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Theatre, B.A., B.S.

The Theatre program at GVSU provides students with unparalleled opportunities, onstage and off. The program offers a flexible, practical education in the theatrical arts, and prepares students for careers in the entertainment industry and for careers that require skills in creativity, collaboration, communications, and problem-solving. In addition, the program provides professional orientation and background within a broad liberal arts framework.

Visit the program website for more information.

Students are admitted directly into this program.

5%
National Job Growth

Theatre opportunities are projected to grow 5% in the U.S. by 2025.

State-of-the-Art Black Box Theatre

The state-of-the-art Black Box Theatre provides students with an enhanced production experience.

Faculty are Experienced in the Field

Theatre faculty bring years of professional theatre experience to the classroom.


Source: EMSI, 2021
Available as a minor.

Program Overview

The program is flexible, combining a strong core of theatre requirements, multiple elective offerings, and hands-on production experience. Students can earn a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree. A minor is also available.

Why Study Theatre at Grand Valley?

  • Participation occurs at every level and area in theatre production, so students graduate with many marketable skills and experiences.
  • Coursework includes a solid foundation of theatre training taught entirely by faculty members with years of professional experience.
  • Students may take courses outside of theatre, pursue a minor, or double major in other disciplines to expand their education.
  • The Thomas J. and Marcia J. Haas Center for Performing Arts features the state-of-the-art Linn Maxwell Keller Black Box Theatre for intimate productions, as well as a traditional proscenium space.
  • Opportunities to participate in the Grand Valley Shakespeare Festival, Michigan's oldest and largest Shakespeare Festival.
  • There are opportunities for students to participate in touring productions.

Location & Format

Undergraduate students in this major study at Grand Valley's Allendale Campus.

Format:
  • Face To Face

Coursework

Students engage in a variety of theatre areas, including:

  • Acting
  • Directing
  • Stage and theatre management
  • Stage design and stagecraft
  • Theatre for social change
  • History of theatre
  • Lighting design
  • Dramaturgy
  • Playwriting
  • Costume design

Career Options

Our students have gained entry to graduate schools and professional conservatories, and have gone on to work in repertory theatre companies, modern dance companies, and arts organizations as:

  • Actors and performers
  • Administrators and teachers
  • Designers
  • Directors
  • Stage managers
  • Technicians
  • Dramaturgs
  • Playwrights

Combined Degree Programs

Many GVSU undergraduate programs can be combined with an existing master’s degree program to save on tuition and get you into the workforce sooner. On average, you can save $8,500 by pursuing a combined degree and take up to four fewer courses than if earning the degrees separately.

Talk with an advisor about how you can build your combined degree from existing programs to further personalize your education and create your own niche area of expertise.

Admission Requirements

Visit the Admissions website for undergraduate requirements.

For More Information

Department of Music, Theatre, and Dance

gvsu.edu/mtd
1300 Thomas J. and Marcia J. Haas Center for Performing Arts
(616) 331-3484

Admissions and Recruitment Office

gvsu.edu/admissions