WHAT IS THE B.S. IN THEATRE ADMINISTRATION? 

A rigorous, highly individualized, and specialized training program combined with a strong business foundation and broad liberal arts education. Through coursework and hands-on experience, students are introduced to a variety of management, marketing, and leadership principles and concepts. Students interact with on-campus and regional communities using our Tessitura ticketing system to promote and sell CTD productions. Through a required Business minor, Theatre Administration students have flexibility to develop related skills in areas like Live Event Design & Management, Legal Studies, Advertising, Public Relations, & Marketing Communications, and more. Theatre Administration students also have the option to earn an M.B.A. in Entertainment and Media Management through an additional year of study.

WHO IS IT FOR? 

Personable and adaptable change-makers with an understanding of inclusive practices and social equity. Ideal candidates are strategic and forward-thinking decision makers looking to bridge the gap between business and the arts.  

WHAT WILL YOUR FOUR YEARS LOOK LIKE? 

YEAR ONE – FOUNDATIONS 

From day one, students will apply what they learn in the classroom to real-life scenarios in the laboratory of Center for Theatre and Dance Mainstage productions. First year Theatre Administration students take core administrative courses in theatre, such as Theatre Administration Foundations, and choose among business minor prerequisites in accounting, economics, or strategic communication. They will apply this knowledge base to Theatre Administration Practicum, a semester-long on-campus internship built in program requirements. 

To encourage community and respect across disciplines, the entire first year Center for Theatre and Dance class takes foundational courses such as Introduction to Professional Theatre, Race & Theatre in The United States, and Technical Theatre Practicum. Students also gain flexibility in other areas of theatre in classes like The Actor’s Process. 

First year Theatre Administration students will be ready for summer opportunities in a Tessitura-based Box Office, Patron Services, House Management, and assisting in artistic management.  

YEAR TWO – SKILL BUILDING 

Second year Theatre Administration students develop their skills through exploration of the finer points  

of the administrative and marketing process. Students hone their communication, social media, and publicity skills in theatre administration classes like Theatre Administration Practicum and Marketing the Arts. Students will also continue their required business minor requirements, along with the option of exploring additional interests outside the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance.  

Second year Theatre Administration students will be ready for summer opportunities in social media marketing, public relations, and other areas of marketing, in addition to positions of increasing responsibility in areas of the first year summer.  

YEAR THREE – RESPONSIBILITY, CHANGE, AND LONDON 

Third year Theatre Administration students will sharpen their leadership potential and advance their business knowledge with courses like Financing the Arts and continue their hands-on learning with Theatre Administration Practicum III and a choice of Theatre Practice courses like Directing and Stage Management.  

Third year students also have the opportunity, and are highly encouraged, to study abroad at the Ithaca College London Center, where they will immerse themselves in experiential coursework that features work placement opportunities, lectures, discussions, weekly theatrical walks through London, and play-going. 

YEAR FOUR – SPRINGBOARD INTO THE PROFESSION 

Fourth year Theatre Administration students begin to transition into their careers with professional preparation classes such as Theatre Administration Seminar, in addition to completing the requirements for their chosen Business Minor. Theatre Administration students who meet satisfactory academic requirements will be able to continue into our joint degree program with the M.B.A. in Entertainment and Media Management through the School of Business.  

Additionally, the entire fourth year class in the Center for Theatre and Dance attends Field Studies in New York City: a week of panels, workshops, and seminars with CTD alumni who are working in all aspects of the industry.