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Musical Theatre Performance

EIU Theatre offers a comprehensive education preparing students for diverse creative and professional paths. The Musical Theatre emphasis develops skills in singing, dancing and acting while integrating them for compelling storytelling. EIU’s student-centered production season provides hands-on experience in performance and production, including directing, choreography, design and stage management. At least one musical is produced each season, with guest artists adding professional perspectives.

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Musical Theatre Performance

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Degree Level
Bachelor of Arts
Delivery
In Person
Time to Degree
8 Semesters
Credit Hours
120 Total, 58 in Major
Careers
Choreographers, Producers, Directors, Dancers
Musical Theatre Performance students at EIU

Why Study Musical Theatre Performance at EIU?

  • Integrate acting, singing and dance through coordinated coursework focusing on becoming a triple threat
  • Auditions open to all students all semesters, with first-year and transfer students eligible for immediate consideration
  • Develop in vocal performance, musical theatre dance, musical theatre history and literature, music theory, and character-driven storytelling
  • Receive individualized guidance in small classes, rehearsals, and voice study
  • Gain production experience in an undergraduate-focused program with professionally experienced professors and guest directors in state-of-the-art performance spaces
"I didn't expect to get real experience this early, but by my sophomore year I was already working on projects that felt like actual marketing work. It made me feel confident that I'm ready for what comes next."
Alex Wilcoxon
Marketing | Junior
Alex Wilcoxon, Marketing at EIU

Hands-On Experience

  • Audition for musicals and other departmental productions beginning in your first year
  • Connect acting, vocal and dance training through rehearsals, performance labs, and live productions
  • Study voice with Music faculty and apply music theory to the practical work of musical theatre
  • Collaborate with directors, choreographers, designers, musicians, stage managers and production crews
  • Complete a senior thesis project that reflects your artistic development and professional goals
Hands-On Experience, Musical Theatre Performance students at EIU

What You'll Learn

EIU’s Musical Theatre Performance emphasis combines acting, singing and movement with a broad Theatre B.A. foundation. Students develop integrated performance skills through voice, dance, music theory, theatre courses and performance labs. With early audition opportunities, hands-on production experience, small classes and professional perspectives, graduates are prepared for careers, internships, apprenticeships or advanced study. 

View in Catalog
$72,835
Median Salary 4 Years After Graduation

Career Outcomes

  • Choreographers
  • Producers & Directors
  • Dancers
  • Actors
  • Media Programming Directors
  • Talent Directors
  • Media Technical Directors/Managers
  • Music Directors & Composers
  • Musicians & Singers
  • Art, Drama, & Music Teachers,…

Career Insights

Job Outlook ★ Bright Outlook Grow Rapidly
Preparation Needed Considerable (4/5)
Personality Fit Artistic

Connect With Us

Larry Cox
Assistant Professor of Musical Theatre and Performance
lcox@eiu.edu
2354 Doudna Fine Arts Center
217-581-6003
Larry Cox Message Larry

Message Larry

or email lcox@eiu.edu directly
Nicholas Shaw
Head of Theatre Division/Professor
neshaw@eiu.edu
2084 Doudna Fine Arts Center
217-581-6003
Nicholas Shaw Message Nicholas

Message Nicholas

or email neshaw@eiu.edu directly
Billy Panther
Head of Panther Pride
Old Main
217-581-2223
Billy the Panther Message Billy

Message Billy

or email billy@eiu.edu directly

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