North Central College - Naperville, IL

Musical Theatre

Why choose musical theatre at North Central College?

Here you’ll train to become a “triple threat”—a talented actor, dancer and singer. Unlike most other colleges and conservatories, North Central encourages close connections among theatre, dance and music. As a result, you won’t need to focus exclusively on voice, or acting, or any other single type of performance. You can pursue all your interests, hone your craft through at least six mainstage productions—and graduate as a sought-after professional or graduate school candidate.

You can also:

  • Tap into our faculty’s professional network, which extends throughout Chicago’s vibrant theatre community (and beyond).
  • Audition for well-known agents and casting directors (including Paskal Rudnicke Casting, Claire Simon Casting and Stewart Talent) as part of the Senior Showcase.
  • Direct a show of your choice in our state-of-the-art venues as part of our Student Director Series.

To learn more about experiences and opportunities here at North Central College as a theatre major, click here.

News

David Fuentes, Ph.D., delivered the keynote address for North Central College’s 16th annual Rall Symposium for Undergraduate Research.
North Central College presents the student-written and -directed drama “A Story of Us,” a narrative about relationships.
Students rehearse a scene. From left: Warren Dailey and Evan Michalic
North Central College students will perform on May 9-12 “Way to Heaven,” a play inspired by actual events that occurred during the Holocaust.

News

Internships

  • Chicago Shakespeare Theater at Navy Pier
  • The Other Theatre Company
  • American Theatre Company
  • Goodman Theatre, Chicago 

Graduate Schools

Recent graduates in musical theatre have been accepted at:

  • New York University Tisch School of Music
  • University of Alabama
  • University of New Mexico

Careers

Recent graduates in musical theatre have been cast at:

  • Light Opera Works
  • Steppenwolf
  • Timber Lake Playhouse
  • Canterbury Summer Theatre
  • The American Theatre Company
  • Heartland Festival
  • Royal Caribbean Productions
  • Music by the Lake
  • Norwegian Cruise Lines
  • Royal George Cabaret Theatre
Musical Theatre major

Garrett was a veteran of the Pfeiffer Hall stage when he came to North Central. Starting at age 10, he performed in the College’s summer community musicals. “When the time came for college applications, I knew I was going to North Central.”

With North Central’s commitment to staging multiple productions annually, Garrett landed various roles, including Rum Tum Tugger in “Cats,” Nathan Detroit in “Guys and Dolls,” and Sparky in “Forever Plaid.” He performed in “The Producers,” “Wedding Singer” and more. He also served as acting coach for “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.”

“The personal support from the directors and constant opportunities help you become a positive, successful, more...

Musical Theatre major

Mandy recently landed a role with Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier in the production of Taming of the Shrew. She credits her North Central professors for her success; they encouraged her to audition and helped fine-tune her monologue. “The faculty really care about students, both in and out of class,” Mandy says. “My professors were always there to correct and encourage me, and that kind of support is vital for growing performers.”

Musical Theatre major

Since graduation, Andrea has been busy auditioning and recently closed the U.S. premiere of the British musical “Departure Lounge” at the Royal George Theater in Chicago. Her North Central professors, with successful performing careers of their own, coached Andrea that success in show business is getting paid to do what you love. “By that definition, I am a success. I love what I’m doing”.