“…I am extremely impressed with the level of talent, preparedness, and professional behavior that I find in every student I audition from Western Michigan’s Theatre Program — amazing young students.”
- Ron Wilson, Director, Case Western Reserve University-Cleveland Play House MFA Acting Program

Students entering the Theatre Performance program will be working toward a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. The BFA program in Theatre Performance offers a wide range of opportunities with focus on vocal & physical development, script analysis and acting theory. This intense curriculum is designed to give students a broad study of the theatre arts and develop strong performance skills while providing numerous opportunities for onstage experience.

For a complete curriculum guide and list of course descriptions for Theatre Performance, click here.

Courses offered include camera & voice over work, directing, and concentrated studio work in movement, voice, and speech. The acting classes cover all genres of theatre and are designed with a personalized focus in mind. An impressive student to faculty ratio makes this very personalized training a key component of our success. Master classes with nationally recognized, professional artists are also provided to expand the academic experience beyond the classroom.

Students receive varied performance opportunities in the Department’s nine-show season, offering experiences in three different theatre spaces. Onstage experience is also provided through department-supported, student-directed Footlight productions, directing classes, as well as the New Play Project offered each summer.  Several professional and summer stock companies audition our students on campus and students also have the chance to showcase their talent for industry agents and casting directors from New York and Chicago.

Alumni from the WMU Theatre Performance program have gone to study at graduate programs such as ART/Harvard, Yale, Cal Arts, New York University, Florida State University, University of Connecticut, Case Western University, Northwestern University, The National Theatre Conservatory, University of California at San Diego and Irvine. Professionally, our Theatre Performance students have performed on Broadway in West Side Story, The Women, Beauty and the Beast, Shanandoah, Kiss Me, Kate, Gypsy, The Pirate Queen, Taboo, Jersey Boys, Into The Woods, Ragtime, and Spamalot. They have also performed with The Steppenwolf Theatre, The Goodman Theatre, Classic Stage Company, Long Wharf Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Williamstown Theatre Festival, Royal Shakespeare Company (England), Disney, and have been seen on television in Lost, Weeds, Desperate Housewives, Six Feet Under, Boston Legal, and the National Tour of Forbidden Broadway, The Drowsy Chaperone, and Cats, just to name a few.

For further information on Department of Theatre majors or the minor, contact Sandy Duke, Academic Advisor, at sandy.duke@wmich.edu.