Music Theater
Dream of being a vocal coach or producing events, like fashion shows, weddings or a film festival? Want to act, sing and dance? St. Kate’s music theater major is unique because it’s focused not just on performance. We teach you how to create and collaborate onstage, as well as behind the scenes. So, you’re prepared for a variety of competitive careers and graduate study in directing, acting, voice and dance.
Major options
We offer a Bachelor of Arts in Music Theater, Music Studies and Music in the Church. Minors are available in theater performance studies, theater studies and music studies.
Rich and relevant curriculum
Our rigorous courses are designed to give you a wide range of communication, presentation and performance skills. You don’t have to take them in sequence — except for Music Skills 1 and 2, which integrates sight-singing and keyboard skills with the analysis of harmony, form and contrapuntal procedures.
In the “Event Production” class, you learn the craft of directing and event planning, which includes how to analyze audiences, develop budgets and market your idea. In “Media Performance,” you work with teleprompters and create public service announcements. “Voice in the Workplace” explores vocal theories and methodologies, so you understand the power of your voice.
Hands-on experience
St. Kate’s intimate size gives you more hands-on experiences in acting, directing, producing and writing than at larger colleges or universities. You’ll participate in four productions (at least two musicals), and present a research and performance project in your senior year. Many of our graduates have had notable success nationally and locally in theater, film and television.
Exceptional facilities
You have the chance to perform in a range of venues, including five locations on the main St. Kate’s campus. The O’Shaughnessy has 1,800 seat-performing arts hall and one of the Midwest’s premiere professional venues; Frey Theater, our black-box facility; Our Lady of Victory Chapel, Jeanne D’Arc Auditorium and the Recital Hall.
Performance opportunities
We offer year-round performance and classroom opportunities for all students, regardless of their major. One season typically includes three productions (comedy, drama and musical), and since 2009, we’ve taken at least one of those productions into the greater community — performing in a school, community center, nursing home or library.
In your junior year, we help you identify your strengths and guarantee you a role on stage — or behind-the-scenes, if you prefer. Auditions are open to all St. Catherine University and University of St. Thomas students.
Accessible faculty experts
Our faculty are mentors, too. They have a broad range of experience and collaborate with you to develop your strengths. All are active in theater performance on local and national stages. Assistant Professor Teresa Lyons Hegdahl, for example, has directed numerous plays including Hedda Gabler, Rumors and a traveling school tour of Cinderella Confidential. Instructor Nikki Swoboda has expertise in dialects and audition techniques.
Rich performing arts scene
The Twin Cities, with over 30 theater venues and 100 performance companies, ranks second to New York City in theater seats per capita. St. Kate’s is located close to many of these venues, including the Guthrie Theater, the Children’s Theatre Company and Penumbra Theatre — one of only three professional African-American theaters in the nation. This means more opportunities for you to network and find internships and full-time jobs.
St. Kate’s Close-Up
