University of Mount Union

What you'll study

The programme combines hands-on studio training with academic study of dramatic literature and theatre history. Core areas include acting technique, voice and movement, scene study, and improvisation; technical courses cover stagecraft, lighting, sound, set design, costume, and stage management. Students also study playwriting, directing, dramaturgy and theatre theory, and take broader liberal-arts courses in communication, literature and the humanities.

• Studio practice: acting, voice and movement, scene study, ensemble work, and on-stage performance.
• Technical theatre: stagecraft, scenic design, lighting and sound, costume construction and props.
• Theory and history: dramatic literature, theatre history, and contemporary performance studies.
• Production experience: participation in fully mounted productions as performers and crew, with opportunities to take leadership roles in directing or stage management.
• Capstone and electives: senior project or practicum, plus electives in playwriting, directing, arts administration and community engagement.

Instruction is delivered through a mix of small seminars, practical labs and large-scale productions, giving students frequent opportunities to perform, design and manage real productions. Internships and regional theatre partnerships are encouraged to provide professional experience.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to have a recognised secondary-school diploma or equivalent and a record of coursework that demonstrates readiness for college-level study. Admissions typically review academic transcripts, a personal statement and letters of recommendation.

For the drama programme, applicants will generally be asked to audition or submit a performance portfolio. Auditions commonly include prepared monologues, a cold reading or movement exercises; portfolios can include recorded performances, directing reels, design photos or playwriting samples. Prospective students who are interested in the technical or design paths may submit samples of technical work instead of a performance audition.

Standardised test requirements may be optional or considered in context of the full application; check with the university admissions office for current policy and guidance on preparing an audition or portfolio.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a wide range of professions across the performing arts and related fields. Common career paths include acting for stage, film and television; directing and stage management; set, lighting and costume design; technical theatre and production management; playwriting and dramaturgy; and arts administration.

• Professional theatre performer or company ensemble member
• Director, assistant director or stage manager
• Designer (scenic, lighting, sound, costume) and technical director
• Educator in schools, community arts organisations or youth theatre
• Arts administrator, producer or marketing/ development roles in cultural organisations
• Further study such as an MFA, MA in theatre, or specialised training programmes

The combination of practical production experience and liberal-arts study also prepares graduates for transferable roles that require communication, teamwork and project management skills.

Why study at University of Mount Union

University of Mount Union offers a close-knit learning environment with small class sizes and substantial faculty guidance, allowing students direct mentorship from instructors with professional theatre experience. The programme emphasises experiential learning: students take leading roles in multiple productions each year, gaining both performance and technical credits.

Students benefit from curricular flexibility to combine theatre study with complementary majors or minors, internships with regional theatres and community partnerships, and opportunities to develop a personal portfolio or capstone production. For those aiming for a practical, career-oriented theatre education within a liberal-arts framework, Mount Union provides sustained production exposure and individualized support to launch theatre careers or further study.