Musical Theatre MA - 2026/7

Other information

Digital Capabilities
Throughout the programme students will be required to engage with digital technologies to develop their digital literacy, to support their learning, and to explore and secure employment opportunities. Students use specialist software to create digital and promotional content, and they will use a range of sharing platforms and social media to share this content with industry professionals and creative peers as appropriate. Students will also use traditional software and other digital technologies to undertake communication, administration, and planning. Engagement with the wider Creative Industries is encouraged digitally through Showcase work and performance work that is generated in digital formats. This enables students to engage with a wider pool of potential employers and creatives. Assessment also utilizes Digital Technologies, enabling students to get feedback on work in digital formats before generating employer facing work.

Employability
The focus on employability is embedded in the teaching, learning and assessment activities throughout this programme to nurture career ready graduates that will be sought after by employers in the creative industries. Expert staff with practitioner backgrounds deliver authentic and practical modes of working from the studio, to rehearsal, to public performance mirroring professional practice. Students develop transferable skills including independent and collaborative working, creative, critical and reflective thinking, and problem solving. Students will engage with a range of industry stakeholders who are invited to observe classes and attend performances. GSA has a dedicated Director of Employability. The benefits to students are many, with GSA having a constant and high level engagement with major employers, established and emergent creatives and a focused approach to our employability and creative outreach to those stakeholders.

Global & Cultural Capabilities
Students will develop their global, social, historical, and cultural awareness, share experiences and knowledge from their own backgrounds and cultures, and appreciate, recognise and interpret diverse perspectives. With an open mind and a willingness to engage in discussion, students will develop awareness and appreciate, recognise and interpret diverse perspectives in the characters and communities they will be portraying as actors-in-training. Students will be able to make informed contributions to the current debates in the creative industries.¿ GSA has a dedicated Equality, Diversity, and Inclusivity Manager. Students may be signposted to the university's Disability and Neuro-Diversity Service if they have needs or are experiencing barriers to individual learning. GSA is committed to making a range of performances accessible.

Resourcefulness & Resilience
In this programme the learning journey is carefully structured so that performance and rehearsal skills can be learned, developed, and integrated resulting in the student acquiring a broad range of resources which they can continue to use throughout the rest of their training and in future employment settings. The nature of the work means the student will learn to navigate uncertainty, to deal with risks and challenges, and to take on board personal and professional responsibilities. The use of formative and summative feedback will enable the students to build a thorough overview of their individual process and progress. The training features independent and collaborative learning, problem solving, communication, perseverance, stamina, critical thinking, self-management, and an understanding of self-value. Mirroring industry standards students will undertake classes, rehearsals and performance schedules which are in line with expectations for a successful Musical Theatre career.

Sustainability
Throughout the programme, students are encouraged to reflect on the social, cultural, ethical, political, economic, and environmental impact of the work they do as individuals and collectively, and to recognise their shared responsibilities. Students will understand the impact on audiences of the values, perceptions, and actions of their own, of others and of characters they are portraying in rehearsal and performance. Students will be nurtured as future leaders in sustainability thinking and empowered to take informed decisions and responsible actions that promote the wellbeing of present and future generations. GSA has a strong commitment to working from the studio, to rehearsal, to public performance in the most sustainable way possible. Productions aim to utilise best practice in use of materials and optionality is given in how students can access resources, for example printed or digital material. Effort is made to reduce our reliance on group media storage and throughout the course of study practice is continually reviewed, so that on a personal and institutional level sustainability is at the heart of our practice.