The Three-Year Programme for Musical Theatre Performers, offered at the Novara campus, leads to the award of the First-Level Academic Diploma in Acting, recognised by the Italian Ministry of University and Research through Ministerial Decree No. 421 of 30 July 2020. The qualification is equivalent to a Bachelor’s Degree and is recognised throughout Italy and across Europe.

The programme trains professional performers capable of working across the various disciplines and specialisations of musical theatre.

WHY ENROL

Enrolling in the Three-Year Programme for Musical Theatre Performers means benefiting from a number of important advantages:

• Achievement of a state-recognised First-Level Academic Diploma, equivalent to a Bachelor’s Degree awarded by any other university or higher education institution;
• Recognition of the Academic Diploma among the qualifications accepted for participation in public recruitment competitions;
• Tax deductions on tuition fees;
• Tax deductions on accommodation costs for students relocating from outside Novara (more than 100 km away);
• Eligibility to apply for scholarships provided by the Piedmont Region and the Italian Ministry of University and Research;
• Access to the Erasmus+ Programme.

CURRICULUM

The academic year runs from October to June. Classes, workshops, and stage rehearsals occupy the full day, five days a week, throughout the three-year programme.

Courses and subjects are organised into ten disciplinary areas: Acting Studies, Language and Communication Studies, Physical and Vocal Training, Dramaturgy and Scriptwriting, Music Studies, Historical, Methodological and Critical Studies, Stage Design and Production, Theatre Pedagogy, Performing Arts Economics and Management, and Directing.

During the three years of study, students have the opportunity to take part in activities organised in collaboration with some of Italy’s most important festivals and theatres.

Each year, students may participate in an educational study trip organised by the School to London and New York, where they attend some of the most significant theatre productions currently on stage.

Programme Code: DADPL 02
Qualification Awarded: First-Level Academic Diploma in Acting
Authorisation: Italian Ministry of University and Research, Ministerial Decree No. 421 of 30 July 2020
Programme Level: First Level (AFAM)
Credits: 180 ECTS
Duration: 3 years
Entry Requirements: Upper Secondary School Diploma. The programme is open to Italian and international students holding a valid residence permit where required.
Admission Method: Entrance Examination
Limited Enrolment: Yes
Attendance Requirement: Minimum compulsory attendance of 80% for each individual course unit

ACADEMICS

Visit the Academics page.

OPEN DAY

You may book a personalised Open Day to visit our campuses and meet our Head of Academic Affairs by calling +39 02 80898907 and selecting option 1.

ADMISSION AUDITIONS

ACTING
Applicants must select and perform from memory a published monologue of their choice.

SINGING
Applicants must perform two songs from the Italian or international musical theatre repertoire, each with a maximum duration of two minutes. Backing tracks must be provided on a USB drive.

INTERVIEW
The two practical assessments will be followed by an interview designed to evaluate the applicant’s motivation and aptitude.

The decision of the Admissions Panel is final and cannot be appealed.
Applicants may request to complete the admission examinations remotely by responding to the email received from the Admissions Office following registration (please note that the AFAM-authorised programme is delivered in person and not online).

APPLICATION DEADLINE

The application form for admission must be completed by 11 June 2026.

CONTINUE YOUR STUDIES

If you already hold a First-Level Academic Diploma, you may continue your studies and obtain the Second-Level Academic Diploma.