Conservatory for the Performing Arts
Theatre and Musical Theatre Department
Viterbo University’s nationally connected theatre and musical theatre department in La Crosse, Wisconsin, attracts talented students from across the country. Our intensive, conservatory-style programs in musical theatre and acting combine rigorous training with a strong liberal arts foundation to support your growth as an artist and individual.
As a Viterbo theatre major, you’ll work closely with experienced faculty and develop your skills on stage and behind the scenes. Through hands-on learning, personalized mentorship, and collaborative productions, you’ll build the confidence, professionalism, and versatility to take on your next role—wherever your theatre journey leads.
Music Department
Viterbo’s music program prepares students for professional careers in a variety of fields related to music, performance, and music education. Our tiered curriculum allows students the flexibility to pursue a general Bachelor of Music degree with or without a double major, or a Bachelor of Music with an area concentration of either performance or music education with teaching certification. Students have opportunities to engage in a variety of artistic experiences and are encouraged to influence the musical lives of the communities in which they serve. Faculty members have extensive professional experience and students benefit from first-rate teaching and outstanding facilities, as well as full-scale productions of operas, oratorios, and musicals. The program has been accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) for over 50 years.
Fine Arts Center Facilities
Take a moment to explore our Fine Arts Center facilities comprised of the Main Theatre, Nola Starling Recital Hall, FSPA Lobby, Dance Studio, LaCroix Black Box Theatre, Art Galleries, Art studios for painting, design, graphics, and weaving; a choral and instrumental room; acoustically isolated music practice rooms and music studios; numerous classrooms including a specially-designed audio-visual classroom.
We offer tours free of charge by appointment. Please call the Viterbo Box Office at 608-796-3100.
Major and Minors
- Triple-threat training: acting, voice, and dance
- Senior showcase for industry professionals
- Strong placement in national tours, cruise lines, and regional theatre
- Classical and contemporary performance training
- Focus on stagecraft, auditioning, and ensemble work
- Opportunities in devised works, Shakespeare, and modern drama
The Minor in Arts Management provides students with the skills needed to help arts facilities to run smoothly so artists, production teams, and audiences have an exceptional experience at events. Art directors, creative services managers, and directors of development have a passion for the visual and performing arts enhanced by a strong foundation of business practices.
Make your love of dance part of your college degree at Viterbo University! Students can minor in dance, where dance and some music courses are offered in order to reach the credit requirement. Students with an artistic inclination, motivation for career advancement, and verification of a commitment to dance are all great candidates for pursuing a minor in dance at Viterbo University. The total credits required of the minor is 14. Transfer course and waivers and/or substitutions could modify these credit totals. A qualifying audition is offered for students who wish to test out of DANC 110 and/or other lower division dance courses, although the total credit requirement remains the same.
The total credits of the minor requirements are 15–16. Transfer course, waivers and/or substitutions, and prerequisite courses could modify these credit totals.
Minors at Viterbo University generally require between 15–25 credits upon completion. Transfer course and waivers and/or substitutions could modify these credit totals.
The total credits of the minor requirements are 15–16. Transfer course, waivers and/or substitutions, and prerequisite courses could modify these credit totals.
The total credits of the minor requirements are 15–16. Transfer course, waivers and/or substitutions, and prerequisite courses could modify these credit totals.