This preparation for the commercial or educational theatre provides a student with a wide variety of career choices upon graduating. Prospective students comparing both quality and costs at various universities will find our program especially attractive. A theatre major at SHSU first studies each area of the theatre to gain substantial knowledge of acting, technical theatre, costume, lighting and scenic design, stage makeup, history, criticism, and directing. From that background, a person can specialize in one of these areas with additional course work in theatre, as well as in such fields as music, dance, art, industrial education, radio and television, or teacher education. Bachelor of Fine Arts degree programs are available in musical theatre, acting and directing, design and technical theatre and secondary education.
Students have the opportunity to act in shows every semester.
As they develop expertise in areas of their primary interest, advanced students are chosen to stage manage, to design lights, sets, costumes, sound, makeup and to direct for major productions. At Sam Houston, a person can build an extensive resume. Guest directors and professional workshops provide students additional contacts with other people in professional theatre. The proximity to Houston also allows students exposure to many venues of professional theatre, opera, and dance. Graduates of the Theatre Program at SHSU are well prepared for rewarding careers in professional or educational theatre or graduate school.