Musical Theatre degree brings Broadway-style star quality to Huddersfield
Stage-struck students will be able to study Musical Theatre in Huddersfield for the first time from Autumn 2024.
The University of Huddersfield has announced the launch of a new BA(Hons) degree course to meet growing demand for expert tuition in this subject area.
Would-be performers from all over the north of England and beyond are expected to apply for a place to develop their craft in acting, singing and movement.
The University is already ranked 27th for performing arts in the QS World University Subject Rankings 2023. This new showcase course, an addition to established programmes in acting and performance, is set to boost ratings even further.
Dreaming of a career on stage
Course leader Dr Eric Hetzler, a US character actor turned leading academic, said: “Musical Theatre will be a very practical course for people who are dreaming of a career on the stage. Enrolling with us could be the first step on this journey.
“We’ll provide expert vocal training as well as coaching students in how to act, sing, move, and bring the energy and professionalism to any production. Students will investigate how musicals are put together – and be supported to develop characters that audiences will find exciting to watch and listen to.”
All drama students at Huddersfield have the opportunity to put on shows – from intimate plays to West End and Broadway-style musicals – and gain confidence by performing for public audiences.
Lecturers also provide guidance on building careers after graduation, offering a leg up for entry to entertainment industries. Assessments are via performance, presentations, and portfolios rather than exams.
Huddersfield is rated in the top 10 for music and drama in the UK Research Excellence Framework and its teaching was awarded an outstanding Gold status, the highest accolade attainable, in all three aspects of the Office for Students’ latest Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF). Notably, the University secured a Gold rating in both critical categories of student experience and student outcomes, reflecting its unwavering commitment to providing an exceptional student experience and fostering excellent student outcomes.
Drama alumni of the University include the actor Natalie Gavin, best known for Channel 4’s Shameless, BBC’s Line of Duty and ITV’s The Long Shadow, and the ‘wicked witch of Walford’, Eastenders soap star Balvinder Sopal. Leading stage and screen actor Sir Patrick Stewart remains Emeritus Chancellor, as part of his long-standing relationship with the University.
Andrew Corcoran graduated with a first-class degree in music with theatre studies from Huddersfield and went on to become a West End Musical Director, working on shows such as Mary Poppins, Jersey Boys, Evita, Matilda, Chicago and the Addams Family.
He said: “I owe a great deal to my time at Huddersfield. It gave me experiences and skillsets that still feed into my day-to-day professional life. The enthusiasm of my fellow students at that time to create music and performance pieces became addictive, so this dedicated Musical Theatre course is thrilling news!”
Find out more about studying Musical Theatre at Huddersfield