Musical theatre stars are triple threats. They are talented performers who need to excel in acting, singing and dancing to rise to the top stages across the country.

The Department of Theatre and Dance at the University of Nevada, Reno announces the establishment an interdisciplinary Bachelor of Arts in musical theatre degree between the department and music program. It is the only program offered in the state of Nevada. Nationwide, demand for such degrees outpace the spots available in many higher education institutions.

"Building this program will fill the need of numerous potential students who have left the state in pursuit of this training as well as offer local students a high-caliber musical theatre education at affordable tuition," Ann Archbold, chair of the theatre and dance department at the University, said. "The program helps align the University more closely with fellow R-1 universities, while offering the highest caliber training and preparation for students entering a deeply competitive field."

The program is taking shape where students will equally focus their classes on theatre, voice and dance. They will practice their craft with an academic and critical-thinking approach.

"Students pursuing this major will combine the artistic, cognitive and somatic skills necessary to enter the field as musical theatre practitioners and scholars," Archbold said. "In order to balance these skills, musical theatre majors will create, analyze and perform throughout their undergraduate careers."

Graduates of the program will have the practical experience to pursue a professional career in performance arts immediately. Northern Nevada audiences also will benefit as future productions will feature a higher-caliber talent.

On-campus auditions will be held in February 2020 for admission in the fall semester. Current students can contact Assistant Professor Adriano Cabral, Assistant Professor CJ Greer or Teaching Assistant Professor Nate Hodges.

The bachelor's degree capitalizes on interdisciplinary opportunities within the College of Liberal Arts, School of the Arts, Department of Theatre and Dance, the Department of Music and potential cross-disciplinary collaborations with other colleges and programs, Archbold said.