Program Spotlight: Columbia College Chicago

Once on this Island

Amy Uhl shares an overview of Columbia College Chicago's Musical Theatre program located in the heart of downtown Chicago.

Name of your school: Columbia College Chicago

How long has your BFA program been in existence? 12 years

How many students, in general, does your program accept every year? BA= 75-85 BFA= 14-16

How many students, in total, are currently enrolled in your program? 128

What's unique about your program? Columbia College Chicago's Musical Theatre Program offers 2 distinct degrees in Musical Theatre (BA/BFA) so students have the flexibility of choice in pursuing their career goals. Columbia is a large department located in the heart of Chicago's exciting theatre community. The Theatre Department offers 5 areas of study and produces approximately 40 productions per year. We have a prestigious group of faculty/artists who 'do what they teach' and students are learning from professional working artists. Columbia is a very diverse community where important DEI issues are embedded in the curriculum and practiced in every aspect of student learning.

Tell us a little bit about the musical theatre faculty at your school:

Columbia's Musical Theatre faculty are all working professionals and continue to be current in their fields. Current faculty are well versed in their specialties and have worked in Chicago, on Broadway, and more. Students often receive mentorships by partnering with faculty working on outside projects as assistants and/or interns. Many of our students are working in Chicago, Broadway, national tours, regional theatre, cruise ships, and often cross-over to Film and Television as a result of working with our faculty.

Are there any recent productions you're particularly proud of? "Livin' Out Loud", an original devised tap piece directed and created by faculty member, Amy Uhl, was a culmination of a lifecycle storyline with student storytelling incorporating spoken word, original music, and rhythm tap. Creating new work is a big part of our department's philosophy.

How about alumni? Many successful alumni have come from the Musical Theatre BA/BFA programs. A short list includes two of our BFA alums who are in the Broadway cast of SIX the musical and are currently enjoying their successful return to Broadway since September. Additional alum success includes the National Tour of COME FROM AWAY, THE CHI- Hulu series, National Tour of JERSEY BOYS, Broadway in Chicago HAMILTON, and countless Chicago based and regional productions. What is your program's "best-kept secret"? Students who study at Columbia walk into an immediate network of educators and artists who help guide them toward their career goals. Once those connections are made, students often have a seamless transition from student to professional. Columbia offers a well-rounded education and graduates of the program leave with a multi-faceted skill set that helps them succeed in many capacities within the industry. Our students are known as well-prepared, honest, and real.

Anything else? Come to Columbia College Chicago and experience an education that encourages students to author the culture of their time!

Learn more about Columbia College Chicago and its musical theatre program by visiting this link.

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