
Musical Theatre
Why pursue a musical theatre degree at North Central College?
As a musical theatre major, each student will train to become a “triple threat” in acting, dancing and singing. Unlike a conservatory environment, the musical theatre program at North Central encourages exploring different kinds of performing arts across theatre, dance and music. This program is designed to prepare you to succeed in any theatrical environment but is especially equipped to help you audition nearby in the Chicago theatre scene for companies like Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Steppenwolf, The Other Theatre Company, Goodman Theatre, and Greenhouse Theatre. At North Central, you’ll study with faculty who are accomplished actors and dramaturgs working in the Chicago theatre scene. You will have ample opportunity to act, sing, dance, direct plays and even write and produce your own dramatic art productions. Students looking to further develop their skills in the theatre arts will find a strong start to their career at North Central.
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN
- Acting, singing, and dancing on stage professionally
- Honing your voice, movement, improvisation and character study skills
- Auditioning for and performing in multiple shows a week
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
- Advanced Performance Styles for Musical Theatre
- American Musical Theatre History
- Ballet
- Business of Theatre
- Choreography
- Collaboration
- Contemporary Acting Styles
- Contemporary Modern Dance
- Directing
- Fundamentals of Acting
- Jazz
- Music Theory for Actors
- Musical Theatre Dance
- Musical Theatre Scene Study
- Piano Lessons for Musical Theatre
- Senior Musical
- Somatics
- Tap
- Vocal Pedagogy and Techniques
- Voice Lessons of Musical Theatre
- Voice and Movement for The Actor
Beyond the Classroom
As a musical theatre major, you can:
- 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 facilities as part of our student directed series.
- Tap into our faculty’s professional network, which extends throughout Chicago’s vibrant theatre community (and beyond).
- Work with a faculty advisor during your senior year to select a show, coordinate production responsibilities, produce and present a fully mounted production in one of our state-of-the-art venues.
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
Musical Theatre, B.A.
For additional programs and courses in this department, see Theatre.
Core Courses
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THEA 100 - Script Analysis
THEA 100 - Script Analysis
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THEA 141 - Stagecraft
THEA 141 - Stagecraft
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THEA 144 - Makeup
THEA 144 - Makeup
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THEA 150 - Acting Fundamentals
THEA 150 - Acting Fundamentals
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THEA 170 - Music Theory for Actors
THEA 170 - Music Theory for Actors
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THEA 270 - Acting for the Musical Stage
THEA 270 - Acting for the Musical Stage
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THEA 308 - American Musical Theatre
THEA 308 - American Musical Theatre
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THEA 459 - Business of Theatre
THEA 459 - Business of Theatre
Advanced Theatre Courses
Two of the following:
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THEA 250 - Acting Realism
THEA 250 - Acting Realism
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THEA 370 - Musical Theatre: Audition and Portfolio
THEA 370 - Musical Theatre: Audition and Portfolio
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THEA 495 - Storefront Series
THEA 495 - Storefront Series
Dance Courses
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THEA 120 - Musical Theatre Dance I
THEA 120 - Musical Theatre Dance I
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THEA 220 - Musical Theatre Dance II
THEA 220 - Musical Theatre Dance II
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THEA 222 - Jazz Dance
THEA 222 - Jazz Dance
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THEA 223 - Tap Dance
THEA 223 - Tap Dance
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THEA 224 - Ballet
THEA 224 - Ballet
One of the following:
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THEA 225 - Contemporary Modern Dance
THEA 225 - Contemporary Modern Dance
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THEA 322 - Advanced Jazz Dance
THEA 322 - Advanced Jazz Dance
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THEA 323 - Advanced Tap Dance
THEA 323 - Advanced Tap Dance
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THEA 324 - Advanced Ballet
THEA 324 - Advanced Ballet
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THEA 329 - Choreography
THEA 329 - Choreography
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THEA 429 - Advanced Topics in Dance and Choreography
THEA 429 - Advanced Topics in Dance and Choreography
Voice Lessons
Six semesters of:
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THEA 221 - Voice Lessons: Musical Theatre
THEA 221 - Voice Lessons: Musical Theatre
Piano Lessons
Six semesters of:
-
THEA 211 - Piano Lessons: Musical Theatre
THEA 211 - Piano Lessons: Musical Theatre
Note: Piano lessons provide instruction in both piano practice and music theory for piano.
Theatre Practicum
Six semesters of the following:
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THEA 115 - Practicum
THEA 115 - Practicum
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THEA 116 - Practicum
THEA 116 - Practicum
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THEA 117 - Practicum: Musical Theatre
THEA 117 - Practicum: Musical Theatre
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THEA 118 - Practicum: Musical Theatre
THEA 118 - Practicum: Musical Theatre
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
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.