Carthage College
Faith-BasedTest-OptionalGreek LifeLGBTQ+ Affirming
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Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
Audition Required
Interview Required
In-Person or Virtual
University App Required
MTCP ParticipantProgram Highlights
PROGRAM DISTINCTION
•One of only ten colleges in the country offering a Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre
•Ranked No. 2 Best School for Drama and Theater Arts in Wisconsin
TRAINING & CURRICULUM
•Intensive curriculum integrating voice, acting, and dance
•Private voice lessons for four years
•Dance training for four years
•Additional music theory, aural skills, choral ensembles, and piano coursework
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
•Multiple productions including musicals, plays, dance concerts, and New Play Initiative
•Faculty and guest artists actively working in New York, Milwaukee, and Chicago
ALUMNI SUCCESS
•Alumni perform at Lyric Opera of Chicago, Steppenwolf Theatre, Goodman Theatre, Milwaukee Repertory Theater, The Marriott Theatre, and more
STUDY ABROAD
•Students have performed in Ireland, Scotland, and China
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCommon App
Apply atSchool Website
Deadline
Rolling
Fee
$35Waiver
International Transfer Fee
$40Waiver
Program AppApplication
Apply atSchool Website
Auditions
On-Campus Audition (major intended only)Nov 14, 2025
On-Campus AuditionJan 31, 2026
On-Campus AuditionFeb 7, 2026
On-Campus Audition (major intended only)Feb 14, 2026
Audition Requirements
Songs
TWO MEMORIZED SONG CUTS, approximately 60 seconds each
•Two contrasting solos — any style, genre, or tempo
•Must perform to musical accompaniment
•Bring music in a three-ring binder with cuts clearly marked for the accompanist
SELECTION TIPS
•Pick pieces that show off your vocal and dramatic abilities
•Avoid choosing pieces that are only big and/or loud
Monologues
ONE MEMORIZED MONOLOGUE, no longer than 2 minutes
•Must come from a published play
•Do not use your own writing, movies, TV, forensics or speech tournament pieces, or undocumented internet sources
Dance
JAZZ CLASS (group)
•Attend a group assembly and jazz class as part of the audition day
•No prior dance experience required, but attendance and participation are mandatory
ATTIRE
•Bring a change of clothes you can easily move in for the jazz class
Wildcard / Special Skill
N/A
Additional Materials
RESUME (required)
•Include both musical and academic accomplishments
HEADSHOT (required)
•Bring a headshot photograph to your audition
SHEET MUSIC (required)
•Bring a copy of your music in a three-ring binder with cuts clearly marked for the accompanist
Good to Know
APPLICATION PROCESS
•Step 1: Apply to Carthage via Common App or Carthage application
•Step 2: Submit the Musical Theatre Audition Form to schedule your audition
•The MT application is a separate process with questions not on the Common App
MTCP
•Carthage is a participating institution in Musical Theater Common Prescreen
PLACEMENT
•All students placed in Keyboard I, Music Theory I, and Aural Skills I unless placement test requested
ELIGIBILITY
•Students must be accepted into the College before the end of February to be eligible for scholarship consideration
What's The Process
AUDITION FORMAT
•In-person audition includes vocal warm-ups, dance call, audition work session, and interview
•Full audition time is approximately four hours
•In-person auditions preferred for majors
•Minors must audition virtually
VIRTUAL OPTION
•Select "Virtual Audition" on the Audition Request Form
•Requirements and information sent via email
CONTACT
•Heidi Baehr, VPA Scholarship Coordinator
•vpascholarships@carthage.edu | 262-551-5859
Scholarship Info
ARTISTIC SCHOLARSHIPS
•Individual scholarships offered to musical theatre majors and minors
•Scholarships stack with most other awards
•Renewable based on maintaining satisfactory academic progress and completing work assignments
Program info updated 2 days ago
Academic School Information
3.30
Avg GPA (W)
84%
Admit Rate
63%
Grad Rate
2,628
Enrollment
$56,950
Earnings
10yr after
Tuition & Fees
$36,500
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$24,813
after typical aid
Average annual cost is often lower than tuition because it accounts for grants and scholarships most students receive. It includes tuition, room & board, books, and supplies.
Annual Cost by Family Income
Family Income $0 - $30k$18,307
Family Income $30k - $48k$20,228
Family Income $48k - $75k$22,692
Family Income $75k - $110k$25,465
Family Income $110k+$27,527
