Program Overview

Bachelor's in Musical Theatre Dance Concentration, BFA

Move your audience. This one-of-a-kind program will prepare you for your career in musical theatre with a thoughtfully curated blend of performing arts disciplines. In addition to rigorous dance training, you will study acting, music and voice. Our faculty of working artists will guide you toward your unique expression and provide tools and techniques to support your artistic agency.

Real-world Experience

The Theatre Conservatory of the Chicago College of Performing Arts (CCPA) consists of 200 undergraduate students, divided between our Acting, Musical Theatre and Musical Theatre: Dance. Students are guaranteed onstage performance credit while they are at CCPA — more time onstage means more training for your future career in the theatre.

Exceptional Faculty

Our faculty is comprised of full-time professors as well as many active theatre professionals who lend their unique talents and expertise to the Conservatory. At CCPA, our students learn from and work alongside Chicago's very best, and a low student/faculty ratio results in focused study tailored to each student's needs.

Live in a Global Theatre Capital

Located in the heart of downtown Chicago, CCPA is just steps away from Chicago's bustling theatre district and the Tony award-winning Goodman Theatre, Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Lookingglass Theatre and Chicago Shakespeare Theatre — and our students have graced the stages of them all.

Notable Alumni

• Majo Rivero MTD ’21: Gypsy on Broadway (Dolores); West Side Story International Tour (Francisca, u/s Anita)
• Jess DiForte MTD ’20: Chicago The Musical 25th Anniversary National Tour (June, u/s Velma); Cats Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines (Tantomile)
• Kyra Source MTD ’21: West Side Story International Tour(Anita); LaDuca Ambassador (Ingenue)
• Megan Grosso MTD ’20: The Prom 1st National Tour (Ensemble u/s Emma); Mean Girls 1st National Tour (Ensemble u/s Karen)

Admission Info

Location

Chicago

Start Term

Fall

Students interested in the Musical Theatre: Dance Concentration major should already have a strong background and interest in musical theatre and dance. Prior performing arts education/coursework is a plus but not required.

Sample Courses

• Core Styles & Technique Jazz
• Acting Courses
• Acting for Musical Stage
• Ensemble for Musical Stage
• Private Voice Lesson

Career Opportunities

Upperclassmen in good standing are allowed to audition for productions outside of CCPA, adding valuable professional credits to their resumes prior to graduation.

Meet Your Faculty

• Mai Claypool: Adjunct Faculty, Dance
• Morgan DiFonzo: Adjunct Faculty, Dance
• Arianne Dolan: Adjunct Faculty, Dance
• AJ Fischer: Adjunct Faculty
• Nadine Gomes: Teaching Professor of Musical Theatre, Interim Chair of the Theatre Conservatory
• Jim Iorio: Associate Professor of Theatre, Co-Chair of the Interdisciplinary Conservatory, Program Director - Master of Arts in Theatre Directing
• Elise Kauzlaric: Adjunct Faculty
• Christopher Kelley: Adjunct Faculty
• Tammy Mader: Associate Teaching Professor of Musical Theatre, Program Director of Musical Theatre Dance
• Nich O'Neil: Adjunct Faculty, Dance
• Paula Peters: CCPA Director of Advising and Academic Planning
• Kim Sagami: Adjunct Faculty, Dance
• Rebecca Schorsch: Teaching Professor of Voice, Program Director of Classical Voice, Program Director of Musical Theatre
• Nick Sula: Assistant Teaching Professor of Musical Theatre, Coordinator of Music for Musical Theatre
• Jumaane Taylor: Adjunct Faculty, Dance
• Shanna VanDerwerker: Assistant Teaching Professor of Musical Theatre Dance, Dance
• Laura Wade: Adjunct Faculty, Dance
• Barbara Zahora: Chair of Theatre Conservatory, Associate Professor of Theatre