Arts Administration

Western Michigan University's arts administration program is designed for students pursuing leadership and
administrative positions in theatre and other arts and cultural organizations and for those interested in
connecting audiences to the arts. The core curriculum provides students with foundational courses in
performing and/or visual arts, and courses specific to the management of theatres, and arts and cultural
organizations that develop skills in arts programming, marketing, communication, fundraising, finance, venue
management and audience engagement. The curriculum allows flexibility for students to choose elective
courses tailored to their strengths and interests in the field. Courses of study can be customized with the
approval of the director of arts administration. Practical application is emphasized through hands-on
experiences within the local arts industry and professional internship credits.

Beyond the classroom

As an arts administration student at WMU, you will be expected to participate as an arts administrator in the
theatre production, music or dance programs each year, which will serve as laboratories for some of your
practical application experiences. You will have many opportunities to engage in various administrative and
management roles within the College of Fine Arts or other arts organizations on campus and throughout the
Kalamazoo community.

After you graduate

Recent WMU graduates with degrees in arts administration are working as:

  • Company managers
  • Development directors
  • Broadway publicists
  • Arts marketers
  • Audience services associates
  • Executive directors

Among the organizations they work for are:

  • Hamilton National Tour
  • Brooklyn Academy of Music
  • Roundabout Theatre Company
  • Milwaukee Ballet
  • Lyric Opera of Chicago
  • Broadway in Chicago
  • Kimberly Akimbo on Broadway
  • Williamstown Theatre Festival

Where is this program offered?

  • Kalamazoo

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