Explore Options: A Menu of Major-Specific Experiences and Sampling of Related Career Paths

Academic Resources

Explore our music, theatre, and dance academic resources, designed to support your academic aspirations.
Curriculum Guide

Music, Theatre, and Dance Department

CLAS Advising Center

What Can I Do With This Major?

Unlock career potential in music, theatre, and dance! Discover resources to maximize your professional trajectory.

Career Assessment - PathwayU

Jobs via Handshake

Career Communities

Sample Music, Theater, and Dance Internship Sites

Internships provide a way for you to get hands-on, supervised experience in the world of work. You are able to apply the concepts you are learning in the classroom to a work environment.

• Artworks In Big Rapids
• Center For Inquiry Michigan
• Grand Rapids Symphony
• West Michigan Center For Arts And Technology
• West Michigan Environmental Action Council
• ArtPrize
• Croswell Opera House
• Grand Rapids Civic Theatre
• Walt Disney World
• Grand Rapids Civic Theatre

 General Information on Internship

Join A Student Organization

Get involved with a student organization related to your major. Student orgs are a great way to get connected and explore career options!

• A Capella Groove
• Belly Dance Club
• Collegiate Chapter of Music Teachers National Association
• Dance Troupe
• Euphoria
• GVSU Winter Guard
• Laker Marching Band Council

Student Organizations

Relevant Courses and Certificates for Building Skills

Developing the relevant skills that employers seek is an essential component of a student's education. GVSU students should consider strategic elective courses and certificates to pair with their major in order to gain additional skills.

• Communication Undergraduate Badge

Electives to Consider

Community Service Opportunities

Seek volunteer opportunities related to the field you're exploring as a way of testing out future careers.

The Civic Engagement Center keeps a list of current volunteer opportunities updated on their website. There are ongoing opportunities on a continuous basis, as well as on-campus and off-campus opportunities posted as they become available.
 

Civic Engagement Center

Music, Theatre, and Dance Abroad Options

Through study abroad you’ll also set yourself apart from other job-seekers and graduate-school applicants in an increasingly competitive market.

Imagine refining your vocal technique in the birthplace of Mozart, Austria, or studying movement and performance in the Czech Republic, where centuries-old theatres still host cutting-edge productions. Picture yourself taking workshops with European choreographers, performing in historic concert halls, or learning folk dances that have been passed down through generations. Imagine being surrounded by fellow performers from across the globe, each bringing their own flair and traditions. Studying abroad can offer music, theatre, and dance students a powerful way to grow artistically, culturally, and personally while immersing themselves in the rich performing arts heritage in various places.

Music, Theatre, and Dance Study Abroad

Explore Internships Abroad

Undergraduate Research Opportunities

Pursuing academic, creative, and research experiences and projects outside the classroom is an excellent way to learn new skills and build a body of work in your field.

Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholarship

Getting Started

Fellowship Opportunities

Fellowships are high-impact, potentially life-changing opportunities for students and alumni, opening doors to careers in public service, advanced academic study, foreign service, international teaching, and other career and service pathways into meaningful and fulfilling lives.

Frederik Meijer Office of Fellowships

Finding a Fellowship

Where Alumni Have Landed

• Assistant Camp Director – DGPC Summer Arts Academy
• Internal Marketing Coordinator – Dual Commercial LLC
• CircusLab Ensemble Director and Coach – AcroSprots Gymnastics and Circus Arts
• Voice Teacher/Music Director/Actress – Grand Rapids Civic Engagement
• Fine Arts Center Director – Wayland Union Schools
• Program Manager – Design Dance
• Client Service Representative – Interim HealthCare
• Vocal Coach – Doyle Vocal Studio
• Assistant Director/Touring Manager – American Shakespeare Center
• Artistic Director – Noumenon Dance Ensemble
• RealTime Analyst ­– Booking.com
• Rooms Division Manager – AHC+Hospitality
• Company Manager – Roustabout Theatre Troupe
• Marketing and Major Events Director – The Rainbow Connection
• Development Officer – The Purple Rose Theatre Company
• Dance and Theatre Coordinator, Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events – City of Chicago
• Manager of Performance – Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago
• Dance Instructor/Choreographer – Miami Valley Ballet Theatre
• People and Talent Ops – SwipeSense Inc
• Administrative Assistant – Twisthink, LLC

You've taken center stage as an undergraduate in music, dance, or theatre: bravo! Now you're ready for the next act, eager to sharpen your technique, deepen your understanding of performance, and explore new creative frontiers. Consider these graduate school paths designed for performers ready to level up.

• Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Theatre, Dance, or Music Performance: This terminal degree is perfect for those who want to perform professionally, direct, choreograph, or teach at the college level. These programs emphasize advanced performance techniques, research, and often include production experience.
• Master's in Arts Administration: Ideal if you're drawn to the organizational side of the arts world. This degree equips you with the tools to manage companies, direct programs, or produce shows while staying connected to the performance community.
• Interdisciplinary Programs: From music technology to dance therapy to performance studies, many graduate programs now combine the performing arts with other fields. These options are great if you're looking to blend your passion for the stage with innovation, wellness, or cultural analysis.