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Welcome to the Theatre Department at Viterbo University

Professional theatre training for exceptional students. Viterbo University Theatre and Music Theatre combine intensive training and personal support for students with the talent and drive to pursue careers in theatre. Our approach prepares the “whole artist.” We combine conservatory-like degree programs with the chance to explore all areas of theatre through dynamic coursework and a rigorous production schedule.

We offer degree concentrations in acting, musical theatre, design, technical production, stage management, arts administration, and theatre education. Our programs prepare you for a theatre career while our liberal arts foundation helps you learn for life.

About the Program

Viterbo University Theatre offers dynamic undergraduate theatre and music theatre programs where you can take advantage of exceptional training, technologically advanced facilities, and the best in liberal arts education. We offer Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degrees in acting, music theatre, design, technical production, stage management, and arts administration; Bachelor of Arts (BA) degrees in theatre arts and Bachelor of Science (BS) degrees in theatre education.

The department is actively involved in the Kennedy Center’s American College Theatre Festival. Our students train with a faculty of theatre professionals and visiting artists from around the nation. Students also benefit from connections at Guthrie Theatre, Milwaukee Rep, Theatre de la Jeune Lune, American Players Theatre, Children’s Theatre Company of Minneapolis, Dallas Children’s Theatre, Great River Shakespeare, and others.

Our main stage and black box seasons include six productions of new and classical dramas, comedies, musicals, and dance. Students also get hands-on experience assisting with the more than 30 professional touring productions presented each year on our stages.

Admission is by audition and interview. Renewable admission scholarships of up to $8,500 are awarded based on GPA and ACT scores. Theatre and music theatre talent scholarships are awarded to select incoming students.

Meet a few of our gifted faculty

Rick Walters
Associate Professor and Chair, Theatre
608-796-3793, rhwalters@viterbo.edu
Expertise: Acting , Shakespeare, Masks and Movement

Rick Walters is an actor, director and teacher. He has been a member of the acting companies at the Guthrie Theatre, Indiana Repertory Theatre, and The Empty Space Theatre in Seattle. He is a recipient of the Kennedy Center - American College Theatre Festival Actors Center Fellowship for actors and teachers. He has taught acting, movement, and voice at the University of Minnesota and Indiana University at Indianapolis. Rick has been influential in developing educational theatre programs at the Guthrie Theatre, Stepping Stone Theatre, Stage Coach, Park Square Theatre, Young Audiences of Indiana, and others.

He is a member of the Regional Selection Committee for the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. His directing credits include The Importance of Being Earnest, Proof, Trip to Bountiful, Brighton Beach Memoirs, Great Expectations, Between Daylight and Boonville, and Zealot. Rick holds an MFA in acting from the University of Minnesota and a BS in theatre from the University of Evansville.

Susan Rush
Professor Emeritus, Music Theatre
Expertise: Music Theatre, Acting, Voice, and Diction

Susan Rush is an actor, director, and teacher. Susan has performed on Broadway, Off-Broadway and in regional theatres across the country. Her Broadway debut was in the revival of Knickerbocker Holiday starring Richard Kiley. She was most recently on Broadway in the revivals of Guys and Dolls, and Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.

She has directed many shows including Once Upon a Mattress, Cosi Fan Tutte, Iolanthe, A Grand Night for Singing, Splendora, Talking With, The Three Sisters, and A . . .My Name is Alice. She has served as head of acting at both the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and Texas Christian University. Susan holds an undergraduate degree in music education and an MFA in theatre from the University of Arizona.

Dr. Janet E. McLean
Associate Professor, Theatre
608-796-3792, jemclean@viterbo.edu
Expertise: Theatre History, Dramatic Literature, Theatre Education

Janet McLean is a committed theatre educator who leads the Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and the Bachelor of Science in Theatre Education programs. She is also the department recruitment coordinator. Janet began her teaching career as a high school speech and theatre teacher at The Dalles in Oregon, and went on to teach at Berry College in Rome, Ga. where she served as teacher, costume designer, and director.

