Students in the Musical Theatre Program perform on stage as the leading character is seen singing and gesturing while a cast of over fifteen students are seen on stage.

For millions and millions of people across the world, musical theatre is a gateway to another world, full of captivating performances and unforgettable characters. For you, it’s even more than that. It is a part of your world, and our musical theatre certificate is a great way to incorporate it into your college experience.

In addition to our BFA in Theatre Performance (Musical Theatre Track), our musical theatre certificate is an exceptional, condensed training for aspiring musical theatre artists. Immerse yourself in a dynamic program that nurtures your talent, refines your skills and prepares you for the stage. Our accomplished faculty, renowned guest artists and state-of-the-art facilities create an inspiring backdrop where you can explore your creativity and develop your singing, dancing and acting talents. With a comprehensive curriculum and supportive environment, you’ll develop a versatile skill set and gain the confidence to excel in the world of musical theatre. 

Program Type

Undergraduate Certificate

Program Format

On Campus

Important Dates
Minors & Certificates

You can declare an undergraduate minor or certificate at any time of year. We recommend connecting with an advisor during the semester before you intend to begin a new program so that you are prepared to choose classes and register when the time comes.

The arts are for everyone

A minor or certificate in the arts provides a well-rounded education. That’s because the arts foster creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. They enhance communication and presentation skills, which are valuable in any professional setting. Engaging in the arts also increases empathy and understanding of diverse people and perspectives. Plus, they bring a unique selling point to your resume by demonstrating a versatile skill set.

And let’s be honest: The arts are also a lot of fun, adding stress relief and variety to your college experience.

89%Executives agree that creativity is a top skill
91%Americans agree the arts are vital to education
73%Americans say the arts help them understand others
45Minutes of art making can reduce stress levels

Musical Theatre Certificate Program Details

Our musical theatre program is interdisciplinary and includes courses in music, dance and theatre. You’ll explore the role that dance plays in theatrical productions and choose from a variety of courses to gain advanced dance experience. You’ll study vocal technique, repertoire and style, perform in a choral ensemble, receive voice lessons and learn how to prepare for auditions. Plus, you’ll lay a foundation of acting techniques through exercises, improvisation and solo and ensemble performance in theatre classes. Along the way, you’ll choose additional courses to dig deeper into aspects of musical theatre that interest you.  

You’ll also have the chance to collaborate with other theatre artists, including working on productions. And you’ll do it all in a vibrant and diverse community of theatre artists and scholars who share your passion for the arts. 

Explore the Musical Theatre, Undergraduate Certificate requirements in the Academic Catalog.

You may also be interested in our Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Theatre Performance, which offers a track in Musical Theatre, to take your passion and talents to the next level.

Interested in declaring a minor, certificate or microcredential? Contact us to get started.

Performances

From backstage to center stage, front of house or in front of a classroom, our public performances are a vehicle for training students in every aspect of theatre. They are also a source of high-quality performing arts entertainment for our campus and community. Explore our upcoming performances or take a look at recent productions.

Internships & Opportunities

Students work and intern professionally with Milwaukee’s professional music organizations, theatre and dance companies, and film festivals, as well as leading art museums, galleries and creative agencies. See where your education can take you. Learn more about internships and opportunities.

Student Organizations & Clubs

Meet like-minded people in a wide variety of student organizations and clubs who inspire creativity and will support your aspirations. Collaborate and create, network with professional artists, and deepen your connection with faculty, mentors and fellow students outside of the classroom.

Study Abroad

We believe that a complete education in the arts should take you beyond the classroom and the local community. By studying abroad, you’ll gain more than a change of scenery. You’ll embark on a transformative educational experience and bring a global perspective to your field of study. Explore upcoming trips offered in partnership with the Center for International Education.

