Music Theatre Certificate
Each year, second-year theatre, dance and performance studies students audition for a 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.
For policies and advising, see Office of Undergraduate Programs and Advising.
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 Supplemental Portfolio.*
*This is an optional part of the application process. The Music Theatre Supplemental Portfolio 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 Supplemental Portfolio. The MT Supplemental Portfolio is not considered for music majors.
Supplemental Materials
Music Theatre Supplemental Portfolio
For Theatre Major Applicants Interested in the Music Theatre Certificate Program
About This Portfolio
If you're applying to Northwestern's Theatre major and interested in our Music Theatre Certificate Program, we invite you to submit this optional supplemental portfolio. This serves as a tool that our Music Theatre faculty uses to inform and advise the admission process.
Please note: Admission to Northwestern University and submission of this supplemental portfolio does not guarantee acceptance into the Music Theatre Certificate Program. The Certificate Program is designed for students seeking a specialized focus in music theatre. However, Northwestern offers abundant music theatre coursework and skill-building opportunities available to all Theatre majors, regardless of certificate program acceptance.
Important Note: Music majors applying to the Bienen School should not submit this portfolio, as it's designed specifically for Theatre major applicants.
Portfolio Components
Submission opens Monday, September 22, 2025.
Your complete portfolio includes:
1. Information Form Complete the online form with your basic details.
2. Personal Statement Video (1.5 minutes maximum) We want to get to know the artist and person you are! Create a video response to this prompt: "How do you see yourself contributing to the future of music theatre as a field?"
Feel free to draw from any of these areas of thought to support your response:
- What artistically inspires you?
- How can music theatre have a creative impact on the world?
- How do you see collaboration as an important aspect of the arts?
- How would you define yourself as an artist?
3. Performance Videos (1.5 minutes each, maximum) Share two contrasting musical selections that you love to sing—any style or genre that authentically reflects different aspects of who you are. Please memorize your material. Accompaniment (live or recorded) is welcome but not required.
4. Optional Supporting Materials Feel free to include additional videos showcasing monologue work, dance, instrumental skills, or other artistic expressions that help us understand your creative range.
Video Guidelines
We value authenticity over production quality! Simple "one take" recordings using a smartphone work perfectly. We prefer unedited videos that let your genuine artistry shine through.
Accepted formats: avi, m4v, mov, mp4, mpeg, mpg, vob, wmv, mkv.
Certificate Program Timeline
Certificate program auditions and interviews take place during your winter quarter of sophomore year, with the specialized coursework beginning in your junior year. This timing allows you to establish yourself within the Theatre program and explore various music theatre offerings before committing to the certificate's focused curriculum.
Deadlines
- Early Decision: November 1
- Regular Decision: January 2
- Transfer Applicants: Submit with your application
Questions
Please contact Professor Karen Olivo (ProKO@northwestern.edu) with your questions regarding the Music Theatre Certificate Program or the Music Theatre Supplemental Portfolio process.
The Certificate in Music Theatre provides the opportunity for School of Communication students majoring in theatre, dance, or performance studies and Bienen School of Music students majoring in voice to create a second area of specialization that is important to their development as musical theatre artists.
Visit the major's Academic Catalog listing to see specific requirements for SoC students, which include:
- Program requirements specify that students must take and pass 9 specific THEATER and DANCE courses: 3 Applied Voice courses, 3 Music Theatre Techniques courses, 2 Theatre courses and 1 Dance sequence. (Different courses are required for voice students from Bienen School of Music.)
- Students must remain in the theatre, dance, performance studies, or voice major to remain in the Music Theatre Certificate Program; students who leave an eligible major for a noneligible one will be required to leave the program.