The University of Guelph is about to embrace the world of music theatre.
Prof. Robert Allan
The Bachelor of Fine Arts – Music Theatre, which is U of G’s first BFA program, is now open for applications for students aiming to start in fall 2027. This will be the only university-level music theatre degree available in Ontario.
“The beauty of this program is our students are going to get an in-depth education in a well-rounded program,” says Prof. Robert Allan, one of the lead faculty for the BFA-MT. “Traditionally in music theatre post-secondary education, you’re going to focus exclusively on performance. Our students will be performing, but also researching and creating. They will try everything.”
With a comprehensive approach to learning, the program will cover everything from stage design and prop building to pit band and on-stage performance. Graduates will finish the BFA-MT with interdisciplinary research experience that can lead to various careers within and beyond the music theatre sector.
“We’ll see our graduates be political lobbyists, teachers and medical professionals using what they learned here at U of G,” Allan states. He also hopes graduates pursue research opportunities in the arts using skills acquired through the BFA-MT.
No audition process for applying students
Students interested in the BFA-MT won’t need to go through an audition process, making it consistent with U of G’s commitment to accessible fine and performing arts programs.
“Our programs are barrier-free,” explains Dr. Kimberly Francis, director of the School of Fine Art and Music. “We are here to create a community of learners who are curious about art and performance.”
Francis mentions that some might assume students without auditions won’t perform strongly; however, she asserts that those enrolled in U of G’s post-secondary arts programs already bring significant experience from their chosen fields.
“We’re very committed to meeting you where you’re at and helping you develop,” she emphasizes.
Allan adds that this approach makes the program more accessible for students from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.
“We can adapt the rubric, the assignments, whatever we need to help students learn,” he notes. “We have the luxury of saying yes to anybody who applies.”
By removing auditions, Francis points out that programs across U of G benefit from a diverse array of students and genres.
“Music theatre has historically had problems with representation,” she remarks. “We want to be a program that creates a space to imagine a different and better way together.”
She also highlights there’s an increasing demand for arts as society recovers from pandemic challenges.
“Music theatre really speaks to us. It means something to us,” she shares. “It’s still a vital art form and we need people who are participating in a way that’s informed and intellectually curious.”
Building skills for careers across disciplines
For Dr. Samantha Brennan, dean of the College of Arts, launching the BFA-MT reflects years’ worth of groundwork among various disciplines.
“This program brings together our exceptional strengths in music and theatre and lets us offer something no other university in the province can,” Brennan explains. “It’s the kind of program that could only happen when two great programs decide to build something new together.”
Brennan acknowledges Francis’ pivotal role in turning this idea into reality.
“Kimberly’s vision and hard work are why this program exists,” she praises. “She saw what our students needed and had the drive to build it, and the College is incredibly grateful for her leadership.”
Brennan further points out how valuable this degree is beyond just performances on stage.
“A music theatre degree teaches you how to work as part of a team under real pressure — how to listen, adapt and pull together toward a shared goal,” she explains. “Those are skills employers look for across all sectors, so our graduates will carry them into whatever they do next.”
State-of-the-art facilities for practice, performance
This new program comes after student requests; additionally, College of Arts has taken steps like introducing a dance minor set for 2026.
“We’ve had numerous students interested in pursuing music theatre,” Francis comments. “After producing Into The Woods last year as part of our curriculum initiative , we started envisioning what such programming could look like at Uof G.”
The college boasts four theatres designed specifically catering towards prospective BFA-MT participants , including spaces located within its newly renovated Arts Research Centre.
“Our facilities are cutting edge ,” says francis. “They provide an opportunity allowing student growth while honing their craft.”
The venues include theatres , recital halls , dance studios , dressing rooms , rehearsal spaces alongside others equipped necessary tools enabling creative expression. Students enrolled within bfa-mt collaborate amongst peers studying both theater & musical disciplines hoping fulfill aspirations found common ground leading culminated efforts comprising annual musicals produced performed entirely by pupils featuring live student bands – unique offering exclusive Canada.
“U Of G can’t wait meet next generation passionate about not only performing enjoying art forms,” Allan expresses enthusiasm “If you love what theater/music means let’s connect!”
Dr. Kimberly Francis
The application window remains open now! Prospective applicants should visit official webpage gain further insight surrounding relevant details concerning application processes available opportunities !
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