Theatre

About

WMU Theatre is an exceptional learning environment dedicated to training our student artists with the skills necessary to pursue their goals in an ever-changing industry. We mindfully build a community that includes highly-motivated students, deeply committed faculty, engaged alumni, and a range of professional guests and specialists. Together, we produce intentional work that enriches the lives of artists and audiences alike. We are passionate about empowering a new generation of theatre, film, and media artists to shape a vibrant, inclusive, and innovative future for our art form.

WMU’s nationally award-winning program offers extensive onstage, offstage and behind the curtain training. The range of experiences to which you will be exposed is vast so that you can become the talented, vibrant, flexible theatre artist necessary in today’s field. Opportunities for participation in the production program begin during the freshman year. The department presents nine faculty-directed productions each season in three different theatres, which feature student designs in set, costumes, lighting and sound. Additional plays are presented in the laboratory theatre program and in the directing classes, allowing even more opportunities for onstage experience and student directing through our Footlight productions.

Facilities Tour

Here, you’re more than a student ID number. You are an individual—with talents and goals that we are eager to help you develop and explore. 

Why WMU?

  • Conservatory-level training at a public university price
  • Top-tier facilities with the newest technology
  • A successful and generous alumni network
  • Direct engagement with theatre and entertainment professionals from around the worl
 
And unlike many other theatre programs, we are an undergraduate-only department. That means it will be YOU onstage, backstage, designing the sets, lights, and sound, acting the major roles - gaining the practical experience and tools for personal and professional success.
 

Theatre productions are often recognized for their excellence. We have received top honors at the prestigious American College Theater Festival at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. Alumni are regularly featured on Broadway, television, film and in regional theatres, and have received numerous Tony nominations.

WMU Theatre is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre. This association sets standards for curriculum and production programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels for institutions of higher learning and is considered a prestigious accolade. 

 

Strategic Mission Statement:

Western Michigan University’s School of Theatre and Dance is dedicated to the advancement of theatre and dance arts through traditional study and performance, and to the development of new artistic ventures. We prepare students for successful careers in professional theatre and dance or for continued study at the graduate level. Through rigorous technical training, creative exploration, and innovative performance opportunities, we develop versatile artists who excel in both traditional and emerging forms. The combination of gifted students—selected through a competitive entry process—and deeply committed faculty creates an exceptional learning environment. We are empowering a new generation of theatre and dance artists to shape a vibrant, relevant, and innovative future for the performing arts.