100%
of theatre graduates working full time are satisfied with their job
100%
of theatre graduates say their education and experiences at Western prepared them for their profession
What will I do in the B.A. Arts Administration degree program at Western?
As an arts administration student at WMU, you will receive hands-on experiences in programming across the College of Fine Arts each year. You will have opportunities to engage in various administrative and management roles within other arts organizations on campus and throughout the Kalamazoo community as well.
Core curriculum provides students with foundational courses in performing and/or visual arts, and courses specific to the management of arts and cultural organizations that develop skills in arts programming, marketing, communication, fundraising, finance, venue management, and audience engagement. The curriculum is flexible and customized for each students based on their career goals. Practical application is heavily emphasized through hands-on experiences within the local arts industry.
Recent WMU graduates with degrees in Arts Administration are working as:
- Company Managers
- Social Media Managers
- Agents
- Marketing specialists
- Artistic Directors
Here are some of the organizations they work for:
- 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
Whatever WMU is doing to prepare their students for a future in the professional arena … it works!”
What will I learn in my B.A. Arts Administration classes?
All students will complete 21 credits in a chosen Fine Arts discipline (Art, Dance, Music, or Theatre). At least 15 credits must be in a single department. At least 2 different departments must be represented. All of this course work will be selected in collaboration with and approved by the advisors in each discipline and the Director of Theatre Arts Management.
Are scholarships available for Arts Administration students?
Interviewing for the theatre program
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.
Applicants should bring to the interview any applicable work they may have including documents that show administrative skills using various software programs, any graphic design or layout work on such things as programs, show posters, etc. Applicants also must provide two writing samples. Writing samples can be anything you have written for school, including papers or essays you have done for class.
