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.
Students are admitted directly into this program.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.
- 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.
Helpful Links
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