Georgia State University

Georgia State University’s School of Film, Media & Theatre (SFM&T) is housed within the renowned College of the Arts and offers distinctive theatre training situated in the heart of Atlanta—America’s third-largest media market. This urban, industry-adjacent environment connects students directly with Atlanta’s booming film, television, and theatre ecosystems. The School emphasizes creative diversity and live performance as a central expression of storytelling across media.

Students can pursue a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (BIS) in Theatre, choosing either an Acting concentration or a Design & Production concentration. The Acting track provides practical training in performance for stage, film, and television—with coursework in audition technique, voice and movement, and on-camera acting—supported by participation in professionally staged productions. The Design track builds technical fluency across scenic, lighting, sound, costuming, and projection design, fostering interdisciplinary skill in visual storytelling.

Performance learning is embedded through the Atlanta City Theatre, the School’s resident producing company. It functions as a professional training ground where students design, act, and manage live theatre, offering experiences reflective of regional theatre standards. The program also presents regular festivals and workshop-style productions, emphasizing new play development and ensemble-based creation.

Facilities at GSU include GSU-owned venues such as the historic Rialto Center for the Arts, an 833-seat downtown house, alongside on-campus studios and performance labs used by SFM&T. These venues anchor the department’s presence in Atlanta’s cultural district and host both academic productions and public-facing arts events.

Students benefit from extensive experiential networks including internships, guest artist workshops, and partnerships with regional theatres in Atlanta. Actor-director dialogue events like Actors Refresh connect students with casting professionals, while the proximity to major media companies supports real-world opportunities in theatre, film, and performance-based media. Graduates leave equipped with applied skills, industry insight, and career-ready versatility.