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
4.00 credit hours
Introduces analytical methods for examining scripts of all forms and genres. Students learn to identify, describe and interpret various components of a script and to apply a critical vocabulary to evaluate how meaning is produced in dramatic texts.
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THEA 141 - Stagecraft
THEA 141 - Stagecraft
2.00 credit hours
Fundamentals of scenic construction and scenic painting. Students gain knowledge of basic construction and painting techniques for stage scenery. Tool use and shop equipment are introduced along with the safety regulations that are essential and mandatory for running an effective scenic shop.
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THEA 144 - Makeup
THEA 144 - Makeup
2.00 credit hours
Introduces the principles and techniques of theatrical makeup, design and application. Equally appropriate for beginning design students and actors who have no prior design experience.
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THEA 150 - Acting Fundamentals
THEA 150 - Acting Fundamentals
4.00 credit hours
Designed for dedicated theatre students with previous acting experience, this course consists of exercises in voice, movement, improvisation and character study. Provides students with necessary theory and performance skills required to pursue further specialized acting training.
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THEA 170 - Music Theory for Actors
THEA 170 - Music Theory for Actors
4.00 credit hours
Introduces fundamental music theory, sight singing and aural skills for the musical theatre performer. Students emerge from this course with practical sight reading skills, aural recognition skills, notational skills and other theoretical tools that help them with cold-read auditions, musical sides preparation, the learning of roles and the achievement of a higher level of musicianship.
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THEA 270 - Acting for the Musical Stage
THEA 270 - Acting for the Musical Stage
4.00 credit hours
A practical application of the actor's craft to musical theatre performance, with emphasis on transitioning from scene to song. Students explore the acting methods used specifically for the musical stage. Combines script analysis, character analysis, choreography and acting through the song itself for the purposes of both auditions and performances.
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THEA 308 - American Musical Theatre
THEA 308 - American Musical Theatre
4.00 credit hours
Survey of major trends of the American musical theatre from the 19th century to present. Addresses representative composers and librettists such as George M. Cohan, Victor Herbert, Jerome Kerr, Rodgers and Hammerstein and Stephen Sondheim.
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THEA 459 - Business of Theatre
THEA 459 - Business of Theatre
4.00 credit hours
Exploration of the requirements for the business portion of theatre; from building a theatrical resume, to selecting a head shot, to registering with an agent. Students learn to manage their creative work according to the professional expectations of the collective entertainment industries.
Advanced Theatre Courses
Two of the following:
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THEA 250 - Acting Realism
THEA 250 - Acting Realism
4.00 credit hours
Advanced and intensive scene work focusing on contemporary trends in realism. Approaches to building character are integrated with voice, movement and textual improvisation. Builds on the foundational work of
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THEA 370 - Musical Theatre: Audition and Portfolio
THEA 370 - Musical Theatre: Audition and Portfolio
4.00 credit hours
Examines the different vocal techniques and movement styles necessary for the musical theatre performer. It focuses on a performer's approach to developing a song in the context of contemporary musical theatre, examining the work in terms of form, structure and content.
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THEA 495 - Storefront Series
THEA 495 - Storefront Series
2.00-4.00 credit hours
Culmination of a competitive process in which theatre proposals are chosen for production as a part of the Department of Theatre season. With faculty supervision and support, students conceive and execute a fully staged theatrical piece, running their production from preparation and auditions through final performance. The course is open to all students pending faculty approval, and is particularly intended as a capstone experience for students pursuing the Theatre (Directing & Dramaturgy track) and the Musical Theatre degrees. May be taken twice for credit with different content.
Dance Courses
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THEA 120 - Musical Theatre Dance I
THEA 120 - Musical Theatre Dance I
2.00 credit hours
Introduction to jazz, ballet and tap techniques for the stage. Practical dance coursework is also supplemented with the basic building blocks of choreography. No prior dance experience is necessary and this course is open to all students interested in dance training for performance. This course may be repeated for credit once.
