University of Michigan–Flint

What you'll study

This programme combines practical theatre training with academic study of dramatic literature, performance theory and production practice. Core areas typically include acting techniques, movement and voice, script analysis, stagecraft (scenic, lighting and sound), costume and makeup, directing, improvisation, and theatre history. Students also study related liberal arts subjects such as dramatic literature, theatre theory, and perspectives on performance practice.

Course structure commonly mixes studio classes, seminar courses and practicum credits earned through participation in mainstage and lab productions. Typical modules and subjects you can expect include:

• Acting and Performance: scene study, movement for actors, voice and speech, audition technique.
• Production and Design: set design, lighting design, sound design, costume construction, stage management and technical direction.
• Directing and Dramaturgy: principles of directing, script analysis, rehearsal process, contemporary dramaturgical practice.
• Theatre History and Theory: survey of dramatic literature, modern and contemporary theatre, performance theory and criticism.
• Collaborative Projects and Practicum: ensemble creation, student-led productions, internships with local theatres and arts organisations.

Final year / capstone

Many students complete a senior capstone project or practicum which can take the form of a directed performance, a design portfolio, a research paper in theatre studies or a combination of creative and scholarly work. This project demonstrates applied skills as well as critical understanding of theatre practice.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a high school diploma or equivalent qualification. Admissions typically consider a combination of academic record and evidence of theatre aptitude. Practical entry elements usually include an audition and/or interview; applicants may also submit a portfolio of design work, recorded performances or a director’s/creative practice statement when relevant.

Typical expectations include satisfactory grades in secondary‑level subjects and preparation in English and the arts. Mature applicants with relevant experience are encouraged to apply. International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through recognised tests or institutional pathways.

Career prospects

Graduates go on to a wide range of careers in the performing arts and related sectors. Common pathways include:

• Professional actor in theatre, film, television and commercial performance.
• Stage manager, technical director or production manager for live events and theatrical productions.
• Set, lighting and sound designer or costume designer in theatre and performance venues.
• Director, dramaturg, playwright or creative producer for independent and institutional companies.
• Arts administration, front‑of‑house management and producing roles in cultural organisations.
• Teaching and outreach: secondary and community arts education, youth theatre and workshop facilitation.
• Related careers in media, communication, event management and public relations where presentation, collaboration and project management skills are valued.

Why study at University of Michigan–Flint

University of Michigan–Flint offers a small‑scale, student‑centred theatre programme that emphasises practical experience and close faculty mentorship. Students benefit from regular production opportunities that allow them to develop stagecraft and performance skills in real‑world settings. The programme’s regional connections give access to internships and collaboration with Flint and nearby Detroit cultural organisations, providing exposure to an active professional arts community.

With a liberal arts foundation, the degree supports interdisciplinary study and transferable skills—critical thinking, collaboration and communication—that are useful both inside and outside the arts. The supportive campus environment and opportunities for leadership on productions make it suited to students seeking hands‑on training in theatre within a collegiate setting.