Program Overview

Music Theatre Certificate Program

The Music Theatre Certificate program at Northwestern University is an interdisciplinary program designed for students seeking a specialized focus in music theatre. This program prepares students for careers as music theatre performing artists, choreographers, composers, lyricists, and directors.

Overview

Each year, second-year theatre, dance, and performance studies students audition for a spot in the Music Theatre Certificate program. Students who are admitted to the program develop versatile performance skills demanded by this specialized art form. They take specialized courses in music theatre techniques, as well as acting, voice, musicianship, and dance. Students also study the history and creation of music theatre.

Application Procedures

If you are applying to the Northwestern University School of Communication Theatre Major and are interested in pursuing admittance to the Northwestern University Music Theatre Certificate Program, you are encouraged to submit an optional Music Theatre Supplemental Portfolio. This portfolio serves as a tool that the Music Theatre faculty uses to inform and advise the admission process.

Supplemental Materials

• Music Theatre Supplemental Portfolio: This optional portfolio is designed for Theatre major applicants interested in the Music Theatre Certificate Program.
  • About This Portfolio: The portfolio is used to inform and advise the admission process.
  • Important Note: Music majors applying to the Bienen School should not submit this portfolio, as it's designed specifically for Theatre major applicants.
• Portfolio Components:
  • 1. Information Form: Complete the online form with your basic details.
  • 2. Personal Statement Video (1.5 minutes maximum): Create a video response to the prompt: "How do you see yourself contributing to the future of music theatre as a field?"
  • 3. Performance Videos (1.5 minutes each, maximum): Share two contrasting musical selections that you love to sing.
  • 4. Optional Supporting Materials: Feel free to include additional videos showcasing monologue work, dance, instrumental skills, or other artistic expressions.

Certificate Program Timeline

Certificate program auditions and interviews take place during your winter quarter of sophomore year, with the specialized coursework beginning in your junior year. This timing allows you to establish yourself within the Theatre program and explore various music theatre offerings before committing to the certificate's focused curriculum.

Deadlines

• Early Decision: November 1
• Regular Decision: January 2
• Transfer Applicants: Submit with your application

Courses and Requirements

The Certificate in Music Theatre provides the opportunity for School of Communication students majoring in theatre, dance, or performance studies and Bienen School of Music students majoring in voice to create a second area of specialization that is important to their development as musical theatre artists.

• Program requirements: Specify that students must take and pass 9 specific THEATER and DANCE courses: 3 Applied Voice courses, 3 Music Theatre Techniques courses, 2 Theatre courses, and 1 Dance sequence.
• Students must remain in the theatre, dance, performance studies, or voice major to remain in the Music Theatre Certificate Program; students who leave an eligible major for a non-eligible one will be required to leave the program.