Murray State University

What you'll study

The programme combines practical studio training, academic coursework and production experience. Core subjects typically include Acting I–IV, Voice and Speech, Movement for the Actor, Scene Study, Script Analysis and Theatre History. Technical and design students study Stagecraft, Scenic Design, Lighting Design, Costume Design and Construction, Sound Design, and Properties; all students gain grounding in Stage Management, Theatre Production and Health & Safety.

Students normally complete a mixture of major-specific courses and general education requirements. Production work in university plays and musicals is a central feature: students are regularly cast in or crew for mainstage and studio productions, allowing supervised application of classroom skills. Electives and seminars cover areas such as playwriting, directing, dramaturgy, theatre and social issues, and the business of theatre.

Many programmes offer concentrations or tracks (for example: Performance, Design/Technology, or Theatre Studies) so you can tailor study toward on-stage work, technical/design crafts or academic research. The curriculum also supports internships with regional theatres, technical placements, and opportunities to work on collaborative projects with faculty and visiting professionals.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a high school diploma or an equivalent secondary qualification. Admissions typically consider academic record, a personal statement demonstrating commitment to theatre, and reference letters. For performance-track applicants, an audition is usually required; auditions may be in person or submitted via recorded video following the department’s guidance. Design/technical applicants may be asked to submit a portfolio of work or examples of technical experience.

Standard university admissions criteria apply for test scores and GPA, though exact thresholds vary and the department considers the whole application. International applicants must meet English language proficiency requirements. Transfer students should provide college transcripts and a summary of prior practical experience to assess placement and credit transfer.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a wide range of careers in the performing arts and related fields. Typical destinations include professional acting for stage, film and television; directing; stage management; technical theatre roles such as scenic, lighting or sound designer and technician; costume design and wardrobe supervision; theatrical production and company management; dramaturgy; and arts administration.

Alumni also pursue teaching at secondary or community levels, work in event production, or continue to graduate study such as an MFA in Acting, Design, Directing or Theatre Arts Administration. The practical production experience and internship placements also prepare graduates for freelance work and regional theatre careers.

Why study at Murray State University

Murray State offers a theatre programme with hands-on training in multiple studio and production roles, supported by dedicated performance spaces, a scene shop, costume facilities and technical labs. Class sizes tend to be small, allowing close faculty mentoring and frequent performance opportunities for students at all levels.

The department emphasises a balance of practice and theory, connecting classroom learning to regular mainstage and studio productions, student-directed projects, and internships with regional arts organisations. The campus location provides access to a network of regional theatres and touring opportunities, while the university’s support services assist students with career development, audition preparation and postgraduate pathways.

Overall, Murray State’s programme is suited to students who want a comprehensive undergraduate theatre education with substantial production experience and faculty support as they prepare for professional work or advanced study in the performing arts.