Undergraduate Programs
Dance Major - Bachelor of Science
The Dance Program in the Department of Theatre provides a comprehensive curriculum committed to the student's intellectual, artistic, and professional growth. Students create a program within the major by selecting course work from three core areas: 1) performance/choreography; 2) history/criticism/theory; 3) professional studies. Study focuses on career opportunities in performance, dance writing, education, choreography, dance therapy, administration and other professional areas. Sound technical training exposes students to a variety of forms and styles, including ethnic dance and tap. Modern and jazz dance are the program's foundation techniques, complemented by ballet.
Dance Minor
Though not all of students choose to major in Dance, many take courses and involve themselves in the life of the department. The Minor in Dance facilitates formal recognition for those students enrolled in Dance classes already open to non-majors, reduces the prevailing perception that only majors can study Dance at Northwestern, and establishes an overt open-door policy to students at large, resulting in the mutual enrichment of our diverse populations.
Music Theatre Certificate Program
Music theatre is one of the most popular forms of entertainment in America. Northwestern, which has a strong tradition of preparing its alumni for successful careers in the performing arts, has recently begun to offer formal training in music theatre. Combining the extensive resources of the voice and opera program of its School of Music and the theatre department of its School of Communication, the University has developed a challenging curriculum that prepares students to perform as music theatre artists.
The Music Theatre Program is open only to students who are majoring in theatre, dance or voice performance. Designed as a minor or certificate program, it enables participants to develop a second area of specialization. Through rigorous training in singing, acting, and dance, students develop the versatile performance skills demanded by this specialized art form. The program also helps prepare students who wish to pursue careers in music theatre as choreographers and dancers, composers and lyricists and directors. Music Theatre is a highly selective program: only 30 students enter the program each year, half from the School of Music and half from the School of Communication. Students audition in the spring of their freshman or sophomore year. Candidates perform a vocal selection, a monologue and participate in a dance audition. For more information please contact the Music Theatre Program at (847) 491-2589 or visit their website.
