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College of Arts & Sciences

Theatre: Musical Theatre

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Why pursue a musical theatre degree at North Central College?

North Central College is a production-focused department. Our broad-based training is rigorous but supportive. Students gain competencies to succeed and respond to changing markets of the entertainment industries. Unlike a conservatory environment, North Central promotes exploration across theatre, dance and music. The cornerstone of the Theatre program is the production Practicum, with an ambitious season of six full theatrical productions, including two musicals, every year. 

The Acting and Musical Theatre programs are designed to prepare performers to succeed in any theatrical environment but are especially equipped to help you professionally enter into the Chicago industry. Our graduates book national tours, perform in regional theaters, and advance in Chicago’s vibrant storefront theater scene with companies like Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Steppenwolf, Goodman Theatre, Court Theatre, Kokandy Productions, Porchlight Music Theatre, and more.

At North Central, you’ll study with faculty who are accomplished actors, directors, designers, scholars and dramaturgs working in the Chicago theatre scene. You will have ample opportunity to act, sing and dance each year, and even participate in the leadership team of a full theatrical production as part of the Department of Theatre season. Performers also have the opportunity to participate in the Senior Showcase for casting directors and agents, in downtown Chicago immediately following graduation. Students are welcome to take on a double major for expanded proficiency.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN

  • Acting, singing, and dancing on stage professionally
  • Honing your voice, movement, improvisation and character study skills
  • Performing in multiple shows a year
  • Extending performance skills to a variety of professional aims

then a degree in MUSICAL THEATRE might be for you.

Why study musical theatre at North Central College? 

In the Classroom

Coursework topics: 

  • Acting for the Musical Stage 
  • Acting Realism
  • Ballet
  • Business of Theatre
  • Choreography
  • Contemporary Modern Dance 
  • Fundamentals of Acting
  • Jazz Dance
  • Introduction to Voice and Movement 
  • Music Theory for Actors
  • Makeup
  • Musical Theatre Dance
  • Musical Theatre: Audition and Portfolio 
  • Script Analysis
  • Stagecraft
  • Tap Dance
  • Theatre History and Literature
  • Voice Lessons

Beyond the Classroom

As a musical theatre major, you can: 

  • Audition for well-known agents and casting directors in downtown Chicago as part of the Senior Showcase.
  • Participate in multiple performanace opportunities throughout the year.
  • Work with guest artists and professional faculty in workshops, productions, and traditional classroom environments.
  • Tap into our faculty and alumni industry network, which extends throughout Chicago’s vibrant theatre community (and beyond).
  • Additional opportunities to perform with student organizations such as The Company, Untitled, Sonata Problem, Tonacity A Cappella, or create your own organization.

Possible Musical Theatre Careers

Upon completion of the musical theatre program, every student will have the opportunity to apply for a plethora of jobs. A degree in the performing arts will elevate your career on stage and off, allowing you to:

  • Audition for broadway musicals
  • Take part in the construction of theatre design
  • Teach theatre studies and music theory
  • Compose music as a music director
  • Create and display stage props
  • Engage in costume design
  • Voice act in TV shows and movies
  • Develop stage and set design

More Department information

Musical Theatre, B.A.

For additional programs and courses in this department, see Theatre.

Core Courses

Advanced Theatre Courses

Two of the following:

Dance Courses

One of the following:

Voice Lessons

Six semesters of:

Piano Lessons

One semester of:

Theatre Practicum

Six semesters of the following:

Note:

*Voice lessons, piano lessons and theatre practicum may be taken for zero credit hours, or for credit in partial satisfaction of elective credits, up to College limits. These hours are in addition to, not part of, the hours required for the major.

Students must demonstrate elementary competence in a foreign language. For more information, see the B.A. Degree Requirements within the Academic Regulations section of this catalog.

Musical Theatre Internships and Jobs

A North Central education integrates career preparation with rich academic study. Our faculty encourages you to refine and apply your knowledge in an interconnected world. Here you'll learn to think independently and work globally to solve problems and lead.

Internships

  • Chicago Shakespeare Theater at Navy Pier
  • The Other Theatre Company, Chicago
  • American Theatre Company, Chicago
  • Goodman Theatre, Chicago 
  • Greenhouse Theater Center, 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, Wilmette, IL
  • Steppenwolf Theatre, Chicago
  • Timber Lake Playhouse, Mt. Carroll, IL
  • Canterbury Summer Theatre, Michigan City, IN
  • The American Theatre Company, Chicago
  • Heartland Festiva, Platteville, WI
  • Royal Caribbean Productions
  • Music by the Lake, Williams Bay, WI
  • Norwegian Cruise Lines
  • Royal George Cabaret Theatre, Chicago
  • Steel Beam Theatre of St. Charles, Ill.
  • Greenhouse Theater Center, Chicago

Invest in your future

Choosing the right college is a big decision. Don’t make it alone. North Central’s admission and financial aid team is here to help you design a financial aid solution that works best for you and your family.

Merit scholarships, grants, loans, campus employment - these are just some of the resources available to you if you are interested in a musical theatre program. Over 95 percent of prospective students and 100 percent of all eligible students receive aid. Let our team partner with you in finding the best value for your education.

Learn more about financial aid and costs for North Central College

Apply to North Central College

The first step to becoming a North Central student is reading the application instructions specific to you. Find out everything you need to know about applying by selecting the group you belong to below.

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