Theatre Alumni Stories

  • UWM stage manager sets the stage for student success

    The job of stage manager is considered one of the most challenging roles in theater. Lillian Hayward, a theatre production major with an emphasis in stage management, knows this well. From running rehearsals to facilitating communication between the director and the actors, Hayward has to do a little bit of everything as …
  • Theatre alum brings ghostly features to life in world premiere production 

    In Milwaukee’s recent World Premiere of The Forgotten Girl, production design is more important than ever. Viewers are immersed in the world of the main characters Iris and Daniel as they discover the abandoned grave of a girl in their grade and begin interacting with her ghost. Scenic designer Amaya …

Theatre Careers

  • Actor / Actress 
  • Agent
  • Art Director / Creative Director
  • Artistic Director
  • Arts Administrator / Box Office Manager 
  • Arts Council Director
  • Camp Director 
  • Carpentry / Scenic Artistry 
  • Casting Director 
  • Choreographer
  • Comedian
  • Community Arts Organizer 
  • Conflict / Resolution Facilitator 
  • Corporate Trainer
  • Costume Designer 
  • Costume Director / Manager 
  • Crafts Artisan
  • Curator
  • Dialect Coach 
  • Director
  • Drafter / Designer 
  • Drama Therapist 
  • Dramaturg 
  • Draper / Cutter
  • Educator / Education Administrator 
  • Electrician
  • Entertainment Designer / Manager
  • Event Planner / Coordinator 
  • Gaffer / Grip 
  • Hair / Makeup Designer / Artist
  • Intimacy Director / Coordinator
  • Life Coach / Motivational Speaker
  • Lighting Designer / Director 
  • Managing Director 
  • Marketing & Sales 
  • Master Carpenter
  • Milliner 
  • Model
  • Musical Theatre Artist 
  • Playwright
  • Producer
  • Production Assistant 
  • Production Manager 
  • Project Manager 
  • Projection Designer
  • Properties Artisan / Director 
  • Rigging Installer 
  • Scenery Designer 
  • Scenic Artist / Painter 
  • Screenwriter 
  • Set Designer / Decorator 
  • Singer
  • Sound Designer / Engineer 
  • Sound Technician
  • Special Effects Artist 
  • Stage Director / Manager 
  • Stage Hand
  • Staging Fabricator 
  • Stunt Double 
  • Tailor
  • Talent Agent / Director 
  • Technical Director 
  • Television / Radio Personality 
  • Theatre Consultant
  • Theatre Critic / Journalist / Blogger
  • Theatre Equipment Sales 
  • Trade Show Designer 
  • Visual Effects Director / Engineer 
  • Vocal Coach
  • Voiceover Artist 
  • Wardrobe Specialist 
  • Wigmaker

Musical Theatre Certificate Program Faculty

Which faculty you have within this program is dependent upon your chosen courses or interests. For a list of all Theatre faculty and staff please click the button below.


  • Assistant Professor, Voice
  • Area Head, Voice & Opera
  • Lecturer, Dance
  • Lecturer, FitWell
  • Teaching Faculty II, Voice & Opera Theatre
  • Associate Professor, Dance
  • Chair, Department of Dance
  • Associate Professor, Dance
  • Associate Professor, Acting
  • Professor, Dance
  • Graduate Program Representative, Dance
  • Pianist, Voice & Opera
  • Teaching Faculty II, Voice
  • Voice Liaison, Musical Theatre
  • Lecturer, Theatre
  • Teaching Faculty III, Theatre Education & Directing
  • Area Head, Theatre Education
  • Outreach Coordinator, Theatre
  • Living Learning Community Coordinator, Performing Arts
  • Teaching Assistant, Dance
  • Lecturer, On-Camera Acting
  • Assistant Professor, Dance
  • Teaching Faculty II, Voice, Speech and Dialects
  • Co-Area Head, Acting
  • Professor, Theatre
  • Teaching Fellow, Lubar Entrepreneurship Center
  • Associate Professor, Theatre
  • Area Head, Musical Theatre
  • Lecturer, Voice
  • Lecturer, Voice
  • Director, Pop Ensemble
  • Teaching Faculty III, Dance
  • Advisor, Dance Performance Minor
  • Coordinator, ACDA
  • Teaching Faculty I, Dance
  • Lecturer, Dance
  • Outreach Coordinator, Dance
  • Professor, Acting
  • Co-Chair, Department of Theatre
  • Co-Area Head, Acting
  • Lecturer, Voice
  • Senior Lecturer, Dance

Upcoming Theatre Events