Music Theatre Program
The music theatre curriculum at Carthage features comprehensive vocal training and musicianship, intense acting experiences, and a variety of dance technique and choreography classes.
Performance Opportunities in the music theatre program
Students have many opportunities to perform while at Carthage. Beginning in their first year, students are able to audition for multiple productions, including musicals, plays, dance concerts, and Carthage Theatre’s New Play Initiative. Presentations of class work add to the opportunities MT students have to showcase their skills and readiness in the MT industry.
performance opportunities for students
Courses You’ll Take as a music theatre Student
This multidisciplinary program pulls courses from both the Music and Theatre departments:
- Private Voice Lessons (4 years)
- Dance (4 years)
- Music Theatre History
- Multiple Music Theatre Techniques courses
- Acting I, II
- Play Reading and Analysis
- Stagecraft
- Costumes and Makeup
Alumni Successes
Our alumni can be seen across the country at venues like these:
- Lyric Opera of Chicago
- Steppenwolf Theatre (Chicago)
- Goodman Theatre (Chicago)
- Milwaukee Repertory Theater
- The Marriott Theatre (Lincolnshire, Illinois)
- Six Flags
- Music Theatre Works
- Universal Studios Beijing
Some students continue their education, pursuing graduate degrees in teaching, directing, drama, vocal performance, or opera. Learn more about Carthage’s Master of Music in Music Theatre Vocal Pedagogy
Hear from Music Theatre Alumni
Scholarships Available for music theatre Students
Individual scholarships up to $10,000 may be offered to students pursuing the Music Theatre major, along with academic scholarships for students demonstrating outstanding potential each year.
2022-2023 Scholarship Audition Dates:
- Nov. 19, 2022
- Feb. 18, 2023
- Feb. 25, 2023
Beyond the classroom
Guest Artists: Thanks to our campus location halfway between Chicago and Milwaukee, students develop relationships with directors, casting agents, and fellow artists who provide invaluable learning and professional experience.
Study Abroad: Music theatre students have performed in Ireland, Scotland, and China, with more opportunities on the horizon.
Student Organizations: Top students can join music honorary Lambda Kappa or national theatre honor society Alpha Psi Omega. For other performance avenues, some join an a cappella group or improv troupe Merely Players.