In addition to having the region’s most affordable tuition, we offer thousands of dollars in scholarships every year. Learn more about scholarships and financial aid as you pursue your Theatre Arts degree.
Theatre Arts Degree Program
About the Theatre Arts Degree Program
A major that goes beyond acting, our Theatre Arts degree program dives deep into the heart of performing. If you have a love for the spotlight, Wayne State can build your foundation and make you a well-rounded performer. Mainstage productions at Wayne State give you the opportunity for acting, directing, costume design, special effects, lighting, and more. You will have the opportunity to participate in the annual Kennedy Center American Theatre Festival Region V and tour with our children’s theatre. Join the WSC Drama Club, a thriving student organization with a busy programming schedule. With a Theatre Arts degree, you’ll be prepared to steal the show on the big screen, or you can use your speaking talents to become an announcer, on-air personality, or even a salesperson. No matter what route you take, you’ll gain skills that are beneficial to any career, such as design, production, management, and even cultural awareness.
Percent of recent WSC graduates employed or in graduate school
based on the most recent graduate survey
Our Focus is Results
Wayne State has the keys to your success and offers just what you need to become well prepared for the real world in the Theatre Arts degree program.
Skills Learned
- Acting and performance
- Set construction and scene design
- Lighting, makeup, and costume design
- Play directing and stage management
- Creative expression and presentation
- Interpersonal and group communication
- Speech delivery / public speaking
- Persuasion, argumentation, and advocacy
- Communication and leadership
- Professional standards and ethics
- Project and time management
Possible Careers
- Actor or performing artist
- Theatre director
- Playwright
- Technical director
- Stage effects technician
- Stage or set designer
- Stage manager
- Theatre critic
- Theatre arts instructor
- Professional speaker
- Business representative
Employers
- Theatre companies
- Performing arts groups
- Production companies
- Non-profit organizations
- Television / film studios
- Media outlets
- Art and design firms
- Schools, colleges, and universities
- Community theatres
- Youth camps
- Hospitals and medical clinics
- Businesses and corporations
Learn From the Best
Our faculty are accomplished professionals that have been recognized as experts in their fields. With a low student-to-faculty ratio, you'll be sure to receive an excellent education in the Theatre Arts degree program.
Outside the Classroom
At Wayne State College, you’ll have opportunities to enhance your education in the Theatre Arts degree program by participating in clubs, organizations, internships, and more.
Clubs and Organizations
- Drama Club
- Forensics Team (competitive speech team)
- Lambda Pi Eta (communication honor society)
- Media Club
- Wildcat PR
- WSC Student Media (The Wayne Stater, KWSC-FM, and KWSC Studios)
Service-Learning
Make a difference in the community while learning skills you can apply toward your future career! Wayne State’s Service-Learning program has received national awards in recognition of outstanding community service, with more than 400 students participating in Service-Learning projects each semester.
Opportunities
- Theatre productions – From acting to designing to constructing sets, you’ll get hands-on experience through WSC mainstage productions.
- Conference Attendances - Our students have attended KCACTF (Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival) where they get to showcase their work, compete with other college students, and learn more about theatre from various artists and instructors.
Internships
While internships are not required for this major, you’ll gain real-world experience in this field through degree requirements of acting and set-building for WSC mainstage productions. If you’d like to complete an internship, Career Services or an academic advisor is available to help you find opportunities.
