Students learn how to create reels, to edit digital images, and consider the expanding world of electronic performance alongside traditional stage performance. Acting Option students are expected to participate in departmental productions. Admission to the option is by audition , and only 18 new students are admitted each year. Students in the MTO come from all parts of the country including the state of Washington, Hawaii, Texas, Vermont, Florida, Missouri, Ohio, Wisconsin, Kentucky, Michigan, Illinois, and Indiana. The philosophy of the Musical Theatre Option is to train performers who can act, dance, and sing.
Additional coursework is required in other areas of music and theatre.
Student progress is measured in class work, performances and juries. Each year the department of Theatre and Dance produces a minimum of two musicals including at least one major musical on the Mainstage Subscription Series. Musical Theatre students are not restricted to performing only in musicals. It is not unusual for a MTO student to perform a role in a non-musical or for an Acting Option student to perform in a musical. Musical Theatre students also are encouraged to participate in productions outside of ball State University in the Muncie area and are expected to earn internship credit by performing during the summer at summer stock theatres or theme parks.