your assignments.
Experience
Discover industry-standard spaces and equipment to support you learning
The ShowRoom
Our 250-seat performance venue gives you experience of working in a working theatre space.
Expert staff
Learn from industry experts with extensive experience of the performance and entertainment sectors.
Career guidance and support
Gain vital career materials, support and guidance through our industry partnerships, connections and Spotlight accreditation.
Close community
Our commitment to a friendly and close-knit student community allows you to collaborate with students from other courses.
Learning Resource Centre
The Learning Resource Centre (LRC) contains the library, a café, IT/teaching rooms and the Support and Information Zone (SIZ).
Library
Our campus library holds more than 200,000 books and over 500,000 eBooks.
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Study Abroad
Explore the opportunity to study part of your course abroad
As a student at the University of Chichester, you can explore opportunities to study abroad during your studies as you enrich and broaden your educational experiences.
Students who have done this in the past have found it to be an amazing experience to broaden their horizons, a great opportunity to meet new people, undertake further travelling and to immerse themselves within a new culture.
You will be fully supported throughout the process to help find the right destination institution for you and your course. We can take you through everything that you will need to consider, from visas to financial support, to ensure that you get the best out of your time studying abroad.
Careers
Prepare for a rewarding career within the performance industry
The highly-practical nature of our BA (Hons) Musical Theatre (Cabaret) degree supports specialist dancers, singers and entertainers who wish to pursue a career in musical theatre, cruises, hotels and international resorts.
High-contact hours with industry experts, focus on performance skills and experience, and strong professional links with the sector help prepare you for your future career, as you develop a broad range of skills to enhance your CV and your employability.
As performers, alumni have gone into work in:
- West End productions
- Major touring productions throughout Europe
- Major cruise ships including Disney
- UK and International touring theatre
- Film and TV in both the UK and US
- Warner Leisure Hotels
- Edinburgh Festival
- Cabaret
- Stage and arts management in the UK and around the world.
Many past graduates are now working in some of the principal producing houses. Visit our alumni group on Facebook to see what our students do after finishing their studies.
Further Study
You could choose to continue your studies at postgraduate level.
Study options at the University of Chichester include:
- MA Music Performance
- MA Performance: Theatre
- MA Screen Acting
- MA Music Teaching
- PGCE
- PhD/MPhil.
University of Chichester alumni who have completed a full undergraduate degree at the University will receive a 15% discount on their postgraduate fees.
Course Costs
Course Fees 2024/25
UK fee
International fee
For further details about fees, please see our Tuition Fee page.
For further details about international scholarships, please see our Scholarships page.
To find out about any additional costs on this course, please see our Additional Costs page.
Entry Requirements
Typical offers (individual offers may vary):
UCAS
A Levels
BTEC
IB
IELTS
Auditions
You will need to demonstrate your ability in dance, acting and singing in a performance audition. Applicants with high levels of performance skills may be considered for a lower academic offer. For more information on this process see below – Audition Details and FAQs.
Contextual offers
We believe everyone deserves an equal opportunity to pursue higher education, regardless of their background.
When we receive your application we consider your personal circumstances and the factors surrounding your achievements to see if you are eligible for a contextual offer. This is an offer with a reduced entry tariff – typically the equivalent of 16 fewer UCAS points (two A-level grades).
Find out more about our contextual offers.
Interviews and Auditions
Auditions and interviews usually run from January until March/April.
We aim to offer you a genuine dialogue during your application process. This gives you a sense of worth and achievement from the audition process itself; a sense of ownership for you during the process and, ultimately, is an opportunity for us to get a clear understanding of who you are, what you need and how we can best prepare you for your degree.
We judge you on your skills, your potential and your personality, not your background.
If you are invited to audition you will receive an email asking you to book your audition date on ChiView. If you are unsuccessful we will email you to let you know.
You can usually choose between multiple days on ChiView at one time. If none of the current dates suit you please contact admissions@chi.ac.uk.
Once you have booked your audition, you will be able to access the audition guidance document on ChiView – just log into the ChiView portal, click on ‘Events schedule’ and then ‘View details’ to access the document, which will tell you how to prepare for your audition, what to expect on the day, etc.
If your situation changes and you can no longer attend your audition date, you should cancel your booking in ChiView by visiting your ‘Event Schedule’ and clicking ‘Cancel Attendance’. You also need to inform the admissions team by emailing admissions@chi.ac.uk, so we can send you a new audition invitation.
Sometimes if you are viewing your ChiView portal on a phone you will not be able to see the page correctly. If this happens you should try again on another device.
You may need to clear your browser history.
If you are still unable to see the ‘View details’ button, please check that you have successfully booked your audition by clicking ‘respond to interview invitation’.
If all else fails please email admissions@chi.ac.uk with your query and applicant number.
After your audition, the panel will discuss your performance and pass our decision onto the admissions team, who will update UCAS and email you with the outcome, whatever it might be.
- We make bespoke offers: Your offer is specifically for you. If we offer less than your predicted grades, this will reflect the potential and quality of your audition and we’d like to take a bit of pressure off of you heading into your exams.
- We don’t do unconditional offers: Unless you already have your grades (you are a mature student), we will always insist on certain grade achievements because we want you to succeed in all aspects of your academic life including your A levels, BTEC, etc.
- If you do not get the grades you wanted: Don’t panic. You received an offer because you were good enough for the department at audition. On Results Day, just ring us on the clearing hotline, so we can discuss things with you.
- We may offer you a different course: We may offer you a place on an alternative, relevant course within the department, rather than offer you the course you applied for. If this is the case, we will state this in your offer letter/email and update your course on UCAS. We will explain our reasoning, which will revolve around placing you on the most appropriate course where we think you will thrive.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Click the ‘Apply now’ button to go to relevant UCAS page.
Many qualifications have a UCAS Tariff value. The score depends on the qualification, and the grade you achieved.
Head to the UCAS Tariff Points web page where you can find a tariff points calculator that can tell you how much your qualification and grades are worth.
