Cost & earnings at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota What students borrow here, and what they go on to earn
The Bachelor’s in Drama (Theatre) at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota combines liberal-arts study with hands-on theatrical training in performance, technical production and theatre history. It suits students who want small-class mentorship, frequent production experience and pathways into performance, design, education or arts management.
The programme balances practical studio work, production experience and liberal-arts coursework. Core areas typically include acting (voice, movement, scene study), directing, play analysis and dramaturgy, theatre history and dramatic literature, and technical theatre disciplines such as stagecraft, scenic design, lighting, sound and costume. Students take courses in scriptwriting, improvisation, theatre pedagogy and community-engaged theatre as part of their development.
Throughout the degree you will participate in production practicum and lab courses that place you directly in season productions as an actor, stage manager, designer or technician. Electives allow specialisation in performance, production/design, theatre education or arts administration, and the liberal-arts curriculum supports complementary study in areas such as communications, music, psychology or education.
Admission is through Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota’s undergraduate application process. Typical requirements include a secondary-school diploma or equivalent and an academic record showing readiness for college-level work. Applicants for performance or design-focused pathways may be asked to submit or present a portfolio or attend an audition; specific requirements are provided by the department. Standard supporting materials include transcripts and a personal statement outlining theatrical experience and goals.
Saint Mary’s considers applicants holistically; relevant extracurricular work in theatre, letters of recommendation and evidence of collaborative or leadership experience strengthen an application. International applicants must meet the university’s English-proficiency requirements and provide equivalent academic documentation.
Graduates pursue a range of careers in the performing arts and related sectors. Common destinations include acting and ensemble work, stage and production management, set/lighting/costume design, sound design and technical direction, dramaturgy and directing. The programme also prepares students for arts education roles (including secondary school teaching or youth theatre work), community and cultural programming, producing and arts administration, and theatre criticism.
Many alumni continue to graduate study in MFA or MA programmes, enter regional or professional theatre companies, work in touring productions or find roles in film, television, event production and related creative industries. The emphasis on practical production experience, portfolio development and internships supports employability and graduate-school readiness.
Saint Mary’s offers a small, mentorship-driven setting where students get frequent, hands-on production opportunities and close faculty supervision. The theatre curriculum is embedded in a liberal-arts environment, encouraging well-rounded critical thinking and cross-disciplinary study. Students benefit from a regular season of mainstage and laboratory productions that provide real-world experience in performance and technical roles.
Proximity to a vibrant regional theatre scene and organised internship links help students access professional networks, while the university’s emphasis on service and community engagement creates opportunities for outreach and educational theatre projects. The programme’s personalised advising and emphasis on professional preparation help graduates move into careers, teacher certification pathways, or advanced study in the performing arts.
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