Practicum

Hands-On Work Experience

An essential aspect of the PAA program is hands-on experience in the arts. Part-time, paid project assistantships with local and campus arts organizations allow students to apply their education to real-world situations. First-year students typically work in one of the program's sponsoring departments (Dance, Music, Theatre, Public Affairs) during the academic year, and gain the experience that will help them to succeed during their required practicum and internship. Beyond the practical training these assistantships provide, project positions offer students an invaluable form of financial aid -- including a stipend to help cover the additional costs of their education.

Practicum (THEA 612) and internship (GRAD 712) assignments are developed around the initiative and interests of each student. With guidance from the Director of the PAA Program, students will identify arts organizations where they wish to work and the type of work experience they desire, and then negotiate their proposals with the organizations. The practicum course is a work experience of regional or local scope that allows a blending of the earlier assistantship experience with traditional class work. The internship, by contrast, entails work with an organization of national or international stature to help build a network of industry contacts, in addition to augmenting prior employment experiences. Mid-career students with substantial work histories in the arts may apply for partial or full exemption from the THEA 612 requirement.

Kalamazoo has a wealth of cultural organizations outside of Western Michigan University where students can find work arrangements. The community links page details some of these groups.