Janet has designed and directed many productions throughout her career including Viterbo productions of Macbeth, Doll's House, Oh Pioneers, Duck Variations, andCopenhagen. She is a member of the Association of Theatre in Higher Education (ATHE), and is active in the American College Theatre Festival. A native of Rochester, Minn., Janet holds a Ph.D. in theatre from the University of Kansas, an MA from the University of Idaho and a BFA in Theatre Education from the University of South Dakota.

To learn more about the Faculty at Viterbo CLICK HERE

Degree Offerings

Bachelor of Fine Arts, acting, design, music theatre, technical production, stage management, arts administration, Bachelor of Arts - Theatre Arts, Bachelor of Science - Theatre Arts Education

To learn more about the Degree Offerings CLICK HERE  

Course Offerings CLICK HERE
Music Theatre requirements  CLICK HERE
Theatre course requirements CLICK HERE

Admission Requirements

First-year and transfer students seeking admission to Theatre and Music Theatre must make a formal application to Viterbo University and audition and/or interview with the department faculty. We strongly recommend that students complete the admission application prior to the scheduled audition/interview with the department.

To complete your application, please provide the following:

Application to Viterbo University (send to the Office of Admission)

Resume of theatre experience

Two letters of recommendation from a teacher or person familiar with your work and potential

A personal written statement describing your goals and interests in pursuing a career in theatre and why you feel Viterbo University may be the place for you.

Mail materials to: Janet McLean, Theatre Recruitment Coordinator, Viterbo University, 900 Viterbo Drive, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601

Financial Aid

We work directly with you, your family, and the Office of Financial Aid to create the most comprehensive financial aid package available. Scholarships are based on talent, academic record, and leadership potential. Need-based grants and loans are also available to qualifying students. Financial aid packages will not be awarded until the student has been formally admitted to Viterbo University and has completed the audition/interview process.

Auditions and Interviews

Our selective admission process means students benefit from small class sizes and opportunities to participate in many productions. Admission to the department of theatre and music theatre is based on talent, academic ability, and potential for success in a theatre-related career. To be admitted to the department, students must first apply and be admitted to Viterbo University.

Scheduling Your Audition & Interview

Auditions and interviews require a confirmed appointment at least two weeks in advance of the requested date.

On-campus auditions (for Theatre and Music Theatre):

Contact our department recruitment coordinator, Janet McLean, at jemclean@viterbo.edu or (608) 796-3792 to schedule your on-campus date. While you’re here, you can visit classes, see a show or rehearsal, meet students and faculty, and tour the campus. We’ll even arrange for you to stay overnight with some of our current students living on campus. If you have any questions about the Music Theatre program, call Miranda Crispin, Music Theatre Coordinator, (608) 796-3766 or email mecrispin@viterbo.edu.

Preparing Your Audition & Interview

Auditions:

Actors should prepare two contrasting, memorized 1- to 2-minute monologues from a contemporary play. If you are comfortable with Shakespeare, we would appreciate seeing 20-30 lines of a verse monologue or soliloquy. This can substitute for one of your contemporary monologues. The audition may also include improvisation and movement.

Music Theatre:

Music Theatre performers should prepare a 1- to 2-minute monologue from a contemporary play and be prepared to sing 16 to 32 bars of two contrasting songs from a Broadway musical (memorized). You should provide recorded musical accompaniment at the National Unified Auditions.

For on-campus auditions, please bring sheet music; an accompanist will be provided. You will also be asked to learn and perform a short dance combination and to complete a vocal and piano sight-reading test. Additional information about the audition process can be found at Music Theatre Auditions.

For More on Interviews and Auditions CLICK HERE

To access the Theatre and Music Theatre student hand book CLICK HERE.

Contact Us

Fine Arts Center
Email: finearts@viterbo.edu
Phone: (608) 796-3737
Fax: (608) 796-3736
Street Address: 929 Jackson Street
Mailing Address: 900 Viterbo Drive, La Crosse, WI 54601

And Visit Us on the Web by CLICKING HERE!