The Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts is pleased to announce that beginning in Fall 2026, University of Houston students will be able to pursue a Minor in Musical Theatre — a collaborative initiative between the School of Theatre and Dance and the Moores School of Music.
Open to students from any major, the performance-centered program invites students to develop their artistic talents through an interdisciplinary curriculum that integrates acting, singing, movement, and collaborative performance experiences.
The new minor is designed to deepen students’ artistic practice while broadening their understanding of the creative and historical foundations of musical theatre. Coursework includes a required production or performance credit through either the School of Theatre and Dance or the Moores School of Music, as well as the new course Musical Theatre History from 1960 to the Present.
In addition, the program introduces four new courses:
- Musical Theatre Dance Styles
- Contemporary/Commercial Singing Techniques
- Telling a Story Through Song
- The Broadway Musical Before 1960
“I am thrilled that we will welcome our first students in Fall 2026,” said Sharon Ott, Director of the School of Theatre and Dance. “Through classes taught by highly skilled professionals, students will develop their abilities as actor-singers while gaining a deeper appreciation for this vibrant, uniquely American art form.”
Designed to provide both artistic and professional preparation, the minor helps students strengthen essential skills in communication, collaboration, storytelling, and performance—qualities that are increasingly valuable in today’s evolving arts landscape.
“Sixty percent of new works on Broadway are musicals, and eighty percent of theatre produced nationwide is musical theatre,” said Sally Mayes, Artist in Residence.
“As opportunities continue to grow, strong, specialized training is crucial for young
performers entering the field.”
The 15-credit-hour minor includes nine advanced credit hours, with at least six advanced
hours completed at UH. Open to students from all majors, the program also allows up
to four credit hours from a student's major to be applied toward the minor.
“Houston’s opera and musical theatre ecosystem is thriving, and this program perfectly complements our nationally recognized Opera Program,” said Andrew Davis, Dean of the Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts. “We have long wanted to fill this gap in our program offerings, for the benefit of our students. And we are excited to have leveraged the significant combined talents and expertise of the School of Theatre and Dance and the Moores School of Music.”
With its emphasis on interdisciplinary learning and hands-on production experience, the Musical Theatre minor expands the University of Houston’s commitment to developing versatile, collaborative artists prepared for the demands of contemporary performance.
If you're interested in learning more about the minor, please contact Erika Jimenez at esalinas@central.uh.edu.