Point Park University

What you'll study

The Drama programme is built around conservatory training in acting and theatre-making, balanced with academic study of dramatic literature and production practice. Core areas include acting technique, voice and speech, movement, scene study, text analysis, and improvisation. You will also study theatre history, playwriting basics, directing fundamentals and theatre production skills such as stagecraft, lighting and sound.

Coursework is practicum-driven: students participate in staged productions, ensemble workshops and on-campus festivals each term. Typical modules and topics you can expect include:

• Acting Technique — method and contemporary approaches, character development, audition preparation.
• Voice and Speech — vocal health, dialect work, projection and articulation.
• Movement for the Actor — physical theatre, period movement, stage combat.
• Scene Study and Text — close work on contemporary and classical texts, Shakespeare performance.
• Directing and Play Analysis — fundamentals of directing, composition, rehearsal process.
• Design and Production — scenic, lighting and sound concepts; stage management practice.
• Playwriting and Devising — creating new work and collaborative ensemble processes.
• Professional Practice — audition technique, headshots/resumes, industry networking and career planning.

Students culminate their training with a capstone performance or showcase designed for industry viewing. The programme emphasises small class sizes, ensemble work, and frequent public performances to develop stage experience and professional readiness.

Entry requirements

Admission typically requires a secondary school completion credential (for example, high school diploma, A‑levels or International Baccalaureate) plus fulfilment of university admissions criteria. Because this is a performance programme, applicants are normally expected to attend an audition and interview, and to submit any requested supporting materials such as a performance résumé, headshot and/or short video samples.

Successful applicants generally demonstrate strong performance potential, commitment to intensive training and the ability to work collaboratively. International applicants should also meet the university's English language proficiency requirements. Exact entry specifications may vary, so applicants should consult Point Park University's admissions office for the most current guidance.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Drama programme pursue a wide range of theatre and performance careers. Common paths include professional acting in theatre, film and television; stage management; directing; dramaturgy; playwriting; theatre education; and technical roles such as lighting, sound and set design. Alumni also move into producing, arts administration and community arts work.

The programme's performance showcase and connections with Pittsburgh's active theatre scene help students make professional contacts. The practical, production-focused curriculum develops transferable skills — communication, collaboration, creative problem solving and project management — that are valued in related creative industries and beyond.

Why study at Point Park University

Point Park University's Conservatory of Performing Arts offers conservatory-style training within a university setting, combining intensive practical work with academic study. Located in downtown Pittsburgh, the university places students in close proximity to a vibrant regional theatre community, professional companies and performance venues, providing opportunities for internships, collaborative projects and exposure to working practitioners.

The Conservatory emphasises small, personalised classes, faculty who are active theatre professionals, and frequent public performances that build stage experience. For students seeking hands-on training, professional preparation and strong ties to a mid-sized city's arts network, Point Park's Drama programme offers an immersive environment to develop as a theatre artist.