Simmons University

What you'll study

The programme balances studio practice, technical training and scholarly coursework. Core areas include acting technique, voice and speech, movement, scene study and ensemble work, alongside production courses such as stagecraft, lighting and sound design, costume and set design, and stage management. Students also study theatre history, dramatic literature, dramaturgy, playwriting and directing to develop critical and creative perspective.

• Practical studios: Acting, improvisation, movement, voice, rehearsal processes and scene work.
• Production and design: Scenography, lighting, sound, costume, props and technical theatre practicum.
• Creative practice: Directing, playwriting, devising theatre and collaborative ensemble projects.
• Academic study: Theatre history, dramatic analysis, dramaturgy, criticism and research methods.
• Professional preparation: Audition technique, portfolio development, stage management internships and industry placements with Boston-area theatres.

Students typically participate in departmental productions and can expect to work in both front-of-house and backstage roles. Elective options and cross-disciplinary courses allow students to combine theatre training with studies in areas such as film, education, psychology or business.

Entry requirements

Applicants should have a secondary-school diploma or equivalent and a record of academic achievement. Applicants for performance-focused pathways are normally asked to audition; those applying to technical, design or academic tracks may submit a portfolio of creative work or attend an interview instead. Typical application components include:

• School transcripts or academic records.
• A personal statement describing theatrical experience, interests and goals.
• Letters of recommendation (usually one or two academic or arts-related referees).
• Audition or portfolio for performance and design applicants; interview for some pathways.
• Proof of English proficiency for non-native speakers (accepted tests or institutional equivalents).

Specific audition pieces, portfolio guidelines and any additional departmental requirements are provided by the admissions office and the theatre department; prospective students are encouraged to consult those resources and prepare accordingly.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a wide range of theatre and arts-related careers. Typical roles include actor, director, stage manager, lighting or sound designer, costume or set designer, dramaturg, playwright and theatre technician. Many alumni also move into arts administration, producing, casting, community arts and education, leveraging their practical skills and critical training.

The programme’s location and partnerships with professional theatres support internships and networking that can lead to entry-level positions in regional companies, touring productions, film and television crews, arts organisations, and educational settings. Graduates also pursue further study at conservatoires, MFA or MA programmes in performance, directing, design, theatre research and arts leadership.

Why study at Simmons University

Simmons offers small classes and close faculty mentoring that allow for intensive, hands-on training while retaining a liberal-arts perspective. The university’s Boston location provides direct access to a vibrant professional theatre ecosystem—including regional companies, independent venues and educational organisations—so students can gain real-world experience through internships and collaborations.

Theatre students benefit from dedicated performance spaces and technical facilities, opportunities for cross-disciplinary projects across the university, and career services focused on preparing graduates for professional life in the arts. The department emphasises a supportive, collaborative environment that develops practical technique, creative leadership and critical thinking for multiple career paths in the performing arts.