Sam Houston State University

Sam Houston State University (SHSU) offers a robust and nationally accredited theatre program through its Department of Theatre and Musical Theatre, designed to prepare students for professional careers in performance, design, teaching, and the entertainment industry. At the undergraduate level, students can pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Theatre with emphases in Acting & Directing, Design & Technology, Theatre Studies, or Teaching Certification. Additionally, SHSU offers a competitive BFA in Musical Theatre that blends rigorous training in acting, singing, and dance, preparing students for both stage and screen work.

The BFA in Theatre emphasizes hands-on, conservatory-style training paired with academic coursework. Students in the Acting & Directing emphasis focus on acting techniques, voice, movement, directing, audition preparation, and both stage and on-camera performance. The Design & Technology emphasis trains students in scenic, lighting, costume, and sound design, as well as stage management and production technologies. The Theatre Studies track offers a broader academic foundation for students interested in playwriting, dramaturgy, or interdisciplinary theatre. For those interested in teaching, the BFA with Teaching Certification combines theatre coursework with education training to prepare students for certification in K–12 instruction.

The BFA in Musical Theatre is one of SHSU’s most selective programs and includes specialized instruction in voice, music theory, ballet, jazz, tap, acting, and audition techniques. Students participate in numerous musical productions and showcases throughout the year and have the opportunity to present a senior showcase for industry professionals in New York City. Admission to this program is by audition only, and students must maintain a high level of performance and academic achievement throughout their time in the program.

All BFA students are required to audition or submit portfolios as part of their admissions process. Once admitted, they participate in juried evaluations, studio projects, and mainstage productions each semester. SHSU produces eight to ten shows annually, including plays, musicals, student-directed works, and new play festivals. Students are encouraged to engage in all areas of theatre, from performance and direction to design and crew work, gaining a well-rounded and immersive theatre education from their first year.

In addition to its BFA programs, SHSU offers a Minor in Theatre, which provides students majoring in other disciplines the chance to explore acting, design, and theatre history through elective coursework and production involvement. The university’s partnerships with Houston-area theatres provide students with internship and apprenticeship opportunities, and the faculty’s ties to professional companies allow for mentorship and networking with working artists and guest instructors.

Graduates of SHSU’s theatre programs are well-prepared for careers in the performing arts, teaching, technical production, and arts administration. With its strong focus on individualized training, professional readiness, and academic rigor, SHSU provides a comprehensive and supportive environment for students to develop their craft and launch successful careers in theatre and related fields.