Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC/CUNY) Theatre graduates—aspiring actors, directors, set designers and others interested in a wide range of theatre professions—now have the option of transferring to Southeast Missouri State University to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre.
An articulation agreement between the two colleges was signed by BMCC President Antonio Pérez and Southeast Missouri State University President Carlos Vargas during the Hispanic Educational Technology Services (HETS) conference February 1 and February 2 at the Inter American University of Puerto Rico in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
“I am excited that our ambitious Theatre graduates have this opportunity to transfer to one of the country’s most dynamic Musical Theatre programs,” said President Pérez. “Coming from the Associate in Theatre program at BMCC—where they will have staged large productions and held internships on and off Broadway—they will be well equipped to take advantage of the rigorous Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre program at Southeast Missouri State University. I am confident our graduates will thrive as they continue to pursue careers in theatre, film and television.”
Starting with an Associate of Science in Theatre
The BMCC Associate of Science in Theatre program is New York’s only performance-based theatre program at a community college. Theatre majors produce a play, taking it from the page to a live performance in lower Manhattan’s longest-running performance venue, the BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center (BMCC TPAC), located on the college’s main campus at 199 Chambers Street.
BMCC Theatre majors also take advantage of internship opportunities both on and off Broadway, and are guided through events such as the Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship Auditions at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF) at Western Connecticut State University, as well as auditions for commercial productions in New York City.
Some BMCC Theatre majors, such as Nyla Sostra, have a particular interest in musical theatre. Sostra, who was encouraged by Theatre Professor Katherine Kavanaugh to audition for the touring company of the Broadway hit Hamilton, landed a major role.
Other Theatre majors at BMCC work toward careers in theatre management and related areas as they complete their Associate degree.
Once they graduate from BMCC and transfer to the Southeast Missouri State University Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre program, students will explore areas ranging from theatre management to costume construction. Courses will span from an introduction to jazz and ballet to directing and more.
A commitment to transfer opportunities for BMCC graduates
This opportunity to transfer to Southeast Missouri State University reflects BMCC’s commitment to link its Associate degree programs to Bachelor’s degree programs that propel students into high-demand careers and educational opportunities.
“As our Strategic Plan indicates, BMCC is committed to student success, in preparing our students academically to succeed at the baccalaureate level and in preparing our students professionally,” says Erwin Wong, Dean of Academic Programs and Instruction. “This articulation agreement with Southeast Missouri State University is a testament to how well prepared our students are to succeed. Institutions from all over the country want our students.”
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
- BMCC has more than 40 articulation agreements with universities that now include Southeast Missouri State University
- BMCC Theatre graduates are on track to transfer to the Bachelor in Fine Arts in Musical Theatre program at Southeast
- At both BMCC and Southeast, students take advantage of internships in the theatre profession and gain valuable performance experience
