Inside Theatre
VCU School of the Arts

Inside Theatre is part of a series relating majors at VCU to occupational fields. The information in this pamphlet can help you in planning your education and career.

The Department of Theatre prepares students for careers in the art, craft, and business of community and professional theatre, as well as in the teaching of theatre in public and private secondary schools. With an intensive and highly individualized approach, the department offers students a concentration in performance, design technical theatre, theatre education, or stage management.

Through the requirements for performing arts majors, students typically gain the following skills:

• written and oral communication skills.
• basic knowledge of art history and social sciences.
• solid foundation in the performance of their discipline.
• creative problem solving as related to the particular discipline.

Some skills typically developed by students in this major include the following:

• development of physical, vocal, and intellectual qualities needed for stage performance.
• familiarity with the acting styles of various historical periods of dramatic literature.
• abilities in scenic design and construction.
• abilities in costume design and construction.

Some representative courses students in theatre take include the following:

• Stage Costuming and Make-up
• Stage Voice and Speech
• Acting
• Introduction to Drama
• Scene Design
• Introduction to Lighting Design
• Black Theatre
• History of the Theatre
• Stage Management
• History of Dramatic Literature
• Directing
• Advanced Costume Design

To become more marketable:

• Involve yourself in all areas of theatrical activity.
• Take electives related to your career goals (e.g., art, music, dance, English, history, psychology, etc.)
• Arrange for an internship through the department or obtain a summer position related to theatre.

Typical areas of employment entered include the following:

• Actor/Actress
• Theatre Teacher
• Casting Agent
• Costume Designer
• Set, Lighting, or Prop Designer
• Director
• Technical Director
• Stage Manager

Many students are prepared by the program for graduate studies (MFA) leading to careers in higher education, arts foundations, or professional theatre.

Further information is available at the Career Center (Student Commons, first floor) or through the department:

Virginia Commonwealth University
School of the Arts
Department of Theatre
Performing Arts Center, 922 Park Ave. Room 249
PO Box 842524
Richmond VA 23284-2524

(804) 828-1514

This brochure is published by the VCU Career Development Council in cooperation with academic departments.

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