Carthage College
Faith-BasedTest-OptionalGreek LifeLGBTQ+
Program
No PrescreenGateway AuditionInterview RequiredIn-Person or VirtualUniversity App RequiredMTCP Participant
Program Characteristics
Program Highlights
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
•BA degree offering flexibility with musical theatre training
•Integrates voice, acting, and dance
•Ranked No. 2 Best School for Drama and Theater Arts in Wisconsin
TRAINING
•Courses taught by musical theatre professionals actively working in New York, Milwaukee, and Chicago
•Private voice lessons and dance training
•Performance-based coursework
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
•Multiple productions including musicals, plays, dance concerts, and New Play Initiative
•Begin performing from first year
ALUMNI SUCCESS
•Alumni perform at Lyric Opera of Chicago, Steppenwolf Theatre, Goodman Theatre, Milwaukee Repertory Theater, 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
No audition required to apply. Students audition for the program after enrolling at the university.
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
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
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 4d ago
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
•BA degree offering flexibility with musical theatre training
•Integrates voice, acting, and dance
•Ranked No. 2 Best School for Drama and Theater Arts in Wisconsin
TRAINING
•Courses taught by musical theatre professionals actively working in New York, Milwaukee, and Chicago
•Private voice lessons and dance training
•Performance-based coursework
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
•Multiple productions including musicals, plays, dance concerts, and New Play Initiative
•Begin performing from first year
ALUMNI SUCCESS
•Alumni perform at Lyric Opera of Chicago, Steppenwolf Theatre, Goodman Theatre, Milwaukee Repertory Theater, and more
STUDY ABROAD
•Students have performed in Ireland, Scotland, and China
Updated 4d ago
Academic School Information
3.30
Avg GPA (W)
87%
Admit Rate
62%
Grad Rate
2,660
Enrollment
$56,950
Earnings
10yr after
Tuition & Fees
$38,750
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$26,565
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.
Family Income $0 - $30k$23,293
Family Income $30k - $48k$23,630
Family Income $48k - $75k$22,427
Family Income $75k - $110k$24,995
Family Income $110k+$29,176
