Saginaw Valley State University

What you'll study

The programme combines studio practice, production participation and classroom study to develop skills in acting, design, technical production and critical analysis. Students normally take core modules in acting technique, voice and movement, scene study, stagecraft, lighting and sound, costume and scenic design, directing fundamentals, and theatre history and dramatic literature.

Typical course topics and learning experiences include:

• Acting and performance: scene study, improvisation, audition technique, on-camera acting and ensemble work.
• Production and technical theatre: scenic construction, stage lighting and sound operation, costume construction, rigging and stage management, with hands-on roles on department productions.
• Design and technology: scenic, lighting and costume design courses that teach drawing, model making and CAD for theatre, plus collaborative design projects.
• Directing and play development: fundamentals of directing, dramaturgy, and practical workshops in shaping new work.
• Theatre studies: theatre history, dramatic literature, criticism, and courses that examine theatre in social and cultural contexts.
• Professional practice: production practicum, internships with local companies, portfolio development, and classes on arts management and marketing.

Students typically participate in multiple fully staged productions each year in acting, design or technical capacities and are encouraged to take elective courses in related areas such as dance, music, film or education.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a secondary school diploma or recognised equivalent. Admissions normally consider academic performance, a personal statement and a demonstrated commitment to theatre. Many programmes require or strongly recommend an audition or submission of a performance portfolio; this may include prepared monologues, scenes, a resume of experience, or a digital portfolio of design or technical work.

Additional application elements can include letters of recommendation and an interview. Mature applicants with relevant professional or community theatre experience are encouraged to apply and may be assessed on the strength of their practical experience in lieu of standard qualifications.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a range of careers across the performing arts and related sectors. Typical roles include:

• Actor, voice artist or ensemble performer in theatre, film, television and digital media
• Stage manager, production manager or technical director in live production
• Scenic, lighting or costume designer and other creative-design roles
• Theatre educator, community arts practitioner or youth theatre leader
• Arts administrator, producing assistant, marketing and development roles in cultural organisations
• Further study at graduate level in theatre, performance studies, directing, design or arts management

Practical production experience, internships and community partnerships developed during the programme help graduates build professional networks and portfolios for auditioning and job-seeking.

Why study at Saginaw Valley State University

Saginaw Valley State University offers a small, supportive theatre environment with frequent hands-on production opportunities that allow students to learn by doing. The department emphasises collaboration between actors, directors, designers and technicians so students gain rounded experience across disciplines.

Students benefit from faculty who are active practitioners and educators, access to campus performance venues and technical facilities, and connections with regional theatre companies and schools for internships and community-engaged projects. The university’s liberal arts framework also allows students to complement theatre training with courses in communication, business, education or media studies to broaden career options.