College Of Humanities and Fine Arts

Music, Theatre and Dance

The Department of Music, Theatre, and Dance is to provide our students with opportunities to excel through disciplined study and practice in high-quality facilities, classes, performance ensembles and productions.

Majors, Minors, and Degrees

See the course listings, descriptions, and requirements for each academic offering from the Department of Music, Theatre and Dance (MTAD).

Music, Theatre and Dance Student on Stage


Why Choose Music at Chico State

Recoding studio

Premium Equipment

Recording Arts students from every background work on industry-leading audio equipment from manufacturers like Solid State Logic, API, Telefunken in the state of the art recording studio.

music students

Local Partnerships

Partnerships with the local school district builds relationship between music education students and local teachers while giving back to K-12 students in the community.

student performance

Student Performances

Music students frequently perform throughout the greater Chico area and North State. These outreach activities create a strong bond between Chico State and the surrounding community.

Why Choose Theatre at Chico State

student theatre performance

NAST Accreditation

The BA in Theatre Arts is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST). It is one of only two BFA programs in the CSU system and the only program north of LA.

theatre student

Equity Commitment

Chico State offers one of the only non-audition Musical Theatre BFAs in the country; not because we do not have high standards, but because of our commitment to Equity and Inclusion.

student working on stage

Personalized Focus

BA in Theatre Arts is a well-rounded degree that allows students to choose their areas of focus and create their own path within theatre. 

Learning Experience

Humanities and Fine Arts Building

World Class Venues

World class performance venues include the 1,200 seat Laxson Auditorium, 500 seat Harlen Adams Theatre, the Wismer “black box” Theatre, and the Recital Hall with state-of-the-art recording capabilities and adjustable acoustics.

Dance Studio

Accessible Rehearsal Spaces

Students take classes and rehearse in our new spacious dance studio, equipped with a sprung floor with a marley surface, ballet barres, mirrored wall, exercise mats, and an updated sound and smart classroom system.


Student Life

Advocate for Equity & Inclusion

Chico State Theatre and Musical Theatre students take our Social Justice in Theatre course, which employs them with the tools to advocate for Equity and Inclusion in the greater theatre community. They also participate in the creation of Community Agreements prior to each production to ensure a safe working environment.

Student Clubs

Student clubs and organizations such as National Association for Music Education, Student Composers Forum, National Band Association, Audio Engineering Society, and the Theatre Arts Club cultivate a culture of belonging and collegiality.

Music, Theatre and Dance, Student Life

Student and Alumni Stories

Gaby Saxon poses in the costume shop, where she works.

Soon-to-be Theatre Arts Graduate Has Played a Starring Role Offstage

Gaby Saxon has spent four years at Chico State telling outstanding stories, all while using her growing voice and passion for social justice to create one of the most compelling stories of all—her own!

Sophia Hoffman is photographed against a brick wall.

Chico State Freshman Impresses Coaches on The Voice

Sophia Hoffman overcame a processing disorder to make it to Chico State—now she is turning heads on international television.

Choose Chico

With one of the highest 4-year graduation rates in the CSU system and lowest average student debt amounts in the country, Chico State offers one of the nation’s highest returns on investment.

Grad cap that reads Once a Wildcat, Always a Wildcat