BS in Theatre Arts (Arts Administration), University of Wisconsin–La Crosse

La Crosse, Wisconsin

48 Months

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About this course

The Theatre program at UWL invites students to step into a dynamic environment where they can explore various roles in theatre, whether performing, directing, designing, managing, or working behind the scenes. The program emphasizes both practical production experience and academic learning, offering students the chance to participate in six fully-produced shows each year. Recognized nationally, its students and productions have received awards and accolades, making it one of the top college theatre programs in the U.S. The department fosters a collaborative and artistically-stimulating environment, providing personalized attention through small class sizes and experienced faculty. Students benefit from a global perspective, with coursework in various cultural contexts and study abroad opportunities in diverse locations. The program prepares students for careers in theatre and related fields, emphasizing skills such as creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork, which are highly transferable to many professions.

Why this course is highly recommended

UWL’s Theatre and Dance Department is nationally recognized and features a faculty with diverse professional experiences, including designing, performing, and directing. The program's reputation is supported by awards, recognitions, and rankings, including being named one of the best college theatre programs in the U.S. Its hands-on approach, with involvement in multiple productions each year, offers students invaluable practical experience early in their studies. The small student-to-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention, and the program’s global perspective enriches the learning experience. The department’s connections with professional artists and study abroad opportunities further enhance students’ career readiness, making it an excellent choice for those passionate about theatre.

Specialisation

UWL offers a variety of emphasis areas within the Theatre program, including Arts Administration, Design/Technical, General, Musical Theatre, Performance, and Stage Management. Each specialization is designed to develop specific skills relevant to different careers in theatre, with options for both majors and minors depending on the focus. For example, the Arts Administration emphasis prepares students for leadership roles in arts organizations, while Design/Technical allows students to focus on scenery, costumes, or lighting. The Musical Theatre emphasis combines theatrical training with musical technique, requiring an audition for entry. Students can also choose to major in one emphasis area and minor in another to broaden their educational scope.

Course fees

Application fees

16.23L

1st year tuition fees

16.23L

Living cost

Degree requirements

The program offers undergraduate major and minor options in Theatre, with several emphasis areas available depending on your interests. The Musical Theatre emphasis is offered as a major only, while other specializations are accessible as both majors and minors. Specific course requirements include foundational courses like Dramatic Literature and Theatre Arts, Voice and Movement, and specialized courses such as Scene Painting, Sound Design, and Directing. Students are encouraged to participate actively in productions and practical projects throughout their studies to fulfill program requirements and gain hands-on experience.

English language test

IELTS

TOEFL

PTE

DUOLINGO

100

Career prospects

Graduates of UWL’s Theatre program are well-prepared for a broad range of careers both within and outside the theatre industry. Possible roles include actor, director, choreographer, costume or lighting designer, stage or production manager, dramaturg, and technician. The program also prepares students for careers in business or arts administration, and many alumni pursue graduate studies or work in related fields such as film, television, or academia. The practical experience gained — from participating in productions to understanding organizational aspects of arts organizations — helps graduates develop skills that are highly valued across diverse professions.

FAQs

What kind of practical experience will I gain?

Students engage in working on six fully-produced shows each year, taking roles from backstage crew and technicians to performers and designers. This hands-on involvement is integral to the program, providing real-world experience from early in your studies.

Can I study abroad as part of this program?

Yes, the department offers study abroad opportunities in locations such as Italy, Spain, Vietnam, London, Russia, and India, providing students with a diverse cultural perspective.