Musical Theatre

Creative industries
You can work as a musical theatre performer, director, choreographer, or stage manager or you could choose to focus on technical theatre. You could also create your own company, produce new work and tour it globally.

You can access jobs within arts organisations and management, acting as a theatre producer or event organiser, or join theatre and companies' marketing teams. You may develop as an arts journalist or critic or you could work in arts fundraising.

Education
As a graduate you’ll have access to numerous job opportunities in education, pursuing a career as primary or secondary school teacher, or as a workshop facilitator for a variety of communities. You can work as a musical theatre assistant, supporting school and students' productions; you might also have a role touring schools to use musical theatre to educate student groups.

Health
A growing number of roles in the health sector look at the role of drama in wellbeing. If this area interests you, you might want to train as a dramatherapist with our MA Dramatherapy. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees.

2024 graduate Sophie Harris was scouted on Spotlight by agency You Management UK after they saw her showreel, vocal reel and ARU portfolio. She is now auditioning for West End and touring contracts.

Many of our students have gone on to accept top contracts in regional theatre, performed on cruises, holiday parks, advert campaigns, new musical theatre workshops and even started their own theatre companies. Many of our graduates have obtained postgraduate study places at LSMT, Mountview, Trinity Laban, Italia Conti and Performers.

We want you to be a step ahead when you graduate, so we offer:

• courses designed with employers
• tutors with professional industry knowledge
• hands-on learning through Live Briefs, internships and placements
• Ruskin Modules that help develop the skills employers value.

Alongside your course, there are lots of other opportunities to build your skills and experience:

• add value to your CV with an ARU Certificate of Professional Development
• get involved in a thriving volunteering programme
• develop your brilliant business ideas
• work with businesses to make a social impact.

We’re here to help you develop your CV and find that all-important role after graduation. Our Employability Service offers tailored career appointments, advice on writing your CV, help to complete job applications, and much more. You’ll have 24/7 access to an online Careers Centre too, which is packed with useful resources.

The support continues after you graduate, with lifelong access to our Alumni Career Centre.

Find out more about careers support at ARU.

A foundation year prepares you for the rest of your course, and focuses on general skills such as researching and referencing, numeracy and ICT, and communication. We'll also start to look at some more subject-specific topics.

Your placement year is a chance to put everything you’ve learnt in Years 1 and 2 into practice. Spend typically 9-12 months working for an organisation, developing your skills and gaining valuable work experience. Our Placements Team is here to help you secure a placement.

You’ll show your progress mainly through performance and practical work, with some small written components or longer essays if you choose theoretical options. The methods of assessment will include studio and public performances, essays, presentations, critical reflections, and a Major Project, which can be practical or written work.

See our list of recommended equipment for Musical Theatre students.