Musical Theatre Minor
Minor
The musical theatre program is designed to equip students for both professional and ministry careers through personalized learning in a small department setting. Our curriculum is focused on rooting students in their faith and training them to be a light in the workplace.
Students pursuing a musical theatre degree are involved in every aspect of production. Bethel offers opportunities for students to direct, design, and even sometimes have their own written works produced before they graduate. Every year the Bethel University theatre department puts on two main stage shows, one musical and one or two studio shows. Students also have opportunities to participate in student-directed scenes, our traveling drama group and 24-hour theatre experiences.
11:1
student-to-faculty ratio
100%
of students receive some form of financial assistance
4-5
• 2 mainstage shows
• 1 musical
• 1-2 studio shows
Musical Theatre Minor
In pursuing a musical theatre minor, you’ll take part in a variety of courses.
- Performance techniques for multiple styles and settings
- Technical design skills
- Set/costume/prop construction
- Stage management
- Stage make-up and hair skills
- Theatre and Christian worldview
Prepare for an exciting future as a/an:
- Actor
- Production Manager
- Company Manager
- Stage Manager
- Producer
- Designer
- Technician
Many of our graduates have gone on to successful careers, having:
- performed on both union and non-union stages throughout the U.S.
- worked national tours both onstage and backstage
- performed on cruise lines
- held a consistent role on a well-known television show as well as other film and television roles
- stage managed in Chicago, Milwaukee, and Detroit
- held numerous technical positions in prestigious regional and collegiate theatres
- written and produced/published short movies, plays and novels
- worked at the Sochi Winter Olympics
- worked for Disney
- worked for theatre equipment companies
- taught in schools – both high school and collegiate
- founded a professional theatre
Recent graduates have found jobs as a/an:
- Actor
- Designer (Scenic, Lights, Sound, Costume, Props/Effects, Makeup/Hair)
- Scenic Painter
- Production Manager
- Stage Manager
- Educator
You’ll gain career-shaping skills such as:
- The value and impact of design on storytelling
- The importance of a well-managed production
- How to work to achieve a high-quality onstage performance
- How vital collaboration is to a successful theatrical production
Musical Theatre Minor Highlights
Graduates of the musical theatre minor program will be well-rounded and learn a wide range of skills covering many areas of theatre. Graduates will be well prepared to stand out as capable professionals in the theatre industry while being rooted in their faith and trained to be a light in the workplace.
Also Consider These Areas of Study
Our musical theatre degree pairs well with many other majors in other disciplines, allowing you to graduate with two degrees. You may consider these other areas of study along with it:
Still deciding?
Meet Our Faculty
Don Hunter
Theatre Department Chair; Production Manager, Theatre
Stephen Martin, D.C.M.
Chair of Music Department; Associate Professor of Music
Becky Branch, M.A., C.M.H.C.
Coordinator of Fine Arts Programs; Box Office Manager; Adjunct Professor, Music
Financial Aid
Apply for admission to Bethel University before submitting the theatre scholarship application. Students are strongly encouraged to audition/interview for the theatre scholarship during the fall semester of their senior year of high school to be best reflected on their financial aid award letter. Juniors are also highly encouraged to audition/interview.
Questions? Contact the theatre department at 574.807.7747.
Take the Next Step
Take the first step toward your Bethel University degree in musical theatre. Visit campus, apply, request information or ask questions about financial aid.