University of Memphis

What you'll study

The programme blends hands-on studio practice with classroom study. Core areas include acting technique, voice and movement, scene study, script analysis and theatre history. Students also study technical and production disciplines such as stagecraft, scenic design, lighting design, costume construction, sound and stage management.

• Performance modules – scene work, audition technique, classical and contemporary acting styles, voice and movement.
• Design & technology – drafting, CAD for theatre, scenic construction, lighting plots, costume design and wardrobe management.
• Theory and history – dramatic literature, theatre history, dramaturgy and critical approaches to performance.
• Production and practicum – participation in departmental productions in roles onstage and backstage, production labs and crew assignments.
• Professional skills – directing, playwriting, arts administration, marketing for the performing arts and internship placements with local companies.
• Capstone experience – senior project, juried performance or portfolio and practicum demonstrating the student’s specialised skill set.

Students follow a curriculum that balances general education requirements with major-specific courses; performance and design tracks typically require auditions or portfolios for placement in studio classes and production assignments.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a secondary school diploma or equivalent and submit academic transcripts. Admission to the university is through the standard undergraduate application process; audition or design portfolio review is normally required for those seeking a studio concentration in acting, musical theatre or design/technology.

• Academic record demonstrating readiness for undergraduate study; specific course prerequisites vary by track.
• Performance applicants: live or recorded audition; repertoire requirements will be specified by the department.
• Design/technology applicants: portfolio of work in scenic, lighting, costume or sound design, or evidence of technical theatre experience.
• Letters of recommendation and a personal statement outlining theatrical experience and goals are commonly requested.
• International applicants must meet the university's English language proficiency standards (e.g. recognised tests or prior study in English).

Career prospects

Graduates work across the professional theatre and broader creative industries. Typical career paths include acting for stage, film and television; directing and assistant directing; stage and production management; scenic, lighting and costume design; sound design and technical direction. Other opportunities include arts administration, education and community arts programming, casting, dramaturgy and freelance creative practice.

Alumni frequently pursue internships and entry-level roles with regional theatres, production companies, touring ensembles, educational institutions and cultural organisations, or continue to graduate-level training in acting, directing, design or theatre studies.

Why study at University of Memphis

The University of Memphis places students in a vibrant urban arts environment with regular production opportunities that allow you to build a performance or technical résumé during your degree. The theatre department emphasises applied learning through staged productions, design labs and professional-standard technical facilities.

Students benefit from faculty who combine academic expertise with professional experience and from connections to the local and regional arts community, which can provide internships, collaborative projects and professional networking. The programme’s balance of liberal-arts study and vocational training prepares graduates for diverse careers in the performing arts or for further study.