State University of New York

What you'll study

The programme balances practical studio work, production experience and academic study. Core areas typically include acting, voice and movement, stagecraft and design (scenic, lighting, costume, sound), directing, playwriting and dramaturgy. Students also study theatre history, dramatic literature, theatre theory and criticism, and arts management or producing.

Study is usually organised around a mix of classroom modules, conservatory‑style studios and department productions. Typical modules and subjects you can expect:

• Acting and Performance: scene study, improvisation, classical and contemporary text work, audition technique.
• Voice and Movement: vocal technique, speech, movement for actors, period movement and stage combat basics.
• Production and Technical Theatre: set construction, lighting design, sound design, stage management, props and costume workshops.
• Design and Technology: scenic drawing, CAD for theatre, model making, history of design.
• Directing and Playwriting: directing workshops, script analysis, original writing and adaptation.
• Theatre Studies: theatre history from ancient to contemporary performance, dramatic literature, theory and criticism.
• Professional Practice: internship placements, audition preparation, portfolio and resume development, producing and arts administration.

Most programmes culminate in substantial practical work such as department productions, a senior project, or a capstone performance or design portfolio. Students are encouraged to take interdisciplinary electives and to participate in community and regional productions.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a high school diploma or equivalent. Entry commonly requires a combination of academic records and practical assessment: a portfolio of design work for design applicants, an audition or recorded performance for actors, or samples of writing for playwrights. Additional typical requirements include a personal statement outlining theatrical experience and goals, and at least one academic reference.

Standard academic prerequisites usually include a record of coursework in English and, where relevant, arts subjects. Many campuses within the State University of New York system do not require standardised tests for entry, but applicants should check the specific campus for any testing or additional submission requirements. Mature applicants and those with professional experience will be considered on an individual basis.

Career prospects

Graduates pursue a wide range of careers in the performing arts and related sectors. Common paths include:

• Actor or performer in theatre, film, television and new media
• Stage, lighting, sound and costume designer
• Director, assistant director or dramaturg
• Stage manager, production manager or technical director
• Playwright, adapter or script editor
• Arts administrator, producer or outreach co‑ordinator
• Secondary school or further education teacher (with appropriate teaching qualification)
• Further study at MFA/Master’s level or conservatoire training

Graduates also find roles in related fields such as event production, cultural organisations, casting, community arts programming and creative industries where communication, collaboration and project management skills are valued.

Why study at State University of New York

The State University of New York offers a broad public university environment with access to diverse campuses, regional theatres and professional networks. Within the SUNY system students benefit from strong practical facilities, from black box studios to fully equipped performance and design shops, and opportunities to work on multiple productions each year.

Faculty typically combine academic expertise with professional theatre experience, providing mentorship and industry connections. The system’s size and variety allow students to tailor a degree to their ambitions—selecting conservatory‑style training, design‑focused study or a more academic theatre pathway. Students also gain access to internship placements, community partnerships and exchange opportunities across the SUNY network, helping build practical experience and industry contacts before graduation.