Conservatory Training for Future Theatre Professionals
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.
Explore Our Theatre Degree Programs
Viterbo’s theatre and musical theatre department offers dynamic, comprehensive programs to support your academic and artistic development. Whether you’re interested in performing, directing, writing, or working behind the scenes, our theatre programs give you the tools and training to turn your passion into a profession.
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Musical Theatre
- Triple-threat training: acting, voice, and dance
- Senior showcase for industry professionals
- Strong placement in national tours, cruise lines, and regional theatre
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Acting
- Classical and contemporary performance training
- Focus on stagecraft, auditioning, and ensemble work
- Opportunities in devised works, Shakespeare, and modern drama
Theatre Minors
- Arts Administration
- Dance
- Design and Technical Production
- Music
- Playwriting
- Stage Management
Why Choose Viterbo for Theatre and Musical Theatre?
From your first semester to your senior showcase, Viterbo’s theatre and musical theatre department provides the training, mentorship, and experience you need to grow as a theatre professional. You’ll be part of a close-knit, collaborative community that values your unique voice and helps you take meaningful steps toward a career in theatre.
- Personalized, professional training: With a 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio, theatre majors receive individualized coaching from faculty with extensive experience in Broadway, regional, and national touring productions. The curriculum emphasizes ethical storytelling, collaboration, and the versatility today’s theatre professionals need.
- Early performance opportunities: Take part in at least five mainstage productions each year, along with student-led plays, musicals, devised works, dance concerts, and cabarets. First-year students are eligible for casting as early as their second semester.
- Real-world theatre experience: From assisting with professional touring shows to joining student clubs like Improv and Film, you’ll gain practical experience beyond the classroom. Career prep includes an Audition Business course, portfolio coaching, and on-campus auditions with visiting companies.
- Alumni success and networks: Our alumni work on Broadway, national tours, regional and children’s theatre, cruise lines, theme parks, television, film, and digital media. The department also maintains strong ties to top theatres like the Guthrie, Milwaukee Rep, and American Players Theatre, and participates in Unified Auditions in New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles.
- Professional exposure: Perform in a senior showcase for agents, casting directors, and producers, and connect directly with working professionals through workshops and events.
State-of-the-Art Facilities in La Crosse, Wisconsin
Viterbo University’s Fine Arts Center is home to professional-grade spaces where students train, rehearse, and perform. Facilities include the Main Theatre, LaCroix Black Box Theatre, Nola Starling Recital Hall, two dance studios, 16 soundproof practice rooms, and fully equipped design and production labs. Students also perform at the Weber Center for the Performing Arts, a 450-seat venue in downtown La Crosse—part of a vibrant arts community along the Mississippi River.
"The university as a whole and the city of La Crosse are huge supporters of the arts, which gives our program incredible opportunities to connect with the community, perform in professional settings, and grow as artists both on and off the stage."
—Connor Martin ‘26
Admission and Scholarships
Admission to Viterbo’s theatre and musical theatre department is by audition and interview. We look for students who are passionate, committed, and ready to grow through conservatory-style training and performance-based learning. Campus audition days and virtual options are available throughout the year.
Viterbo offers generous scholarships and competitive tuition to help make your education affordable. Our lower cost of living in La Crosse adds to the value, providing you with access to a nationally respected program without the high price tag of a major metropolitan area.
Scholarship opportunities include:
- Academic merit scholarships up to $20,000, based on GPA
- Talent-based theatre scholarships up to $4,000
- Marie Leon La Croix Scholarship, $2,000-$4,000
Learn From Seasoned Theatre Professionals
Viterbo’s theatre and musical theatre faculty bring decades of experience in Broadway, national tours, regional theatre, and beyond to the classroom and stage. With backgrounds in acting, voice, dance, directing, and design, they provide one-on-one mentorship and real-world insights into your future as a performer or creative professional. Our theatre faculty also serve as career advisors, helping you navigate auditions, showcases, and life after graduation.
"A major strength of the program is the faculty who truly care for each student and the relationships that are formed throughout a student’s time here."
—Halle Utterbach ‘25
For more information, contact:
Rick Walters
Executive Artistic Director, Conservatory for the Performing Arts
608-796-3793
rhwalters@viterbo.edu
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