Candidates will interview with the Director of Arts Management either virtually or in person. The interview will allow potential students the opportunity to show their work and share any information about themselves and their interest in the management of theatre.
Connecting audiences to the art
Do you love being in a creative, innovative, and dynamic environment? Do you have a desire to manage, market, and support the arts in new and exciting ways? If so, arts administration may be for you!
Arts Administration (BA)
Arts Administration (BA)
Video of Western Michigan University's Department of Theatre
Acceptance to the program is conducted on a rolling basis. Prospective students can apply at any time. More information about the interview process can be found below!
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 Theatre Arts Management. Practical application is emphasized through hands-on experiences within the local arts industry.
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Whatever WMU is doing to prepare their students for a future in the professional arena … it works!”
—Dale AJ Rose, director of performance studies/MFA acting program and associate chair, interim artistic director for Connecticut Repertory Theatre
Beyond the classroom
As an arts administration student at WMU, you will participate as an arts administrator in the theatre production program each year, which will serve as a laboratory for some of your practical application experiences. You will have many opportunities to engage in various administrative and management roles within other arts organizations on campus and throughout the Kalamazoo community as well.
Alumni Success
Alumni in theatre arts management are working with Brooklyn Academy of Music, Serino Coyne Marketing in NY, Hamilton National Tour (Baseline Theatrical), 321 Theatrical Management (Wicked/FunHome), the Williamstown Theatre Festival, The Cort Theatre of Chicago, Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, Milwaukee Youth Arts Center and more.