Program Overview

Arts Administration Program

The Western Michigan University arts administration program is designed for students pursuing leadership and administrative positions in theatre and other arts and cultural organizations, as well as those interested in connecting audiences to the arts.

Program Description

The core curriculum provides students with foundational courses in performing and/or visual arts, and courses specific to the management of theatres, and arts and cultural organizations. These courses develop skills in arts programming, marketing, communication, fundraising, finance, venue management, and audience engagement. The curriculum allows flexibility for students to choose elective courses tailored to their strengths and interests in the field. Courses of study can be customized with the approval of the director of arts administration. Practical application is emphasized through hands-on experiences within the local arts industry and professional internship credits.

Beyond the Classroom

As an arts administration student at WMU, students are expected to participate as an arts administrator in the theatre production, music, or dance programs each year, which serve as laboratories for some of their practical application experiences. Students have many opportunities to engage in various administrative and management roles within the College of Fine Arts or other arts organizations on campus and throughout the Kalamazoo community.

Career Opportunities

Recent WMU graduates with degrees in arts administration are working as:

• Company managers
• Development directors
• Broadway publicists
• Arts marketers
• Audience services associates
• Executive directors Among the organizations they work for are:
  • Hamilton National Tour
  • Brooklyn Academy of Music
  • Roundabout Theatre Company
  • Milwaukee Ballet
  • Lyric Opera of Chicago
  • Broadway in Chicago
  • Kimberly Akimbo on Broadway
  • Williamstown Theatre Festival

Program Location

The program is offered in Kalamazoo.

Related Programs

Other programs of interest include:

• Art
• Art Education
• Art History
• Dance
• Music
• Music Composition
• Music Education: Choral/General
• Music Education: Instrumental
• Music Performance: Instrumental
• Music Performance: Keyboard
• Music Performance: Vocal
• Music Therapy
• Music: Jazz Studies
• Theatre: Music Theatre Performance
• Theatre Design and Technical Production
• Stage Management