About Western Michigan Department of Theatre
Western Michigan University Theatre offers a conservatory-style program at a large university. Students are offered the opportunity to choose from program options and concentrations.
The Bachelor of Arts degree in theatre studies combines studies in theatre with broad preparation in the liberal arts. Students master the fundamentals of acting, directing, history and design/technology and can use theatre electives to concentrate further in other specific areas of interest. The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Acting offers a conservatory-style training program with a rigorous focus on the individual student’s own artistry, growth, and professional placement. The Bachelor of Fine Arts program in design and technical production accepts up to 15 students each year, allowing for small classes and one-on-one interaction with the faculty. A comprehensive curriculum is offered in scenery, costumes, lighting, and sound. The curriculum is designed to give students a general overview of all aspects of theatre production, as well as advanced course work in specific areas.
Western Michigan University offers an intensive course of study in musical theatre performance that culminates with a BFA degree and the opportunity to showcase in New York City for significant Agents and Casting Directors. The program offers extensive professional training in all areas of acting, voice, and dance. The program endeavors to train actors who sing and dance. In addition, students will participate in a two-year musical theatre performance workshop series of classes that synthesize the training into a marketable skill that students will utilize for their entire careers. The focus of the program is preparing emerging talent to enter and compete in the Broadway market.
Western Michigan University’s stage management concentration is a pre-professional program designed to provide students with a general overview of all aspects of theatre production as well as advanced course work in stage management. The focus of the program is to prepare students for entry-level positions in theatre or for further education at the graduate level. Students completing the program will receive a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree after four years of intense study and practice of their craft.