Estella McCarthy Schultz
Performer | Dancer | Musical Theatre Artist | Dance Instructor
Estella McCarthy Schultz has been immersed in dance and the performing arts from an early age, developing a diverse background as a dancer, performer, and instructor. Her training encompasses ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, hip-hop, contemporary, lyrical, Irish step, and hardshoe.
A dedicated member of The McDance Company for 10 years, Estella has performed in productions throughout the United States and internationally. Her commitment to the company was recognized with the McDance Company Member of the Year Award.
Alongside her performance career, Estella has shared her experience with the next generation of dancers through her work as both a Dance Instructor and Assistant Dance Instructor at Rebecca McCarthy School of Dance.
Education
Roosevelt University — Chicago College of Performing Arts
BFA in Musical Theatre, Dance Emphasis. Currently Pursuing
Her studies focus on musical theatre performance and dance, continuing to expand her skills as a triple-threat performer while developing her artistry for the professional stage.
American Sign Language (ASL)
Continuing Education & Training
Currently pursuing additional ASL training with the goal of becoming an interpreter.
Dance & Performance Training
Estella’s training includes:
Ballet • Pointe • Jazz • Tap • Hip-Hop • Contemporary • Lyrical • Irish Step • Hardshoe
Her diverse dance background has provided her with a strong foundation in technical training, musicality, movement quality, performance, and versatility across multiple styles.
Professional Performance Experience
Represented by DDO Chicago Talent Agency
Estella’s performance career has taken her beyond the traditional dance studio, with professional opportunities across theatre, musical theatre, opera, comedy, and live entertainment.
Selected Performance Credits
Lyric Opera of Chicago
Rivendell Theatre
Drury Lane Theatre
Fireside Theatre
Music Theatre Works
Highland Park Players
Raue Center for the Arts
St. James Theatre
Second City Chicago
Gersthofen, Germany
Her performance experiences have also taken her to:
Ireland • Germany • Branson, Missouri • Walt Disney World
McDance Company
Company Member | 10 Years
As a longtime member of The McDance Company, Estella has had the opportunity to perform in a wide variety of productions and venues while traveling nationally and internationally.
Her decade with the company has provided extensive experience in ensemble performance, choreography, rehearsal, live entertainment, and working as part of a professional performing arts team.
Recognition: McDance Company Member of the Year
Teaching Experience
Rebecca McCarthy School of Dance
Dance Instructor
Assistant Dance Instructor
Estella has worked with younger dancers as both an instructor and assistant instructor, helping students develop their technique, confidence, musicality, and love of dance.
Her experience as both a performer and teacher allows her to bring a unique perspective into the classroom—combining professional performance experience with a genuine passion for helping young dancers grow.
Professional Interests
Estella is continuing to develop her career across musical theatre, dance, acting, live performance, and entertainment, while expanding her skills through her studies at Roosevelt University’s Chicago College of Performing Arts.
She is particularly passionate about creating meaningful connections through performance and using her background in dance as a foundation for musical theatre.
In addition to her performing arts career, Estella is pursuing continued ASL education with the long-term goal of becoming an interpreter, reflecting her commitment to communication, accessibility, and connecting with others through the arts.
Artistic Focus
Estella’s goal as a performer and educator is to continue growing as an artist while creating experiences that inspire audiences and fellow performers alike.
Her foundation in dance, combined with her musical theatre education and professional performance experience, continues to shape her into a versatile, disciplined, and passionate performing artist.
