[ Communication Arts & Sciences ]

Major in Musical Theatre

Offered in collaboration with Elmhurst’s Department of Music, the major in Musical Theatre prepares students for dynamic careers in performance. The major is grounded in theatre arts, dance, and music theory, and provides experience in acting, voice and movement for the stage, applied voice, music, and dance.

Admission to the major in musical theatre requires an audition and an interview. Videotaped auditions and phone interviews can be arranged when necessary.

Required Courses

Theatre and Dance
ATM Applied Theatre–Private lessons in Musical Theatre performance (Minimum four terms, for credit, total of two courses)
KIN 204 Emergency Procedures (Half course)
THE 226 Acting Technique I
THE 227 Development of the Theatre
THE 228 Stagecraft
THE 301 Voice and Movement for the Stage
THE 314 History of Musical Theatre
Two half-courses in dance chosen from THE 302–405

One of the following two advanced performance courses:
THE 326 Acting Technique II
THE 424 Directing

One of the following courses:
ENG 336 Contemporary Literature: Drama
ENG 345 Shakespeare
THE 331 History of Western Theatre I
THE 332 History of Western Theatre II
THE 329 World Theatre and Drama in Cultural Contexts

Musical Theatre Practicum
Every major in musical theatre is required to participate actively in each designated musical theatre production at Elmhurst College. If not cast, the student must participate in some other capacity. A minimum of four terms of Musical Theatre Practicum credit is required, regardless of date of entry into the program.

Music
MUS 135 Theory I
MUS 136 Theory II
AMK 201 Sight singing/Aural Skills (Half course)
MUS 212 Music in Western Culture
MUS 314 History of Music and Theatre
MUS 226/326 Light Opera Workshop (January Term)
MUS 221 Functional Class Piano I (Half course)
MUS 222 Functional Class Piano II (Half course)
Major Choral Ensemble: Four terms with or without credit (Quarter course each)
Applied Music—private lessons in voice:
AMV Four terms for credit of applied voice
AMT Four terms for credit of musical theatre repertoire

All students in Elmhurst College Musical Theatre are highly encouraged to complete professional internships and to be active in the appropriate professional organizations. These can be arranged through Elmhurst College faculty, or independently.