Theatre Performance Minor

Professional Actor Training—Without a Degree

Continue your development as a performer, director, or dramaturg—without putting your broader academic or career goals on hold.

With a minor in theatre performance, you'll get a taste of just about everything, including vocal work, multiple performance techniques, dramatic theory and literature, electronic media, and career development.

The theatre performance minor is designed to fit alongside any major, so you can stay on track to graduate while working toward building a parallel career path in acting.

You’ll graduate prepared to pursue theatre at a high level while earning a degree that supports your long-term goals and financial stability. Along the way, you’ll strengthen transferable skills like communication, collaboration, and creative problem-solving—skills valued in any field.

  • Play a principal role as early as your first year on campus, or take on real responsibilities as an assistant director or dramaturg.
  • Customize your minor with elective classes in directing, playing Shakespeare, musical theatre performance, private or group voice lessons, stage makeup, theatre history, and more. 
  • Network with entertainment industry professionals.
  • Join student organizations like The Performance Club.

Visual and Performing Arts Talent Award

For High School Seniors with Exceptional Talents in the Arts

Scholarships are available to incoming first-year students with exceptional talents in the arts, including instrumental or vocal music, visual arts, theatre performance, technical theatre, sound design/audio production, and/or music composition. Students may pursue any major at Michigan Tech and must plan to actively participate in musical ensembles, stage productions, take coursework in visual arts, or work toward a degree, second degree, or minor offered through the Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) Department.

How to Apply

Application Opens

December 1

Deadline to Apply

February 15

Award Notification

Mid-March

Two students who intend to minor in theatre performance will be awarded annual scholarships valued at $3,000 per year. The award is in addition to other financial aid and scholarships awarded by Michigan Tech and is renewable for four years (eight semesters) of study based on active participation in the VPA Department and progress toward the minor in theatre performance.

100%of theatre performance minors are non-arts majors
20+roles available per year
25+years of faculty experience in professional theatre to draw from
95%of seats filled at recent McArdle Theatre productions

Faculty Contact

Nich Radcliffe

  • Assistant Teaching Professor, Visual & Performing Arts
  • Director, Theatre Performance Program

Academic Advisor

Heather Simpson

Heather Simpson

  • Director of Advising and Exploring Majors
  • Exploring Majors/General Sciences and Arts
  • Instructor
  • Visual and Performing Arts Academic Advisor