B.A. in Theatre Arts

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Application Fee: $100

Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component.
• TOEFL: Overall score of 61 or higher.
• PTE: Overall score of 47 or higher.
• DET (Duolingo English Test): Overall score of 100.

Scholarships that Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU), USA, typically offers to international students.

International Student Scholarships: SMSU often provides scholarships specifically designed for international students to help offset the cost of tuition. These scholarships are typically merit-based and may consider factors such as academic achievement, standardized test scores, and extracurricular involvement.

Presidential Scholarships: The Presidential Scholarship is one of the most prestigious scholarships offered by SMSU. It is often awarded to outstanding students, including international students, who have demonstrated exceptional academic performance. The scholarship typically covers a significant portion of tuition costs.

Dean's Scholarships: Dean's Scholarships are often available to high-achieving international students who have a strong academic record. These scholarships are typically competitive and may vary in amount.

Transfer Student Scholarships: SMSU may offer scholarships specifically for international transfer students who are transferring from another institution. These scholarships can help make the transition to SMSU more affordable.

Departmental Scholarships: Some academic departments at SMSU may offer departmental scholarships to international students pursuing specific majors or fields of study. These scholarships are often based on academic merit and may require students to meet certain criteria.

Cultural Exchange Scholarships: SMSU may participate in cultural exchange programs that provide scholarships to students from partner institutions abroad. These scholarships aim to promote international exchange and cultural understanding.

External Scholarships: In addition to university-sponsored scholarships, international students at SMSU may also be eligible for scholarships from external organizations, foundations, or government agencies. These scholarships can be a valuable source of financial aid.

Please note that scholarship offerings, eligibility criteria, and award amounts may change over time.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Theatre Arts from Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU) are well-prepared to enter various career paths within the performing arts and related industries. The program’s comprehensive curriculum and practical experience equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue diverse opportunities. 

Actor/Performer: Graduates can work as professional actors or performers in theatre, film, and television. They may find opportunities in local, regional, and national productions, or work with theatre companies, film studios, and television networks. Skills in acting, stage presence, and voice training gained during the program are essential for success in these roles.

Theatre Director: With a solid foundation in directing and production techniques, graduates can pursue careers as theatre directors. They are responsible for overseeing and guiding the creative process of theatrical productions, including casting, rehearsing, and interpreting scripts. Directors work with actors, designers, and other theatre professionals to bring a vision to life on stage.

Stage Manager: Graduates may work as stage managers, ensuring the smooth execution of theatrical productions. This role involves coordinating rehearsals, managing stage operations, and overseeing the technical aspects of a performance. Stage managers are crucial for maintaining the organization and efficiency of theatre productions.

Theatre Designer: The program prepares graduates for roles in theatre design, including set design, costume design, and lighting design. Designers work to create the visual and aesthetic elements of a production, collaborating with directors and other designers to achieve the desired look and feel of the performance.

Playwright/Scriptwriter: Graduates with a passion for writing can pursue careers as playwrights or scriptwriters. They create original plays, screenplays, or television scripts, developing characters, dialogue, and plots. Playwrights often work independently or in collaboration with theatre companies and production teams.

Theatre Educator: With their expertise in theatre, graduates can become theatre educators, teaching theatre arts at the middle school, high school, or college level. They may work in educational institutions or community programs, inspiring and instructing the next generation of theatre enthusiasts.

Arts Administrator: Graduates may choose to work in arts administration, managing operations for theatre companies, arts organizations, or cultural institutions. Roles in this field include marketing, fundraising, event planning, and general management, ensuring the smooth operation and success of arts organizations.

Production Assistant: Entry-level positions such as production assistants offer graduates opportunities to gain hands-on experience in various aspects of theatre production. They assist with day-to-day operations, including setting up for performances, coordinating logistics, and supporting production teams.

Casting Director: With experience and industry connections, graduates can work as casting directors, responsible for selecting actors for theatre productions, films, and television shows. They conduct auditions, evaluate performances, and match actors to roles.

Theatre Critic/Reviewer: Graduates interested in writing and analysis can pursue careers as theatre critics or reviewers. They evaluate and critique theatrical performances, providing insights and opinions on productions for publications, websites, or media outlets.