Musical Theatre Program
Best School for Drama and Theater Arts in Wisconsin
The musical theatre curriculum at Carthage features comprehensive vocal training and musicianship, intense acting experiences, and a variety of dance technique and choreography classes.
Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre
Carthage is one of only ten colleges in the country that offer a Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre degree. The program gives students a degree in which they learn all aspects of musical theatre and train in an intensive curriculum in voice, acting, and dance. Coursework includes voice lessons, dance classes, and performance opportunities in multiple productions.
A Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre degree requires a more intensive study of music with classes in music theory, aural skills, choral ensembles, and piano. These music courses lead to a better understanding of music and a broader set of skills that leads to more self-sufficient performers. The more skills — the more marketable!
Want to audition or learn more about this program? Contact Professor Matthew Hougland at mhougland@knowledge-gate.com.
Performance Opportunities within the Musical Theatre Program
Musical theatre majors 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
“My advisors and professors have encouraged me to take risks and take advantage of opportunities that are presented to me. They have helped me grow as a student and as an artist.”
“Carthage has 100 percent lived up to my high expectations and given me so many outlets to perform and watch my peers.”
“It is beautiful. I feel like I am on vacation every time I walk to class because of how pretty the lake looks.”
“I look at videos of my performances or essays and compare them to where I am now, and it’s so refreshing to see how much experience I’ve gained and how much I learned.”
“Carthage is a college that provided me with a great education in multiple areas of study. While most other schools are known for either their music or STEM programs, Carthage has great programs for both.”
“It was really important to me to choose a college where I could have a relationship with my professors, and at Carthage, I feel like I’ve built those relationships already.”
“The wonderful thing about Carthage is that there are many different types of performance opportunities, so if you don’t get cast in a show right away, there are other opportunities to audition and perform within the department.”
Courses You’ll Take as a musical theatre Major
This multidisciplinary program pulls courses from both the music and theatre departments:
Musical Theatre Program 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 Musical Theatre Alumni
musical theatre Scholarships
Individual scholarships up to $10,000 may be offered to musical theatre majors and minors, along with academic scholarships for students demonstrating outstanding potential each year.
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: Musical 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.