Why UMKC?
For students who study theatre at UMKC, there are multiple opportunities with professional theatre companies, community theatres and schools in Kansas City. The Kansas City Repertory Theatre, one of the Midwest’s outstanding professional theatres, is located on the UMKC campus.
Fast Facts
- UMKC’s professional M.F.A. theatre training program is in the top 15 of more than 400 graduate theatre programs in the United States.
- Arts are alive in Kansas City’s performing arts organizations, including eight equity theatres, as well as symphony, ballet and opera companies.
- There are approximately 50 undergraduate theatre majors.
- The average junior- or senior-level class size is 8-12 students.
Student Organizations
- UMKC UTA (University Theatre Association).
- UMKC Theatre is accredited by NAST (National Association of Schools of Theatre) and is a member of U/RTA (University/Regional Theatre Association).
Real World Experience
Careers
Career options for theatre majors:
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Salaries
Average salary ranges for theatre-related jobs in Kansas City:
- Actor, $39,257-$58,164
- College-level drama professor, $62,601-$111,354
- Set designer, $35,339-$52,157
- Production assistant, $23,995-$29,507
Admission Requirements
There are no special requirements beyond those for admission to the university.
The College of Arts and Sciences requires a minimum of 120 total credit hours for graduation. Of that 120, at least 60 must be earned at a four-year college or university, and at least 36 must be numbered 300 or above (upper division).
Prerequisite Courses
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Communication (12 hours)
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Mathematical, Symbolic and Logical Reasoning (6 hours)
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Foreign Language and Culture (16 hours) high school coursework may provide exemptions
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Computer and Information Technology (3 hours)
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Literature and Philosophy (two courses, 6 hours); Social and Behavioral Sciences (9 hours)
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Physical and Biological Sciences (8-10 hours) one course with lab
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Humanities and Fine Arts (9 hours); and General Education Synthesis (3 hours)
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one capstone course in your major (beginning directing)
Major Courses
The Bachelor of Arts in theatre requires taking 49 credit hours in the theatre department. In addition to several practicum hours in theatre production, all majors take these core courses:
- Intro to technical production (113)
- Introduction to design (210)
- A performance course
- Theatre History I and II (350 and 351)
- Stage management I (378)
- Beginning directing (415)
Other courses in theatre are selected by students, with the help of academic advisers, to correspond with their interests and career goals. A Track may be chosen in General, Performance or Design/Technology theatre studies.
There are also two courses outside the department required of all theatre majors: one in art and one in music.
To receive an e-mail with a complete listing of requirements, e-mail stofielc@umkc.edu
Other Programs Available
Faculty
- UMKC Theatre faculty are nationally recognized specialists in acting, directing, stage management, design and technology (costuming, sets, lighting and sound), history of theatre and playwriting.
- Faculty regularly present their research and creative work through publications, guest residencies and performances or productions locally, nationally and internationally.
- Several faculty members also have extensive Broadway, television and film credits
Department of Theatre
816-235-6683
Contact us
UMKC Office of Admissions
120 Administrative Center
University of Missouri-Kansas City
5100 Rockhill Road
Kansas City, MO 64110-2499
(816) 235-1111
www.umkc.edu
Individuals with speech or hearing impairments may
call Relay Missouri at:
1-800-735-2966 (TT)
1-800-735-2466 (voice)
Visit us
Contact the UMKC Welcome Center at 816-235-UMKC (8652), or toll-free at 1-800-775-UMKC (8652), and we'll arrange a guided campus tour and a meeting with faculty and staff.
