BA (Hons) Musical Theatre course preparation

To help you feel prepared for your BA (Hons) Musical Theatre studies, we’ve put together a list of key department contacts and how to connect with them, where you can expect to learn and other tips on how to prepare for your transition to university. Read on to find out more.

Prepare for university

We know that you’re aware that you’ll be putting in hard work to study for your course when you arrive. But it’s not just academic skills that you’ll be using once you’re here. And there are a few skills that you might want to start to build now so that you’re a pro when it comes to the start of your studies in September.

• Time management – you may have conflicting deadlines as well as other personal activities to consider. So you’ll want to make sure that you manage your time well so that you can do everything you’d like to do. But, there may be times when you can’t do it all but managing your time well will help you to prioritise which activities are necessary and which you have to miss out on.
• Critical thinking – it’s important to show your true understanding of the topics you cover in lectures. And for some of this, you’ll need to critique the work you’re studying in a professional, academic manner. You may already be completing tasks like this in your current studies, so university will be a chance to enhance these skills. Don’t be afraid to share your opinions.
• Teamwork – some modules may require you to work with others on your course to complete tasks and discuss analytical findings.
• Independent work – in contrary to the above, it’s also important to be able to work independently. The majority of your work will need to be submitted individually so it’s important to take ownership of your learning. And if there is something that you don’t understand, make sure to ask your tutor.
• Self-motivation – you’ll be encouraged to work more independently which means that you won’t have a teacher that chases you up to make sure you’ve completed a piece of work on time. So it’s important that you hold yourself accountable and make the decision to put the work in.

Useful websites:

• BBC Arts has a range of resources available including masterclasses from designers, the BBC Lockdown orchestra, Dance works like Spaghetti Junction and Michael Clarke’s Triptych and theatre from the Royal Shakespeare Company, The Globe and the National Theatre. You can find details on the website.
• Explore more productions streaming online for free at WhatsOnStage.com
• If you’re thinking about the future and careers in the performing arts, visit the Prospects website.

Watch live performances

We expect you to see as much live performance work as you can throughout your degree programme, so make sure you budget for visits to the theatre to see work, or to watch it online whenever there is opportunity to do so. You’ll be able to access a range of American Musicals online via Box of Broadcasts once you’re enrolled on your course and they’re all free to view.

Try and see some productions in the summer before your start your course – there are some great productions online. Why not use this as a chance to begin keeping a journal about the work you watch? This will become a useful resource when preparing for seminar presentations, essays, portfolios and other assignments. Whilst at Edge Hill, you’ll have the advantage of being able to see professional touring performance work at The Arts Centre, our on-campus professional venue. Edge Hill University Students can sign up to The Arts Centre’s free membership scheme.

While not a compulsory part of the course, it can be useful to have some basic knowledge of musical notation. If this is an area you would like to explore, check out the theory lessons on musictheory.net

Materials you may need:

It’s a good idea to wait until you start your course to buy any books or specific equipment as your tutor will be able to provide more details about what is essential. And our library may be able to provide you with reading materials. But there are a few things you may want to consider.

• Academic diary – a staple to help you with your time management as well as upcoming tasks in both your academic and personal life.
• Notepads and pens – all modules are a balance of theory and practice. Therefore, you should always have a notebook and pen with you in all practical sessions.

And of course, anything else that you like to use for your academic studies, like highlighters, flashcards and folders.

In your practical sessions, you’ll also need practical clothing. In your studio practice sessions, it’s vital that you can move safely, without restriction, and that your tutor can see your body in order to correct alignment and placement. Therefore, we ask you come prepared with the following kit:

• black sport leggings, or three-quarter length shorts or close-fitting dance trousers
• close-fitting vest top or t-shirt
• correct supportive underwear
• jogging bottoms and top for warm-up activities
• soft knee pads (you can buy these at a later date)
• a good pair of running/aerobic trainers (optional)
• hair ties for long hair

Before you arrive, check out our UniSkills workshops. These sessions are designed to help you to build the academic skills that you’ll use throughout your time with us and beyond. Keep an eye on your emails for more information.

Your department contact