Showcases
Each year, graduating actors have the opportunity to participate in showcases and master classes in major entertainment markets, including Chicago, New York City, and Los Angeles. These experiences provide students with valuable opportunities to perform for and connect with agents, casting directors, and other industry professionals. Students also participate in networking events with entertainment industry leaders and Michigan State University alumni, helping them build meaningful professional relationships and expand their industry connections as they transition into their careers.
Williamston Theatre
Williamston Theatre is a professional theatre who regularly produces one show a year identified as an MSU collaboration. This offers current students a chance to work with professionals as actors or designers. Students serve regularly as understudies and assistant stage managers giving students their Equity membership candidacy allowing them entrance into the best auditions across the country.
Wharton Center
Wharton Center is a large theatre complex on the MSU campus that brings in Broadway shows and major guest artists. The department regularly collaborates with the Department of Theatre and offers students connections with Broadway actors and cutting edge film and theatre makers.
Summer Circle Theatre
Our vibrant, professional outdoor summer theatre has been serving the community for over 60 years, creating paid summer opportunities for acting, design and stage management students. Summer Circle Theatre performs in the amphitheater between the Auditorium and the Kresge Art Center.
Young Playwrights Festival
Wharton Center and The Department of Theatre regularly produce the Young Playwrights Festival, which is a collection of selected one act plays from high school students across Michigan. Department students are paid to act, direct and stage manage and connect with national playwriting mentors.
Film and TV Opportunities
The Department of Theatre has three levels of media acting and offers numerous chances to present your work on camera. Many opportunities exist for students to act and work in all capacities in film work sponsored in the department and other units on campus. Many theatre students also participate in television shows sponsored by “MSU Telecasters.”
Education Abroad
The Department of Theatre sponsors the popular Exploring British Theatre program. This multi-week program is based in London where students can see exceptional theatre, meet and work with professional theatre artists, and have opportunity to travel the country.
Guest Artists
Numerous guest artists work with MSU students each year.
Student Productions
Students are given opportunities to create student-written and/or directed productions. Multiple productions are available each year offering students opportunities to explore inside and outside their main theatrical focus.
Sense-Ability Ensemble
The Sense-Ability Ensemble is a group of MSU Theatre students that create innovative, multi-sensory, interactive theatrical performances for audiences that are neurodiverse. The performers are trained to respond sensitively, tailoring sensory experiences to individual audience members, highlighting the power of diversity and ability, and striving to provide theatre access for all.
Alumni
MSU has a large network of alumni across the US and the globe. Connecting with alumni can lead to internships, job shadowing, and jobs in theatre, film and arts administration.