Music Theatre Major
If you have a passion for theatre and want to use your gifts to glorify God, you’ll find a place to grow and thrive at CCU. As a Music Theatre major, you’ll prepare for a future on stage, in the classroom, and wherever your calling leads. You won’t just sit in lectures. You’ll receive individualized instruction, career-focused guidance, and mainstage performance opportunities.
From day one of your first semester, you’ll step into mainstage productions and collaborate with faculty and fellow students to bring stories to life. Each year, you’ll be part of a full season that includes two mainstage musicals, a fall play, and a student-produced one-act festival. This is your chance to master skills in dance, voice, and acting in a supportive environment while doing what you love.
This major is intended to be paired with another major or minor, giving you the freedom to expand your skills and explore your interests. As you grow as a performer, you’ll also develop communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills that prepare you for impact far beyond the stage.
Program FAQs
What audition requirements exist for the music theatre program?
Prospective music theatre students must audition for acceptance into the program and for consideration for theatre scholarships. The audition requires one monologue and one musical theatre song, demonstrating both your acting and vocal abilities. Students should prepare contrasting material that showcases their range and versatility as performers. A list of studied repertoire should be submitted at the time of audition.
To be considered for scholarship awards, all live auditions must be completed or video submissions received by March 1st of the current academic year. Theatre participation scholarships are available to support your studies. The audition process allows faculty to assess your current abilities and potential for growth in the program. Contact CCU's School of Music for specific audition dates and requirements.
What is the music theatre program at CCU?
The music theatre program at Colorado Christian University is offered through the School of Music, which emphasizes strong performance to prepare you for professional aspirations. This program offers students interested in musical theatre an opportunity to develop the unique skill set required for success in this demanding art form. You will take courses in voice, stage movement and dance, acting, diction, and more to build a comprehensive foundation in musical theatre performance.
CCU produces three main stage productions annually through the Music Theatre Workshop ensemble, giving you opportunities to perform in fully staged musicals. The program combines vocal training, acting technique, and movement skills essential for musical theatre performers. Whether you plan to pursue professional theatre or simply want to develop your performing arts abilities, the music theatre program provides rigorous training in a Christ-centered environment.
What can you do with a music theatre degree?
The music theatre program prepares you for careers as a musical theatre performer, stage actor, vocalist, cruise ship entertainer, theme park performer, or touring production cast member. You can also pursue work in community theatre, dinner theatre, regional productions, or church drama ministries. Many graduates use their training to audition for professional shows, while others integrate theatre skills into careers in education, ministry, or communications.
The skills developed through musical theatre training transfer to many professions. Communication skills, problem-solving abilities, cooperation, and initiative learned through theatre benefit any career path. At CCU, you are prepared to pursue theatre and acting with excellence while remaining spiritually grounded, equipped to bring light and life to the performing arts wherever God calls you.
What courses will you take in the music theatre program?
The music theatre program includes courses in voice training to develop your singing technique for musical theatre repertoire; stage movement and dance to build physical performance skills; acting to develop character portrayal and scene work; and diction to master clear articulation for stage performance. You will study the unique demands of performing songs, dialogue, and choreography together as musical theatre requires.
Additional coursework covers audition techniques, musical theatre history and repertoire, and ensemble performance through the Music Theatre Workshop. You will have opportunities to participate in CCU's three annual main stage productions, gaining practical experience performing in fully staged musicals. The curriculum develops the triple-threat skills of singing, acting, and dancing required by professional musical theatre.
How does the music theatre program complement other areas of study?
The music theatre program complements other studies at CCU, enhancing your education and career preparation. Students pursuing music can benefit from adding acting and movement skills to their vocal or instrumental training. Communication and media studies students develop performance, presence, and storytelling abilities. Education students gain skills for directing school productions and teaching drama.
Ministry and worship arts students can use musical theatre training to lead church drama programs and creative worship experiences. Business students interested in arts management benefit from understanding the performer's perspective. The program is open to students seeking to develop their performing abilities, whether as a major or a minor. Combining musical theatre skills with other fields creates unique career opportunities and makes you more versatile in the job market.
What performance opportunities exist for music theatre students?
CCU's School of Music produces three main-stage productions annually, providing significant performance opportunities for music-theatre students. These fully staged musicals allow you to apply classroom training in professional-quality productions. The Music Theatre Workshop ensemble meets regularly to develop repertoire and prepare for performances, building community among theatre students.
Beyond main stage shows, you may have opportunities to perform in student-directed scenes, showcases, and special events. CCU's McDonald Performance Hall in the Armstrong Center provides a professional venue for theatrical productions. Many music and performance events are free and open to the public, while main stage productions have special admission pricing. These experiences build your performance resume and prepare you for auditions and professional work after graduation.