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THEA 220 - Musical Theatre Dance II
THEA 220 - Musical Theatre Dance II
2.00 credit hours
Continuing instruction of jazz, ballet and tap techniques for the stage, building upon skills obtained in
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THEA 222 - Jazz Dance
THEA 222 - Jazz Dance
2.00 credit hours
A concentration on jazz dance, particularly as it appears in a variety of musical theatre styles. Builds and expands upon the jazz dance portion of
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THEA 223 - Tap Dance
THEA 223 - Tap Dance
2.00 credit hours
A concentration on tap dance, particularly as it appears in a variety of musical theatre styles. Builds and expands upon the tap dance portion of
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THEA 224 - Ballet
THEA 224 - Ballet
2.00 credit hours
A concentration on ballet, particularly as it appears in a variety of classical theatre styles and as it underpins modern dance styles. Builds and expands upon the ballet portion of
One of the following:
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THEA 225 - Contemporary Modern Dance
THEA 225 - Contemporary Modern Dance
2.00 credit hours
A study of modern and postmodern dance techniques. Students become equally proficient in traditional modern technique and the latest developments in contemporary dance. This course may be repeated for credit once.
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THEA 322 - Advanced Jazz Dance
THEA 322 - Advanced Jazz Dance
2.00 credit hours
Advanced study of jazz technique including more complex steps and sequences. Emphasizes technique and styling, building upon the foundational skills introduced in
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THEA 323 - Advanced Tap Dance
THEA 323 - Advanced Tap Dance
2.00 credit hours
Advanced study of tap dance technique, building upon the foundational skills introduced in
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THEA 324 - Advanced Ballet
THEA 324 - Advanced Ballet
2.00 credit hours
Continues the development of all foundational areas of classical ballet, and expands the ballet vocabulary for dancers pursuing both classical and contemporary practice. Builds upon the skills introduced in
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THEA 329 - Choreography
THEA 329 - Choreography
2.00 credit hours
A survey of techniques and skills required to create and notate dance and movement for the stage. Exploring methods for approaching various types of work, students develop and stage their own dance creations. This course may be repeated once for credit.
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THEA 429 - Advanced Topics in Dance and Choreography
THEA 429 - Advanced Topics in Dance and Choreography
2.00-4.00 credit hours
Occasional seminar topic or studio workshop allowing for advanced study of dance or choreography. Special topics may include the in depth exploration of a single style, technique or aesthetic trend in dance history, the exploration of a single choreographer and her work or engagement with current trends in contemporary dance practice and choreography.
Voice Lessons
Six semesters of:
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THEA 221 - Voice Lessons: Musical Theatre
THEA 221 - Voice Lessons: Musical Theatre
0.00-1.00 credit hours
Practical instruction in vocal performance for musical theatre performers. In the form of voice lessons with a music theory component, this course introduces practical sight reading and aural skills to enable actors to prepare for musical theatre auditions and rehearsals. Available to all students.
Piano Lessons
Six semesters of:
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THEA 211 - Piano Lessons: Musical Theatre
THEA 211 - Piano Lessons: Musical Theatre
0.00-1.00 credit hours
Practical instruction in piano playing for musical theatre performers. In the form of piano lessons with a music theory component, this course introduces practical sight reading and aural skills to enable actors to prepare for musical theatre auditions and rehearsals. Available to all students.
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
0.00-1.00 credit hours
The staging, mounting, and production of a fully realized theatre production. This course—designed for actors and crew members working on a theatre production—is repeatable up to a maximum of six credit hours earned. Students are expected to take practicum for credit unless exceeding 18 credit hours in a semester.
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THEA 116 - Practicum
THEA 116 - Practicum
0.00-2.00 credit hours
The staging, mounting, and production of a fully realized theatre production. This course—designed for stage managers, designers, and those with larger production responsibilities—is repeatable up to a maximum of six credit hours earned. Students are expected to take practicum for credit unless exceeding 18 credit hours in a semester.
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THEA 117 - Practicum: Musical Theatre
THEA 117 - Practicum: Musical Theatre
0.00-1.00 credit hours
The staging, mounting, and production of a fully realized musical theatre production. This course—designed for actors and crew members working on a theatre production—is repeatable up to a maximum of six credit hours earned. Students are expected to take practicum for credit unless exceeding 18 credit hours in a semester.
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THEA 118 - Practicum: Musical Theatre
THEA 118 - Practicum: Musical Theatre
0.00-2.00 credit hours
The staging, mounting, and production of a fully realized musical theatre production. This course—designed for stage managers, designers, and those with larger production responsibilities—is repeatable up to a maximum of six credit hours earned. Students are expected to take practicum for credit unless exceeding 18 credit hours in a semester.
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
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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.
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