Sheffield Hallam University, in close association with Sheffield Theatres, has officially launched a brand-new BA Musical Theatre degree programme designed to cultivate and develop emerging creative talent across the region.
This unique partnership will allow students to benefit directly from the real-world experience and professional talent of practitioners at Sheffield Theatres – nationally recognised as the largest producing theatre complex in the UK. Alongside industry training, undergraduates will be backed by the extensive teaching skills, academic resources, and creative research of the staff at Sheffield Hallam University.
The curriculum has been built to offer a holistic approach to the industry. Students will have the opportunity to develop skills in both the creation and performance of musical theatre. This means working behind the scenes on technical songwriting, choreography, production logistics, and directing, as well as refining their vocal, acting, and movement skills on stage.
Ashley Barnes, Deputy Head of the Sheffield Creative Industries Institute at Sheffield Hallam University, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Sheffield Theatres on this new course that builds on the strong partnership between our institutions. Together, we will support students with leading experts from the sector, giving them the opportunity to apply their knowledge through this exciting new partnership.
“This comes at a time of cultural renaissance for Sheffield, with the recent announcements of Sheffield being longlisted for City of Culture and the new development of the Crucible Theatre. Attendance of live performances has grown steadily in the UK since the pandemic, and we want to harness this energy and create a platform for new voices to emerge.”
The new undergraduate course leverages the world-class reputation of Sheffield Theatres, whose original home-grown productions regularly transfer to the West End and tour internationally.
In a joint statement, Tom Bird, Chief Executive, and Elizabeth Newman, Artistic Director of Sheffield Theatres, shared their enthusiasm: “Sheffield Theatres are delighted and honoured to be partnering with Sheffield Hallam University on a new degree in Musical Theatre. Our theatres have an exceptionally strong pedigree in musicals, having originated Everybody’s Talking About Jamie and Standing at the Sky’s Edge in recent years, while also producing landmark musical revivals in the Crucible and presenting the finest touring shows in the Lyceum.
“Sheffield Theatres’ relationship with Sheffield Hallam University runs very deep, and we are overjoyed to add this new element, one which we hope will provide a new way into musical theatre for many young people in South Yorkshire and beyond.”
The new course was officially launched on Thursday, 25th June, at a special pre-show event hosted during the opening night of Sheffield Theatres’ latest musical production, Summer Holiday. Prospective students can apply to study the course starting from the September 2027 intake.
