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What Can You Do With a Musical Theatre Degree?

Transform your love of musical theatre into a meaningful career. Gain creative, collaborative, and communication skills that apply across the arts, education, business, and creative industries.

More Than a Triple Threat

A musical theatre major learns more than just singing, dancing, and acting. They learn how to put on a full production, thinking through all the aspects to prepare for opening night. They turn small budgets into works of art, they quickly solve problems, and they collaborate with a variety of stakeholders. Whether you're interested in becoming a musical theatre professional or another creative profession, you'll develop strong skills that employers look for.

With Willamette’s musical theatre program, students develop both performance and storytelling skills. Our program emphasizes performance, helping you build a unique set of abilities that translates to careers both on and off stage. We combine hands-on training with a liberal arts foundation to help performers refine their craft and prepare for a fulfilling career.

What Skills Do You Learn?

While students learn fundamental performing art skills, they also develop other soft skills that employers value. Graduates walk away with a deeper expertise in skills such as:

  • Communication. Musical theatre majors learn how to communicate in a wide array of platforms with different audiences. Convey ideas through visual aspects, learn how to write scripts, and gain the skills to present with confidence.
  • Collaboration. Whether you're an actor, director, musician, or set designer, you're working with others to create the best production possible. Musical theatre majors learn how to work with all these roles to bring their ideas to life.
  • Time management. Musical theatre majors have to achieve all their needs before opening day. Students learn how to break down projects and ensure things are completed on time.
  • Project management. A production is a project requiring the ability to manage people, tasks, and deadlines. Musical theatre students have to learn how to navigate all the necessary tasks to complete a production.
A student in a black bodysuit dancing in front of a group of musicians
  • Problem solving. Anyone with on-stage experience must be able to solve problems on the spot. Whether forgetting a line or a set design mishap, performers learn how to quickly solve problems effectively.
  • Marketing and promotion. While students learn how to market and promote their own productions, they also learn how to market and promote themselves. From digital marketing to graphic design skills, musical theatre majors walk away with core skills in promoting.
  • Technical/artistic talent. Within musical theatre, students develop expertise in both music and acting. They deepen their core knowledge and learn supporting roles within the industry to better support their craft.
  • Initiative. Musical theatre majors learn how to proactively solve problems. Whether they're jumping into painting a mural or sewing a torn costume, they can spot and solve issues ahead of time.
A professor writing on a musical scale on the whiteboard

What Jobs Can You Get With a Musical Theatre Degree?

Whether you're pursuing a career in musical theatre or looking for a creative role, you'll develop the right skills within a musical theatre program. Career paths include:

  • Performance & Creative Roles

    Careers focused on being onstage, behind the mic, or creating original work.

    • Stage Actor
    • Singer / Vocal Performer
    • Dancer
    • Voice Actor
    • Public Speaker
    • Playwright
    • Writer
    • Composer
    • Choreographer

  • Direction, Design & Production

    Roles that shape how a production looks, sounds, and runs.

    • Director
    • Music Director
    • Producer
    • Stage Manager
    • Costume Designer
    • Designer
    • Theatre Technician

  • Arts Leadership & Administration

    Careers that manage organizations, people, and resources.

    • Arts Administrator
    • Business Manager
    • Not-for-Profit Leader
    • Arts Consultant
    • Event Planner

  • Marketing, Media & Communications

    Careers that promote work, build audiences, and create content.

    • Marketing Specialist
    • Publicist
    • Digital Media Specialist
    • Podcaster

  • Representation, Casting & Legal

    Careers focused on talent advocacy and industry logistics.

    • Casting Director or Talent Agent
    • Entertainment Lawyer

  • Education, Therapy & Academia

    Careers centered on teaching, research, and applied practice.

    • Teaching Artist
    • Theatre Educator
    • Professor
    • Drama Therapist

Keep in mind that some roles will require additional licensure or a graduate-level degree. Speak to a career advisor to create a personalized path towards your career goals.

Is a Musical Theatre Degree Worth It?

Absolutely! It's a great degree for those who enjoy performance but also want to develop important skills. Performance training helps students develop confidence, presence, clear communication, and listening abilities. While these skills are beneficial to future employers, they're also vital throughout your life.

Our musical theatre program is a rigorous four-year degree. Theatre students develop public speaking skills, along with strong skills in project management, self-discipline, critical thinking, and foresight. Students learn how to work under pressure and deliver on a deadline. These habits translate well to jobs in media, marketing, education, nonprofit work, and business.

A student in a classroom raising their hand

Should I Major in Musical Theatre?

Musical theatre is a powerful degree. Theatre students walk away with the ability to budget, plan, market, and execute a production. Music training positively impacts memory and attention, and positively impacts mental health and emotional intelligence. By combining both disciplines, students can develop a unique set of skills that benefit them personally and professionally.

If you're passionate about music and theatre, pursuing this degree is a great choice. Not only will you feel personally fulfilled, but you will also walk away with employable skills. Graduates can use their skills in related roles like teaching, production, directing, and arts administration.

Three students reading music and singing on stage

Why Choose Willamette for Musical Theatre?

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