Columbia College Launched First Look Musical Production

First-year musical theatre students debuted their performances in a weekend-long college production.

Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Fashion

Bold vector editorial illustration of parted velvet stage curtains revealing a single spotlight on an empty stage. — Columbia College debuted its 'First Look' production this weekend, giving first-year musical theatre students a platform to gain early professional stage experience. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Columbia College held the First Look musical theatre production featuring first-year students. The event serves as an early performance opportunity for new musical theatre majors.

Why it matters

This production was specifically created to provide vital first-semester performance experience for first-year students. It allows new theatre majors to begin their professional training immediately after arriving on campus.

The production featured songs from Wicked and Les Misérables. Rehearsals for the performance lasted for a total of two and a half weeks.

The players

Columbia College

This Chicago-based institution hosts various arts programs and served as the venue for the production.

Colte Julian

He served as the director for the Fall 2026 student musical theatre production.

The details

Students auditioned during the second week of the fall semester and spent the following week assembling the show. The cast utilizes the selected songs as a storytelling device to anchor the performance.

Auditions took place during the second week of the Fall 2026 semester.
The initial First Look performance occurred on October 8, 2026.
A final scheduled performance runs October 9, 2026, from 7 to 9 p.m.

Industry Dynamics

This performance aligns with the pedagogical strategies of the Columbia College Musical Theatre curriculum. It follows a pattern established by the school to integrate practical performance opportunities into the very first semester of study.

Attendees can view the final performance on October 9, 2026, at the Dance Center located at 1306 S. Michigan Ave. The show runs from 7 to 9 p.m. for the general audience.

The takeaway

Providing early-career exposure is a foundational element in modern performing arts education. Students benefit from the fast-paced rehearsal cycle, which mimics the intensive environment of professional stage work.