The Theatre Conservatory

The Theatre Conservatory of the Chicago College of Performing Arts offers three Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree programs that provide rigorous professional training for students pursuing performance-based careers or graduate study in theatre and musical theatre.

For students interested in a liberal arts education anchored by a theatre-focused core curriculum, CCPA offers a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Theatre Studies through the Interdisciplinary Conservatory. This program shares core coursework with the Theatre Conservatory’s BFA programs.

CCPA also offers a Master of Arts (MA) in Theatre Directing for adult learners. This “Fast Track” program is delivered in an intensive format over three consecutive summer residencies. Additional information about these programs is available on the Interdisciplinary Conservatory catalog page.

Curricula are designed to balance academic study with studio and performance work. Introductory courses emphasize the development of fundamental skills, while advanced training equips students with the artistic and professional competencies needed to succeed in the contemporary theatre industry.

CCPA’s Chicago campus is home to the historic Auditorium Theatre and is located in the heart of downtown Chicago—one of the nation’s most vibrant theatre communities and home to more than 200 professional theatre companies. The campus is within walking distance of major cultural institutions including the Goodman Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Art Institute of Chicago, and Lyric Opera of Chicago.

Each year, the Theatre Conservatory presents a full season of mainstage and studio productions open to the public. These productions provide students with extensive performance and production experience as part of their professional training. For a full listing of events, please visit the CCPA webpage .

Admission

Admission to Roosevelt University does not automatically include admission to the Theatre Conservatory. Admission to all BFA programs is determined by audition.

Enrollment in Theatre Conservatory courses is limited to admitted and matriculated students, except for courses identified in the schedule as open to non-theatre majors.

Students may transfer into the Theatre Conservatory only upon successful completion of an entrance audition. Placement within the BFA curriculum is determined at the time of admission based on faculty evaluation. Undergraduate transfer students may not enter above the sophomore level.

Transfer coursework is evaluated for equivalency to Roosevelt University requirements during the student’s initial advising session.

Academic Requirements

Theatre Conservatory BFA students must earn at least C- in all Theatre Conservatory coursework and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in major subject area coursework and a cumulative GPA of 2.0 in all core, elective, and general education coursework.

CCPA Theatre Auditions and Professional Opportunities

Auditioning and networking are essential aspects of professional theatre practice. Beginning in the sophomore year, BFA Acting, Musical Theatre, and Musical Theatre-Dance Concentration majors in good standing are required to audition for CCPA productions and complete production crew assignments during six of their eight semesters.

Students should arrange their schedules to allow sufficient time for evening rehearsals. Rehearsal periods typically last six weeks.

Students are eligible to participate in the CCPA Casting Pool during six of their eight semesters (sophomore through senior year). Students may request exemption from the casting pool for up to two semesters in order to pursue professional performance opportunities; however, it is recommended that these exemptions not be used in two successive semesters. Requests for exemption must be approved by the Chair of the Theatre Conservatory. Students granted an exemption must still complete required production crew assignments.

Conflicts that would cause a student to be absent from scheduled rehearsals or performances must be approved in writing by the Chair of the Theatre Conservatory and the production director at the beginning of the semester.

Beginning in the junior year, students in good academic standing are encouraged to pursue professional performance opportunities in the Chicago area. Permission from the Chair of the Theatre Conservatory is required before accepting outside contracts. Juniors and seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.0 may audition for professional productions (both Equity and non-Equity) and apply for internships. Sophomores may be considered for outside opportunities with faculty approval. Freshmen and students on probation in the Theatre Conservatory may not participate in outside theatrical activities during the academic year. Participation in professional engagements does not exempt students from fulfilling academic and conservatory obligations, including class attendance.

By the semester of graduation, students must have been cast in at least one fully staged on-campus production and earn credit for THAR 351: Theatre Performance Assignment. Students may earn THAR 351 credit for each semester in which they are cast in an on-campus production.

Students performing in off-campus professional or semi-professional productions may earn credit for THAR 353: Off-Campus Theatre Performance Internship for each approved off-campus production.

Attendance

Punctual attendance at all classes and rehearsals is essential to the discipline required for a career in the performing arts and demonstrates respect for instructors, directors, colleagues, and the art form.

In the Theatre Conservatory, students are permitted absences equivalent to one week of class meetings in each course (e.g., a course that meets twice weekly allows two absences during the semester). Additional absences must be approved by the Chair of the Theatre Conservatory and are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Individual instructors may establish additional attendance policies, which will be published in course syllabi

Professional internships

CCPA and the Theatre Conservatory maintain partnerships with professional arts organizations that provide students with opportunities for internships and apprenticeships in performance and production. Qualified students have participated in internships in acting, directing, stage management, arts administration, design, and other relevant areas. Course credit may be awarded for approved internship or apprenticeship experiences, with course requirements designed to reflect the student’s work in the field.

Health policy

Training in the Theatre Conservatory places significant physical and psychological demands on students. CCPA prioritizes student health and well-being and supports students in developing the strength and stamina necessary for sustained work in the performing arts.

If a student is suspected of experiencing vocal pathology, orthopedic injury, or mental health challenges, instructors, program directors, the Chair, or the Dean may recommend that the student seek evaluation and support through appropriate medical or campus resources. Students may accept or decline these recommendations. If a condition becomes debilitating, or if an instructor documents a concern regarding significant or ongoing harm, the instructor, Chair, or Dean may require consultation with appropriate Roosevelt University offices to ensure the safety and well-being of the student and the broader learning community.

The Theatre Conservatory faculty and College administration will work with students and University administration to make reasonable accommodations to assignments and schedules when appropriate to support vocal, physical, or psychological recovery. If significant health concerns prevent satisfactory participation in coursework or completion of required learning outcomes, students may be advised to consider options such as a temporary leave of absence, modification of their academic plan, or selection of a major in which degree requirements can be completed with appropriate accommodation. These determinations are made by the Chair of the Theatre Conservatory in consultation with relevant faculty, College administration, and University officials.