Frequently Asked Questions - Theatre
What skills do I need to succeed in this major?
If you're considering a theatre arts major at CMU, you should be prepared to work creatively and collaboratively, be comfortable with performing in front of large crowds, and enjoy organizing events for public presentation. Leadership and communication skills will greatly help you in this major.
How will I know if this major fits me?
If you are interested in theatre, television, film performance, production, or if you want to develop a skill set to be applied toward business fields that emphasize teamwork, public presentation, and effective leadership, this major is a great choice for you. Our theatre arts students have the ability to express creativity, work well with teams, and take on challenges.
What can I expect to learn?
As a theatre arts student at CMU, you will participate in projects that encourage individual initiative, collaboration, creativity, and leadership. You will develop the ability to think outside the box while problem solving. You will gain the tools needed to set and meet deadlines, create artistic productions, and entertain and inspire audiences, while polishing technical, design, leadership, teaching and directing skills. Additionally, you will learn theory, history and literature that deepen your knowledge of theatre.
What technology will I use in this major?
You will learn to work with Sketch UP and Vectorworks, and use a Soundcraft 16 channel sound board and Shure wireless microphones. Lighting technology includes Strand Century Dimmer System, and ETC Source-4 juniors, along with other standard lighting instruments with a Marquee Control System. The scene shop features an array of power equipment that students use to create s
Will I have opportunities for internships and hands-on learning experiences?
Theatre Arts involves practical hands-on experience equivalent to the professional training and protocol found in the theatre, television, and film industries. All theatre arts students follow professional protocol during rehearsals and performances. Each year, our students participate in a portfolio review during which they receive live and written feedback from professional actors, directors, and designers on their audition monologues, songs, headshots, and resumes. This is in preparation for auditions for work in Summer Stock Theatre. Theatre arts students have worked at Brownville Village Theatre, Maples Repertory Theatre, MU Summer Repertory Theatre, and other venues.
What are CMU theatre arts majors saying about their experience?
"Central Methodist's theatre program isn't only for acting - you learn techniques in performance, and how to properly learn the ways of the stage, how to build stages, and how to even work behind the scenes. I've learned so much that I can use when I become a theatre teacher. With all the knowledge I have consumed so far, I can pass it on to my students in the future. CMU's theatre program has changed my life." - Ashley Brewer
What are CMU students who graduated with this degree doing now?
Graduates of CMU's theatre arts program are working in a variety of settings including graduate and professional schools, and in professional and teaching theatres. Others are professional actors, theatre technicians, and directors.
Who can I speak with for more information about this major?
For additional guidance and information about the theatre major, contact CMU's Admissions Department at 660-248-6251, toll-free at 877-CMU-1854, or admissions@centralmethodist.edu.
To read more about this major, visit our Major Resources page provided through CMU's Career Development Center.
