Performing Arts Programs in Saint Paul, Minnesota

Getting a Performing Arts Degree in Saint Paul, Minnesota

A Performing Arts Degree offers comprehensive training in disciplines such as theater, dance, music, and acting. In Saint Paul, Minnesota, students have multiple educational paths available including a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and an Associate of Fine Arts (AFA) in Music. These degree programs integrate courses in acting, script analysis, stagecraft, theatre history, directing, scenic design, costume design, lighting/sound, and dance, along with practical performance and production experiences. Aspiring artists seeking training in performing arts will find supportive and professionally designed curriculum options throughout the region.

About Saint Paul, Minnesota

Saint Paul, the capital city of Minnesota, is known for its rich cultural heritage and dynamic performing arts scene. Visitors and residents alike can explore numerous cultural landmarks, diverse neighborhoods such as Downtown, Macalester-Groveland, and West Side, and community events that celebrate creativity. For more official information about the city, visit the Saint Paul official website.

Performing Arts Degree Programs in Saint Paul, Minnesota

Saint Paul and its nearby areas offer several reputable institutions for performing arts education. Below is a list of three schools providing specialized programs:

  • Hamline University

    • Degree Program: BA in Performance, Production, and Community
    • Unique Features: Emphasis on community engagement and interdisciplinary collaboration with opportunities to intern at venues like Penumbra Theatre and Children’s Theatre Company.
    • Address & Neighborhood: 3750 Park Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55105 – located in a culturally diverse area near Macalester-Groveland.
    • More Information: Learn more about Hamline’s program

  • Concordia University

    • Degree Program: BA in Theatre (Traditional) with specializations in acting, directing, and design
    • Unique Features: Offers hands-on training in various theatrical disciplines with core courses including Acting I, Script Analysis, Stagecraft, Theatre History, and Directing.
    • Address & Neighborhood: 300 Preus Dr SW, Saint Paul, MN 55102 – situated in the West Side neighborhood.
    • More Information: Discover Concordia’s program

  • Saint Paul College

    • Degree Program: AFA in Music
    • Unique Features: Provides robust musical training with transfer pathways to baccalaureate programs, such as at Southwest Minnesota State University.
    • Address & Neighborhood: 1040 Ramsey St, Saint Paul, MN 55101 – located in a central urban area.
    • More Information: Explore Saint Paul College’s music program

If additional options are needed, nearby programs can be considered. For instance, institutions just a few miles outside Saint Paul also offer similar performing arts degree programs, ensuring that students have access to diverse training opportunities regardless of location.

Performing Arts Opportunities in Saint Paul

Saint Paul boasts a lively performing arts scene with multiple organizations hosting performances, auditions, and community events:

  • Ordway Center for the Performing Arts

    • Description: A premier venue offering a full range of theatrical, musical, and dance performances. It serves as a hub for cultural events in Downtown Saint Paul.
    • Address & Neighborhood: 50 West St. Peter, Saint Paul, MN 55102 – located in the heart of Downtown.
    • Website: Visit Ordway Center

  • Fitzgerald Theater

    • Description: A historic theater known for hosting diverse productions and community events. It is an important cultural venue that contributes to the local arts landscape.
    • Address & Neighborhood: 1426 West 7th Street NE, Saint Paul, MN – situated in a dynamic neighborhood with easy access to public transit.
    • Website: Learn more about Fitzgerald Theater

  • Minnesota Opera

    • Description: An esteemed organization providing professional opera productions and performance opportunities, reflecting the strong musical tradition in the region.
    • Address & Neighborhood: Generally based in Downtown Saint Paul, aligning with the city’s rich arts history.
    • Website: Discover Minnesota Opera

Prerequisites for Performing Arts Programs

Successful candidates for performing arts degree programs in Saint Paul typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. For BA programs in theatre and dance, there is an emphasis on coursework that covers both practical practice and theory, and auditions may be required to assess performance skills. Programs often request a portfolio or evidence of previous training, along with any entrance exams that measure skill level in the relevant discipline. The AFA in Music at Saint Paul College emphasizes transfer readiness for further study and may require additional documentation of musical proficiency.

Career Opportunities with a Performing Arts Degree

Graduates with a Performing Arts Degree in Saint Paul have access to a variety of career paths. Potential roles include scenic designer, performer, educator, stage director, and technical director. Many job opportunities arise in established local entities such as the Ordway Center, Fitzgerald Theater, Minnesota Opera, and even in regional events like the Minnesota Fringe Festival. For more information on job prospects, including detailed employment data for actors, refer to the job outlook page for Actors on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Get Started Today

Prospective students are encouraged to take the next step toward a rewarding career in the performing arts. By exploring the available programs and reaching out to the schools listed above through the forms on their respective pages, you can obtain additional information and begin your journey into the dynamic field of performing arts.