Best Musical Theater Colleges Musical Theatre BA BFA

About the Musical Theatre Major

Step into the spotlight with Columbia College Chicago's Musical Theatre programs. Whether you pursue a BA or a BFA, you’ll build the skills needed to succeed in a competitive industry. Our programs emphasize hands-on learning, preparing you to become a versatile performer and theatre professional. You’ll gain experience through a variety of performance opportunities, including musicals, student films, and devised work. Columbia students perform in up to 40 productions annually, and new students are encouraged to audition as soon as they arrive.

Degree Options

The BA in Musical Theatre offers flexibility, allowing you to explore other subjects or double major while gaining a solid foundation in musical theatre.
The BFA in Musical Theatre Performance is a rigorous program with intensive training in acting, singing, and dance. Both programs offer equal opportunities to audition for Columbia productions.

Examples of Musical Theatre Careers

Broadway or off-Broadway performer
Choreographer
Theatre director
Theatre educator
Theatre producer
TV/Film actor
Voiceover artist

The Student Experience

At Columbia College Chicago, students in the performing arts benefit from a vibrant and engaging environment. With numerous production opportunities each year, they can participate in a variety of performances, including faculty-led Mainstage shows and student-directed projects. The college's state-of-the-art facilities support hands-on learning, while a comprehensive curriculum equips students with essential skills in acting, singing, and dance, fostering their growth as versatile artists ready to thrive in the industry.

Seize diverse performance opportunitiesWith 20 to 40 productions each year, you’ll have ample opportunities to audition for musicals, plays, and student-directed films. Columbia's Mainstage productions, led by faculty and guest artists, give you the chance to work on large-scale performances. Outside of Mainstage, students also direct and stage their own work.
State-of-the-art facilitiesThe Getz Theatre Center offers four professional-quality stages, a scene shop, costume shop, and makeup/prosthetics lab. You’ll rehearse and perform in top-tier facilities designed to mimic real-world theatre environments.
Build a well-rounded skill setYou’ll take foundational courses in musical theatre history, repertory, and performance. Through acting styles classes, singing workshops, and dance training in ballet, jazz, tap, and musical theatre, you’ll develop a well-rounded skill set. Audition classes and professionalism workshops will teach you how to navigate the industry, from contracts to unions and bookkeeping.
Learn from experienced facultyColumbia’s Musical Theatre faculty are working professionals in the theatre world, with experience across Chicago, New York, and beyond. You’ll learn from actors, directors, choreographers, and designers who bring their expertise and industry connections to the classroom.

performers on stage

Career Readiness

Chicago’s vibrant theatre scene provides endless opportunities for Columbia students, whether it's performance or networking opportunities with our alumni working in theatre.

Chicago: a theatre hub
Located in the heart of the city, Columbia connects you to the bustling Chicago theatre district, which features innovative storefront theaters and nationally recognized companies. Faculty with deep industry ties help students land professional gigs and build their careers while still in school.
Join the ranks of successful performers and professionals
Columbia Musical Theatre alumni have gone on to perform in Broadway and national touring productions, win prestigious awards, and build successful careers in theatre.

Alumni Spotlight

Michael George ’17

Performed in the Chicago production of “Hamilton.”

School of Theatre and DanceMusical Theatre Bachelor's Degree

About the Musical Theatre Major