FROM STUDY TO SKILLS
All academic programs offered at the UM help students develop valuable transferable skills. In bringing together the talents of writers, performers, designers, and technical experts, the LSA Program in Theatre and Drama offers a comprehensive artistic preparation that can be applied to a variety of fields. Students interested in Actor, Director, or Designer training may audition for the Theatre B.F.A. degrees through the School of Music.
The Theatre and Drama program affords unique possibilities for student involvement in co-curricular productions, through which concentrators develop a wide range of communication, teamwork, and organizational skills.
Related fields include English and World Literature, Art History, Communication Studies, Screen Arts and Cultures, Anthropology, Museum Studies, and Business.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Communication Skills
Public speaking
Voice control / modulation
Awareness / observation of listeners
Communication through movement
Speech writing
Analytical Skills
Problem solving
Critical thinking
Understanding ideas / art within historical / social contexts
Comparing and contrasting ideas / information
Interpreting
Organizational Skills
Collaboratively developing a complex project
Interacting with colleagues in a team
Working within timelines
Technical Skills
Playwriting
Design
Carpentry
Sound techniques
Lighting techniques
Theatrical makeup
Costume design
Orthographic projection
BUILDING YOUR SKILLS OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM
Employers seek out individuals who can demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills, teamwork and interpersonal skills, initiative, and a strong work ethic. Student organizations and campus employment offer additional opportunities to add to the skills you are developing in your classes. Other options include study abroad, off-campus employment or volunteering in the community. Finally, a summer internship may be the best way of all to test out a career field and develop marketable skills.
FROM SKILLS TO CAREER
Theatre concentrators develop both general and technical skills applicable to a wide range of careers. For example, organizational skills may be equally useful whether working as a stage manager, a fundraiser, or an administrator. The acting student’s presentation skills, ability to face a public, and control of voice and body provide a solid base for communicating effectively with others. Many concentrators go on to graduate or professional school. The list below is a sample of careers undertaken by Theatre and Drama graduates.
Communication Skills
College instructor 
K-12 teacher
Reviewer / critic (newspaper, TV, Internet)
Public relations officer
Public relations director, performing arts center
Acquisitions editor, publishing
Theatrical agent
Drama therapist
Research interviewer
Analytical Skills
Business manager (theatre)
Literary manager (theatre)
Legislative aide
Bank manager
Lawyer
Organizational Skills
Operations manager
Stage manager
Audience developer, theatre company
Drama specialist, recreation department
Fundraiser
Education administrator
Librarian / information specialist
Technical Skills
Actor
Theatre technician
Designer, lighting / costume /scene
Playwright
= Further Study Required
For more career information, see O*Net at http://online.onetcenter.org/
CONCENTRATION REQUIREMENTS
The LSA B.A. degree curriculum of the Theatre and Drama Department combines the study of three areas: performance, history and dramatic literature, and design and technical production. The department offers numerous co-curricular production activities in addition to classroom experience. The concentration requires a minimum of 40 credits.
In addition, the School of Music offers professional training B.F.A.s in Performance and Design. Both degrees require a minimum of 45 hours outside the core curriculum and may include a variety of humanities and sciences.
Finally, the department offers an 18-credit minor in African-American Theatre.
Department of Theatre and Drama
2230 Walgreen Drama Center
1226 Murfin Avenue
734-764-5350
www.music.umich.edu/departments/theatre
Newnan Advising Center
1255 Angell Hall
734-764-0332
www.lsa.umich.edu/advising
NEXT STEPS / RESOURCES
To begin connecting to professionals in fields that interest you, create your own LinkedIn account:
www.careercenter.umich.edu/article/getting-started-linkedin
To identify internships or job opportunities, visit Handshake: https://careercenter.umich.edu/article/handshake
On-campus jobs (work-study and non work-study jobs) are listed at: https://studentemployment.umich.edu/JobX_Home.aspx
Maize Pages list hundreds of organizations for students to get involved in: http://studentorgs.umich.edu/maize
The Career Center
3200 Student Activities Building
734-764-7460
www.careercenter.umich.edu
www.facebook.com/careercenter.umich
http://twitter.com/careercenter
The Career Guide series was developed by the University of Michigan Career Center, Division of Student Affairs, in cooperation with the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. ©2013 Regents of the University of Michigan