You’ll work with Syracuse Stage, where you will gain firsthand knowledge of a professional theater company’s operations. You’ll be prepared for careers in producing, marketing and public relations, casting, development, and general management.
About VPA
Home to the visual and performing arts at Syracuse, VPA supports the creative process and professional development. The College is divided into seven areas: the School of Art; the Department of Communication and Rhetorical Studies; the School of Design; the Department of Drama; the Rose, Jules R. and Stanford S. Setnor School of Music; the Department of Film and Media Arts; and the Department of Creative Arts Therapy.
Courses
Sample courses for drama majors include:
- Introduction to Stage Management
- Fundamentals of Theater Design
- Development of Theater and Drama
- Theater Management I
- Theater Lab
Practical Experience
Broaden your drama experience with classes in design, stage lighting, costume history, dramatic literature, and state management. You can also work behind the scenes as part of a running crew or assistant stage manager.
Community engagement is an important part of being in the drama department at Syracuse. Work with young adults with special needs through the All Star C.A.S.T. (Community Actors and Students’ Theatre), designing the program for that term, guiding exercises, producing, and acting in a play with community participants. This allows you to explore careers in drama therapy and educational theater.
You’ll find a supportive network of VPA alumni who are always willing to help you achieve success, both at Syracuse and after you graduate. Notable alumni include screenwriter Aaron Sorkin ’83, actor Frank Langella ’59, actor Taye Diggs ’93, and actress/singer Vanessa Williams ’86.
Study Abroad
Syracuse Abroad also offers more than 100 programs in 60 countries.
Drama majors most often go abroad to Syracuse University centers in Florence and London, and Madrid, and to our World Partner program at the University of Graz (Austria). Summer programs of interest may include Inside the London Theater (London Summer Session).
Life After Syracuse University
As a graduate of the College of Visual and Performing Arts with a major in theater management, you can explore such careers as:
- Producer
- Casting director
- Development professional
- General manager
- Marketing and public relations professional
- Stage manager