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Explore the musical theatre bachelor's degree program at UW-Eau Claire

Explore all things music and theatre — and gain real-world experience while doing so — with a bachelor’s degree in musical theatre from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.

Here, you'll have a chance to do it all. Whether your art is singing, dancing or acting — or you prefer behind-the-scenes work in directing, playwriting, costuming, set building or sound and lights — our program will provide you with the knowledge, skills and connections you need to light up the stage and enrich your community.

With more than five theatre productions and 200 performance opportunities each year, there is no shortage of experiential learning. Rigorous music classes and voice lessons will cultivate your vocal skills, helping you to stand out from the crowd. You'll also learn from some of the best. Faculty have deep experience both on and off stage, and they use that expertise to guide and mentor you. 

As one of only a few programs in the region to house music, theatre and dance in the same department, you'll have the unique and beneficial opportunity to collaborate with all three disciplines. Small class sizes allow you to receive one-on-one attention and master best practices and professional techniques. And one of the highlights of our program is the ability to connect, network and work with others who are just as passionate about music and theatre as you are. No matter your path, our musical theatre bachelor’s degree program will support you and help make your dreams a reality. 

Why musical theatre at UW-Eau Claire?

Opportunities to travel. Study abroad opportunities and the National Student Exchange program are available to all UWEC students. And faculty-led immersion programs open even more doors to travel and performance opportunities. For example, each spring break, music and theatre arts students have the opportunity to visit New York City. There, they attend plays, musicals, masterclasses and other artistic events, while also shadowing working professionals and meeting various actors and musicians to learn more about their specific trade. 

Arts-focused housing. UW-Eau Claire’s partnership with Pablo Center gives you unparalleled access to the theatre facilities, and when you live in Haymarket Landing, those opportunities are right outside your front door. Built with music and theatre students in mind, the apartment-style residence hall is across the street from Pablo Center, allowing you to live close to the action.

A music-minded city. From the professors who teach you to the students who work alongside you, a love for music is not hard to find when you’re at UWEC. And that love isn't just isolated to our campus. In fact, Eau Claire is nationally recognized for its abundance of music festivals, events and venues. 

Performances galore. The music and theatre arts department offers five main stage productions, including a Theatre for Young Audiences touring production, student-directed Short Play Festivals and a dance concert. Each of our productions take place in facilities with state-of-the-art equipment and acoustics. In addition, you’ll have the chance to be a part of Opera on Wheels, where you can perform at different elementary schools and teach kids the fundamentals of opera.

Regular guest artists. Guest artists frequent our department and your classes every year. These artists have offered workshops in auditioning, Commedia del’arte, sensory-friendly theatre, playwriting and Shakespeare, allowing you to learn new techniques and gain even more experience in theatre. 

Relevant student organizations. There are numerous art- and music-focused student organizations to help connect you with peers, faculty, local professionals and potential mentors. Join improv groups like The Players or The Backwards Thinkers Society and get the chance to perform in popular student productions, or become a part of Concert Dance Co. and learn a new style of dance every week!

5

annual stage productions

20

music, dance and theatre student orgs

250 performances annually

of music, theatre, and dance

Quick facts

Musical theatre program details
  • Program length: four years
  • Offered: in person
  • Campus: Eau Claire
  • This major does not require a minor.
  • Students majoring in this program may choose either a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) degree.
Student organizations
  • Concert Dance Company
  • None of the Above (NOTA)
  • The Players
  • Two to Tango Dance Club
  • U.S. Institute for Technical Theatre 
  • Callisto
  • Fifth Element
  • The Backwards Thinkers Society

What can I do with a musical theatre degree from UWEC?

Graduates of the musical theatre program leave with a well-rounded skill set and an impressive resume. Because of the broad nature of the program, our alumni go on to pursue a variety of artistic and creative careers all over the country. From touring with Cirque du Soleil to performing on cruise ships to working in the film and television industry, the possibilities are endless. 

Where are musical theatre alumni now?

Students have also found paid internships and summer work at places like the Williamstown Theatre Festival, Glimmerglass Theatre Festival, Santa Fe Opera, Utah Festival Opera, Illinois Shakespeare Festival, American Repertory Theater, Iowa Shakespeare Festival and Pablo Center.

Musical theatre careers

The theatre department here has become a second home to me. The faculty and students really made me feel welcome. They’ve helped me become a better person and overcome challenges to help me realize who I want to become.

Cassie Klinga Musical Theatre

Musical theatre bachelor’s degree program curriculum

There is no role too small, and after completing our theatre arts program, you’ll be able to do them all! Learn how to sing in a variety of genres, design costumes, direct productions, and work lights and sound. A variety of experiential learning opportunities offer leadership roles on stage, backstage, and in the planning and production process, preparing you well for a variety of roles upon graduation. 

A unique partnership with Pablo Center at the Confluence allows our students to learn in state-of-the-art facilities, including two theaters, a recording studio, a music recital space and an art gallery. There, students also gain real-world experience using the industry's most up-to-date equipment and software.

For those interested in additional opportunities upon graduation, UWEC also offers an Arts Administration Certificate and a Recording Arts Certificate, which give students the opportunity to expand their knowledge and pre-professional experiences in the performing arts.

What classes do musical theatre majors take?

Your classes may cover topics like: 

Learn more about the comprehensive musical theatre major in the UWEC course catalog.

Learn more about UWEC

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Department information

Photo of a camera in front of theatre seats

Music and Theatre Arts

Haas Fine Arts Center 156
121 Water Street
Eau Claire, WI 54703
Visit the Music and Theatre Arts department website