Why major in Musical Theatre at Washburn?

At Washburn we see Theatre as a transformative force in the world. While we want to entertain with theatre, we also believe that—by creating worlds on the stage—we inspire the ability to create and shape the world outside the theatre.

The outstanding faculty in the Department of Music and Theatre will help you grow in your musicianship, acting and dance skills during your time with us. Whether you aspire to a career in theatre or opera, or you want theatre and music to be an important part of your life while you work in another industry, our program will align with your goals.

Career Forecast Bright OutlookAverage Salary $77,700on campus
Two students sing while on stage for a production.

What sets Washburn Theatre apart?

  • You’ll learn from faculty members with extensive industry experience, not from graduate students.
  • Student written and directed work has a place on our stage. You’ll have opportunities to bring your vision to life through performing, writing, directing, design, and more.
  • You’ll graduate and begin your job search with a professional portfolio, workshop and master class opportunities and critiques, and at least one internship experience.
  • Study abroad is embraced by the department, with scholarship support. Students are preparing now to perform an original work at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Summer 2022.
  • You’ll be eligible for academic scholarships and production leadership opportunities through the department.
  • The Theatre lounge includes a fridge, microwave, and couches for rest. We know that the theatre lifestyle can be grueling and we’re here to support you.
  • Washburn choral ensembles, such as Opera Studio, and voice lessons are built into your program as a musical theatre major.

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Admissions scholarships

Washburn University offers generous scholarships based on your interests, career aspirations, community service and academic success.

Theatre department scholarships

You're eligible for a variety of scholarships based on academic performance and career pursuits. Available for incoming freshmen, current and transfer students. Scholarship auditions and applications are due early in the spring semester for the following year.

Tuition and fees

Courses in this program are offered at the Traditional Undergraduate rate.

Financial aid

Washburn University offers generous undergraduate financial aid, including scholarships and grants.

Tuition waivers

Washburn University offers generous undergraduate financial aid, including scholarships and grants.

You must audition for admittance to the musical theatre major. The audition will evaluate music, dance and acting skills. You are expected to participate in the theatre showcase each semester, as well as audition and perform as cast. You must pass a jury each year to remain in the program. 

The Bachelor of Arts in Musical Theatre consists of forty (40) credit hours in theatre, and fourteen (14) correlate credits in music, in addition to the general education requirements of the College of Arts and Sciences.

Nineteen (19) hours in the major are taken at the upper division level.

Required courses:

  • TH100/300: Practicum (4 x 1 credit each) 4 credits
  • TH202: Acting I 3 credits
  • TH206: History/Lit I 3 credits
  • TH207: History/Lit II 3 credits
  • TH311: Stagecraft 3 credits
  • 1 additional theatre tech course (Choose from TH315: Set/Props; TH316: Lights/Sound; TH317: Costume; TH319 Stage Makeup) 3 credits
  • TH401: Directing and Scene Analysis 3 credits
  • TH406: American Musical Theatre History 3 credits
  • TH104: Dance I 3 credits
  • TH204: Dance II 3 credits
  • TH304: Dance III 3 credits
  • TH209: Musical Theatre Performance I 3 credits
  • TH309: Musical Theatre Performance II 3 credits
  • TH409: Musical Theatre Performance III 3 credits

Correlate Music Courses:

  • MU109: Piano for beginners 2 credits
  • MU 215: Music Theory 3 credits
  • MU 217: Aural Skills 1 credit
  • MU275: Private Voice Lessons (4 semesters at 1 credit each) 4 credits
  • Music Ensembles (4 semester at1credit each in consultation with director) 4 credits

Fill out the Undergraduate Admissions Application and enroll to pursue Musical Theatre. It is common to declare a major in Theatre at enrollment and then determine your specific area of interest.

In this applied field, you’ll be able to work directly in all of the on stage and technical aspects of theatre production. Directing, acting, and technical theatre roles are required of all majors prior to graduation. Topeka’s vibrant community theatre scene means you’ll have opportunities off campus, too.

TH416 gets you internship experience in the industry and related fields and will help you on your path whether the goal is Actors Equity or using your theatre skills in another venue, such as Law School, or project management.

As you prepare for the job search, engage with Washburn Career Engagement for career fairs, mock interviews, and resume review.

Minor in Theatre

A Minor in Theatre Studies consists of a minimum of eighteen hours in theatre approved in advance by a theatre faculty advisor. Courses must be chosen from all three areas: performance, design/technology, and history/literature, and will be filed with the department.

Set for Success

CAREER FORECAST: bright outlook

Student/faculty ratio

7:1

You'll gain skills in

Performing

Directing

Tech/production

Time management

Problem solving

Graduate school

15%

of students pursue graduate school after graduation.

Auditions

All students are welcome to audition for acting and technical roles
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Become an Ichabod!
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Events

Productions, student showcases and other events to get involved in
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GET IN TOUCH WITH Washburn Theatre

Washburn University Theatre
Garvey, Room 133
1700 SW College Ave.
Topeka, KS 66621

Phone & Email
Phone: 785.670.1639
music.theatre@washburn.edu

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