Bentley University

Though Bentley University does not offer a formal Theatre Arts degree, it boasts a lively performing arts culture anchored by the Arts & Performance Organization (APO)—a longstanding student-led theatre troupe founded in 1976. APO produces a fall musical and a spring play each academic year, allowing students from any major to participate in creative roles onstage and behind the scenes. These productions serve as dynamic showcases open to the campus and wider community.

Performances take place in Koumantzelis Auditorium, a 100–250 seat traditional theatre space in Lindsay Hall. The venue offers modern sound and lighting systems and provides students with a professional setting for acting, stage managing, technical work, design, and production coordination. These seasons are supported by faculty advisers and sometimes guest directors, fostering a classroom–production synergy.

Bentley’s broader academic framework supports arts engagement through the Valente Center for Arts & Sciences, which collaborates on student-led seminars and creative initiatives. The center encourages interdisciplinary arts projects and supports drama-related programming—even among students studying business, media, and other fields.

In addition, Bentley offers a standout course called “Leadership in the Arts” (MG 299), which equips students with business and strategic skills relevant to theatre administration, nonprofit arts leadership, marketing and production planning. This unique offering reflects Bentley’s integrated creative+business model. The learning experience is rich with guest speakers, team debates, case study work, and creative entrepreneurship lessons tied directly to theatre production dynamics.

Graduates who participate in APO and related arts activities leave Bentley with real-world theatre production experience—from casting and rehearsal to box office, marketing, design, and stage operations. Many go on to careers or graduate opportunities in arts entrepreneurship, theatre administration, creative leadership, or roles with arts organizations. Bentley’s business-centric perspective helps liaison creativity with strategic execution in the performing arts.