Virginia Commonwealth University

What you'll study

The curriculum combines practical studio training with scholarly coursework and a culminating project or thesis. Core areas include acting and performance, directing, design and production (scenic, costume, lighting, sound), playwriting and dramaturgy, theatre history and criticism, voice and movement, and research methods for theatre.

• Studio practice: advanced acting technique, ensemble work, scene study, audition preparation, and movement/voice labs.
• Directing and dramaturgy: directing workshops, text analysis, production dramaturgy and collaborative rehearsal processes.
• Design and technical theatre: courses in scenic, costume and lighting design, digital media for performance, stagecraft and technical management.
• Scholarly study: theatre history, dramatic literature, performance theory, and methods of theatre research.
• Professional practicum: opportunities to participate in departmental productions, internships with local companies, teaching placements, and a capstone production or written thesis.

Students typically choose or are advised into a concentration track (performance, directing, design/technology, dramaturgy/theory) while maintaining a balance of practice and research. Coursework is usually complemented by regular public performances, collaborative projects across VCUarts, and engagement with the Richmond theatre community.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised bachelor's degree, preferably in theatre, performance, design, or a related arts or humanities field. Admission typically requires a combination of the following:

• Academic transcript: official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
• Creative portfolio or audition: actors and directors normally submit an audition and performance clips; designers and technicians submit a portfolio of design work or technical projects; writers submit sample scripts or writing samples.
• Statement of purpose: a clear statement outlining professional goals, artistic interests and how the programme supports them.
• Letters of recommendation: usually two or three references from academic instructors or professional supervisors familiar with the applicant’s work.
• CV or resume: highlighting relevant training, productions and professional experience.
• English language proficiency: for applicants whose first language is not English, an approved English test score or equivalent evidence of proficiency is normally required.

Specific audition repertoire, portfolio guidelines and any additional department requirements are provided by the School of the Arts; applicants should consult the programme for detailed submission instructions.

Career prospects

Graduates leave prepared for a wide range of theatre and related careers in the creative and cultural industries. Common professional paths include:

• Professional actor or ensemble performer in theatre, film, television and new media.
• Director or assistant director for theatre companies, educational institutions and community projects.
• Scenic, costume, lighting or sound designer; technical director or production manager.
• Dramaturg, literary manager, or curator working with new plays, repertory seasons and research-based performance.
• Theatre educator at secondary and post-secondary levels, or as a community arts practitioner leading workshops and outreach programmes.
• Arts administration, producing, casting, and development roles within theatres, festivals and cultural organisations.
• Further academic study at doctoral level or research-led careers in performance scholarship.

Alumni careers often blend creative practice with teaching, administration and entrepreneurial projects; the programme’s emphasis on professional practicum supports direct entry into the regional and national theatre ecology.

Why study at Virginia Commonwealth University

Virginia Commonwealth University's School of the Arts is recognised for its intensive, studio-driven approach and close connections to a vibrant regional arts scene. Students benefit from:

• Strong studio culture: regular production seasons, performance labs and hands-on technical training in professionally equipped facilities.
• Experienced faculty: teaching artists and scholars who maintain active professional practices in performance, design, research and theatre-making.
• Interdisciplinary opportunities: collaboration across the arts, including film, dance, music and visual arts, allowing innovative approaches to contemporary performance.
• Rich local ecosystem: proximity to Richmond’s theatres, festivals and community arts organisations provides internship, employment and collaborative project opportunities.
• Career support: mentorship, audition preparation, networking events and partnerships that help students transition into professional roles.

Together, these elements create an environment for rigorous artistic development and practical career preparation in theatre and performance.