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Music, Theatre and Dance Department

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

Dancers perform “Senior Dance” in their Expressions Dance Showcase
Academics

Explore Our Programs

Curious about what we offer? Browse our program pages to uncover in-depth details on majors, career paths, and unique learning experiences.

Why Choose Music at Chico State

  • Recording studio and sound board on Chico State campus.

    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.

  • Student sitting in an outdoor orchestra smiling and waiting to play the flute.

    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 playing the trumpet reading sheet music.

    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

  • Performance of the theater production "Head Over Heels".

    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.

  • 2023 performance of the theater production "Head Over Heels".

    Equity Commitment

    The BFA in Musical Theatre at Chico State has a strong commitment to and belief in a policy of Equity and Inclusion for all people.

Learning Experience

  • Performing Arts Center on Chico State campus.

    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.

  • Students practicing tap dance in 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.

Student conducting an outside orchestra.

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