University of Massachusetts Amherst

What you'll study

The programme balances practical studio training with liberal‑arts coursework. Core areas include acting, voice and movement; directing and play production; design and technical theatre (scenery, lighting, sound, costumes); playwriting and dramaturgy; and theatre history and criticism. Students take a mix of practical workshops, rehearsal‑based courses and seminars in dramatic literature and theory.

Typical modules and learning experiences you can expect:

• Acting and Performance: scene study, improvisation, audition technique, on‑camera work and ensemble practice.
• Design & Technical Theatre: scenic design, lighting design, costume construction, sound design, stagecraft and theatre technologies.
• Directing and Production: directing practicum, stage management, production planning and collaborative rehearsal processes.
• Theatre Studies: theatre history, dramatic literature, play analysis, and contemporary theatre theory.
• Playwriting & Dramaturgy: script development, adaptation, and contextual research for production.
• Practicum & Performance Opportunities: participation in departmental productions, technical crew assignments and cross‑disciplinary projects with music, dance and film students.

Students also complete a capstone or senior project that synthesises practical and scholarly learning, and are encouraged to take electives in related areas such as film, media, arts management and education.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally required to hold a secondary school completion recognised by UMass Amherst. Admissions typically consider academic record, recommendation letters and a personal statement outlining theatrical experience and goals.

Performance and design pathways often require supplementary materials: actors may be asked to attend an audition or submit recorded pieces; designers and technical applicants may be asked to provide a portfolio of work or photographic documentation of projects. International students must demonstrate English language proficiency in line with university requirements.

Specific programme places may be competitive; those without extensive practical experience can still apply and gain experience through first‑year studios and departmental activities.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a wide range of careers across the creative and cultural sectors. Typical career paths include:

• Actor, director or ensemble practitioner in theatre, film and television
• Set, lighting, sound or costume designer; technical director or stage manager
• Playwright, dramaturg or script developer
• Arts administration, producing and festival management
• Education and community arts—teaching, outreach and youth theatre
• Production management, theatre technology and event operations
• Further study in MFA, MA or professional training programmes in performance, directing, design, or theatre studies

The programme’s emphasis on both practical skills and critical thinking also prepares graduates for careers in media, communications, marketing and other fields that value creativity, collaboration and project management.

Why study at University of Massachusetts Amherst

UMass Amherst offers a theatre programme embedded within a large research university, combining conservatory‑style studio training with the breadth of a liberal‑arts education. Students benefit from multiple on‑campus performance venues and production resources, regular departmental seasons, and opportunities to work on large‑scale productions and experimental projects.

The faculty bring professional practice and scholarly expertise, and the campus setting in the Pioneer Valley provides access to a vibrant regional arts scene as well as proximity to larger cultural centres for internships and networking. The programme’s collaborative environment encourages interdisciplinary work with music, dance, film and humanities departments, preparing graduates for a range of professional pathways in the performing arts and beyond.