For more information, visit the Music Theatre Certificate in the NU Academic Catalog
For policies and advising, see Office of Undergraduate Programs and Advising
Each fall, theatre, dance and performance studies students audition for a coveted spot in the Music Theatre Certificate program. This interdisciplinary program prepares students for careers as music theatre performing artists, choreographers, composers, lyricists and directors.
Students who are admitted to the program on the basis of their vocal and dance auditions develop the versatile performance skills demanded by this specialized art form. Students 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.
Music theatre is one of the most popular forms of entertainment in America—and one of the toughest to break into. Alumni of Northwestern and the Music Theatre Certificate program can be seen on Broadway and in national tours of hit productions.
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 Supplement.*
*This is an optional part of the application process. The Music Theatre Supplement is not required. It is a tool that the Music Theatre faculty uses to advise the admission process.
If you are interested in Music Theatre and are applying to the Bienen School of Music, you DO NOT need to submit this Music Theatre Supplement. The MT Supplement is not considered for music majors.
The Music Theatre Supplement is LIVE as of Tuesday, September 1.
The Music Theatre Supplement can be submitted online. In order to submit the MT Supplement, you must first register with the COMMON APPLICATION.
A complete MT Supplement Application includes the following:
*The guidelines for the Personal Statement and Performance Selections have been modified as of Sept. 1, 2020. Recordings made with the previous guidelines will still be accepted.
Optional Supporting Materials
If there is anything else you would like to share with us, feel free to also send in any of the following optional materials: video of a monologue, dance, instrumental skills, etc.
We prefer un-edited “one take” videos that are not professionally produced. Feel free to use a smart phone to record your video. Accepted file types for videos are: avi, m4v, mov, mp4, mpeg, mpg, vob, wmv, mkv.
Admittance to Northwestern University and the Department of Theatre does not ensure admittance to the Music Theatre Certificate Program. In-person auditions for the Music Theatre Certificate Program occur AFTER students have begun their first quarter of study at Northwestern.
Music Theatre Supplement deadlines coincide with standard Northwestern Undergraduate application deadlines:
Early Decision: November 1
Regular Decision: January 1.
If you are a Transfer Applicant, you may submit the Music Theatre Supplement at the time of your application.
Please contact the Music Theatre Office at 847-467-0333 with your questions regarding the Music Theatre Certificate Program or the Music Theatre Supplement process.
