About the Program

Led by the esteemed Boston Conservatory faculty, Musical Theater Acting Intensive is a rigorous program that delves deep into the complex art of character development, with intensive studies in acting, singing, and movement. You will also explore classical and contemporary repertoire, with daily classes in subjects ranging from Shakespeare to clowning to vocal techniques used in pop and rock music. Another key component of Musical Theater Acting Intensive is its focus on audition preparation. In each session, you will refine one to two audition pieces, so that you leave the program with the skills and confidence needed to nail your next audition.

Musical Theater Acting Intensive is modeled after Boston Conservatory’s top-ranking musical theater programs and gives students who are considering a degree in theater an opportunity to experience Boston Conservatory's signature training. The program is designed to complement the Conservatory’s related summer intensives—Musical Theater Dance Intensive, which develops strong theater dance technique, and Vocal/Choral Intensive, which is designed for serious singers interested in musical theater or classical music.

How to Enroll

This program is application-based and requires the preparation and submission of additional application materials along with your registration form. Once your materials are reviewed, you will be notified of your decision via email. Due to limited availability, you must accept your offer and pay tuition in full in order to reserve your spot in the program.

Step 1Submit your application
Begin by submitting your application online. Applications will be processed on a rolling basis until the program has reached capacity.
Step 2Make your tuition payment
All programs have limited capacity, so be sure to complete your full tuition payment to reserve your space in the program.
Step 3Request housing
If you will be age 15 or older by the start of your Boston-based program and require on-campus accommodations, complete the Residence Hall Agreement in the Next Steps tab of your registration portal.
Step 4Complete your next steps
Visit the Next Steps section of your program to view and complete any additional requirements. Review the checklist to make sure you are on track.

Curriculum

This program is designed for emerging theater artists who want to train with theater professionals and develop the acting, singing, and movement skills essential to developing a role and that character’s personality. The Musical Theater Acting Intensive also focuses on audition preparation, so it is ideal for students interested in pursuing theater, whether academically or professionally.

Schedule

This is a sample schedule to give you an idea of what to expect.

Monday

8 AM–10 AMCheck-In
12:30 PM–2 PMStudent Orientation
2 PM–6 PMCohort Share and Campus Tour
7 PM–9 PMOpen Mic Night

Tuesday

9 AM–10:45 AMMusical Theater Scene Study
1 PM–2:45 PMShakespeare
3 PM–4:30 PMPhysical Character
7:30 PM–9:30 PMVocal Ensemble

Wednesday

9 AM–10:30 PMMusical Theater Solo
11 AM–12:45 PMVoice and Speech
3 PM–4:30 PMActing for Camera
5 PM–6:30 PMStorytelling Through Dance

Thursday

9 AM–10:45 AMMusical Theater Scene Study
1 PM–2:45 PMShakespeare
3 PM–4:30 PMPhysical Character
7:30 PM–9:30 PMVocal Ensemble

Friday

11 AM–12:30 PMActing for Camera
3 PM–4 PMMusical Theater Solo
5 PM–6 PMVoice and Speech
7:30 PM–9:30 PMMaster Class

Saturday

10 AM–NoonAlexander Technique
2 PM–6 PMMaster Class
7 PM–8 PMBoston Theater Experience

Sunday

4:30 PM–9 PMSunset Boat Cruise

Requirements

This program is designed for emerging theater artists between the ages of 15 and 18.
Participants must possess a proficient level of English to enroll in this program. We do not require proof of English language proficiency (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo) as part of the enrollment or application process; however, you are expected to have a sufficient command of the English language to understand class material and assignments.
- Music repertoire book or two audition-ready songs (with sheet music for the pianist)
- At least three additional songs to work on (duets are welcomed)
- Monologue selections for exploration and First Day Sharing
- Comfortable clothing for easy movement, such as athletic wear, and sneakers
- Jazz or character shoes if you have them (something comfortable for dancing)
- Socks for dancing
- An outfit that you feel represents you for sharings during the program
- Water bottle
- Notebook and pencil

Program-Specific Details

Priority Deadline to Apply: February 1

Applications received by February 1 will receive priority consideration and will be issued a decision by March 1. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a rolling basis until the program has reached capacity.

This program is application-based and requires the preparation and submission of additional application materials along with your registration form. Once your materials are reviewed, you will be notified of your decision via email. Due to limited availability, you must accept your offer and pay tuition in full in order to reserve your spot in the program.

Students ages 15–18 who are interested in applying to this program should prepare the following materials:

one brief contemporary monologue;
one song from the musical theater repertoire (32 bars); and
one piece of your choosing.

This is your opportunity to show us your creativity. In this piece, we are looking to see what sets you apart as an artist. Show us your interpretation of Shakespeare, a performance of your own original music, how you dance, or anything else you can imagine—the sky's the limit.

Video Recording Submission Guidelines

Sound quality is important, and the featured performer must be clearly audible.
Videos should be appropriately lit and in focus, and applicants are encouraged to introduce themselves to the faculty.
Videos can be home, live, or studio recordings.
Recordings of the performances should be recent (within the last year).
Ensure your video submissions are easily accessible and not set to private.

Instructions on how to submit your materials are available in the online application portal. Once received, your application materials will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Program Director

M. Bevin O'Gara
M. Bevin O'Gara joined the Conservatory in 2021 and is an associate professor of theater teaching in the musical theater program.
Read Full Bio

Once You’ve Enrolled

The Berklee Summer Programs Team is excited that you’ve taken the first step! Now that you’re enrolled, here’s what you need to know to be prepared before check-in, and what to expect afterward.

Please regularly check the email you used to enroll in your program for important updates. A detailed check-in email, containing information about your assigned arrival location, housing assignment (if applicable), and program schedule, will be sent one to two weeks before your program's start date.
All programs have a limited capacity. Complete your full tuition payment in order to reserve your space in the program.
On-campus housing is limited, and spaces will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis based on the completion of the following steps:
1. Read, sign, and submit the residence hall agreement on the registration portal.
2. The Summer Programs team will review your signed residence hall agreement within 3-5 business days. After review, we will send you an email inviting you to return to the registration portal to view your on-campus housing decision letter.
3. If your request has been approved, secure your spot by accepting your offer and paying the housing fee in full.
Important Considerations
- For students enrolled in multiple programs, please complete a separate residence hall agreement (along with the accompanying housing fee payment) for each program.
- To be eligible to request on-campus housing, a student must be 15 years of age before the start of their program.
- If a student is under the age of 18, the request for on-campus housing must be filled out by a parent/guardian, and both the student and parent/guardian must agree to all the terms and conditions.
- Applicants for Musical Theater Acting Intensive (MTAI) and Vocal/Choral Intensive (VCI) must first be offered admission and accept their offer before their residence hall agreement submission will be considered.
- Since space in our residence halls is limited, a spot in our residence halls will only be guaranteed once a student has fully registered for their chosen program and paid the program tuition in full. Any housing requests or payments made before the completion of both these steps do not ensure a guaranteed place in on-campus housing.
Learn more about housing and campus life by exploring the Help Center.
Accommodations are provided for students with documented medical needs, offering services such as academic accommodations, academic coaching, special housing arrangements, dietary adjustments, and referrals to on-campus support, including adaptive technology and tutoring.
Accommodations are determined through an interactive process involving the student, faculty, the Office of Housing and Residential Education, a dietitian, and Accessibility Resources for Students staff. Requests for academic, housing, and dietary accommodations can be made by following the steps outlined in this Help Center article.

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Musical Theater Acting Intensive (MTAI)