About this Program
UMD’s minor in Theatre is for the student who wants to pursue an interest in theatre that will complement their major program. It allows the student to study the basics of every area available in the theatre curriculum.
Why UMD?
Theater students at UMD connect with faculty on a level that is unprecedented in higher education. Not having to compete with graduate students for production opportunities, our graduates leave UMD with portfolios and resumes far more extensive than the average undergraduate student. We are dedicated to the training of excellent theater artists and productions that are acclaimed nationally and internationally.
The UMD Department of Theatre is actively involved in the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival. Since 1985, five UMD productions (two of those written by UMD students) have been chosen to perform at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts as part of KCACTF, making UMD one of the most successful theatre departments in the nation. In seven of the last fifteen years, UMD actors have won the regional Irene Ryan acting scholarship and have gone on to perform in Washington, DC. In addition, KCACTF has also recognized a number of UMD student playwrights and designers for their artistic achievements with invitations to participate in the national festival.
At UMD, you will:
- explore practical training in various aspects of the performing arts while defining your own path towards a career within or beyond the professional theatre
- have the flexibility to take advanced academic courses across the university, to pursue interdisciplinary projects, and to explore study abroad opportunities
- enjoy a rich liberal arts approach to theatre as a fine art and cultural expression, as well as a business, which will prepare you for innumerable careers as well as graduate work in programs like arts management, dramaturgy, playwriting, directing, and education
Acquired Skills
Through training in Theatre, students develop a vast variety of skills including:
- Creativity
- Critical thinking
- Public speaking
- Improving with feedback
- Teamwork
- Leadership
- Project management
- Marketing
- Business/Entrepreneurism
Career Possibilities
A minor shows potential employers that you put in extra effort and have a range of strong interest areas. Furthermore, a minor can cultivate new skills and encourage you to think in ways that may seem unconventional in your major field. Unconventional thinking can lead to creative problem solving.
An education in Theatre shows employers you have creativity, communication skills, self-awareness, confidence, discipline, teamwork, experience, a cultivation of empathy -- skills that make you a strong candidate in ANY field!
Students with a Theatre background may go on to careers as varied as Arts Administrator, Author, Dance Teacher, Entrepreneur, Exhibit Designer, Fashion Designer, Producer, Stage Manager, and Sound Editor, just to name a few!
Admissions and Scholarships
The Theatre minor is 26 credits and can be started in any semester. Department scholarships are available to Theatre majors only.
Student Clubs
As a subsidiary of UMD’s Department of Theatre, Stage 2 Theatre Company works exclusively with UMD faculty, staff, and students to produce its own student-run theatrical season every academic year. Students comprise the Stage 2 Board of Directors and manage every aspect of production. Stage 2 is an excellent supplemental source of involvement particularly for non-Theatre majors and Theatre B.A. students.
USITT United States Institute for Theatre Technology student chapter works to promote learning among peers and to support theatre design and technology on campus. USITT at UMD frequently supports students’ attendance to the USITT national conference, where students are exposed to new design elements, technologies and theories.
Attitudes Dance Association is currently one of the biggest student organizations on campus, with more than 100 members. It is a student-run group that welcomes anyone who is a student at UMD, College of St. Scholastica, or Lake Superior College; anyone who wants to dance! ADA gives dancers the opportunity to both perform and choreograph in an annual spring performance.
Requirements
A Theatre minor can be paired with any major, outside of Theatre.
All UMD Theatre students are strongly encouraged to bring a laptop as specified under Technology Requirements.