Performing Arts Programs in St. Louis, Missouri

Getting a Performing Arts Degree in St. Louis, Missouri

A Performing Arts Degree in St. Louis, Missouri, opens doors to extensive training in Theater, Dance, Music, and Acting. This guide explains the various degree programs, including Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and Bachelor of Arts (BA) options. Prospective students will discover diverse educational paths, from performance specializations to technical arts design and production.

St. Louis offers comprehensive degree programs that emphasize core courses, such as acting techniques, design principles, and production management. Many programs also require auditions, interviews, or portfolio submissions, ensuring that applicants are well-prepared for a competitive industry.

About St. Louis

St. Louis is a historically rich city known for its dynamic performing arts scene. Home to renowned landmarks like the Gateway Arch and vibrant neighborhoods such as the Grand Center and Midtown, St. Louis provides an inspiring environment for creative professionals. Although no accessible city or county government resources were identified, local communities continue to drive the city’s arts and education sectors. For more official information about the city, visit the City of St. Louis website (status 200).

Performing Arts Degree Programs in St. Louis, Missouri

Below are three prominent institutions offering Performing Arts degree programs:

1. Webster University

   • Location & Address: Conservatory Building, 121 Limes Plaza, Webster Groves, MO (approximately 8 miles from downtown St. Louis; located in the Webster area)
   • Program Offerings: Offers a BFA in Acting, Musical Theatre, and Design, with a strong focus on professional theatre partnerships and performance opportunities such as the Webster University Senior Showcase.
   • More Information: Visit the Conservatory page (status 200)

2. Lindenwood University

   • Location & Address: 2801 South Lindbergh Blvd, St. Charles, MO (approximately 20 miles from St. Louis; situated in a suburban campus setting)
   • Program Offerings: Provides BA and BFA programs in Theatre and Entertainment Production. The institution is known for its Broadway-style auditorium and has received accolades from prestigious organizations like the Kennedy Center.
   • More Information: Visit the Lindenwood Theatre BA/BFA page (status 200)

3. Saint Louis University (SLU)

   • Location & Address: One University Plaza, St. Louis, MO (located in the Midtown neighborhood)
   • Program Offerings: Offers BA programs in Theatre & Dance, Music, and Studio Art. The curriculum includes opportunities for internships with local arts organizations, fostering hands-on experience within the professional scene.
   • More Information: Visit the SLU Visual and Performing Arts page (status 200)

Performing Arts Opportunities in St. Louis

St. Louis is home to numerous theaters, dance companies, music venues, and other performing arts organizations that enrich the local creative community:

• The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis

  • Location: Located in the Grand Center neighborhood
  • Purpose: Offers professional theatre productions and educational programs.
  • More Information: Visit The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis (status 200)

• Opera Theatre of Saint Louis

  • Location: Situated in the Midtown area
  • Purpose: Provides opera productions and artist training initiatives, serving as a vital resource for aspiring performers.
  • More Information: Visit Opera Theatre of Saint Louis (status 200)

These organizations offer performance and audition opportunities that can complement academic training with real-world experience.

Prerequisites for Performing Arts Programs

Prospective students should be aware of several common prerequisites for enrolling in Performing Arts programs:

• Educational Requirements: A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required.
• Audition/Interview: BFA programs often require a live audition or interview, while BA programs adhere to general university admission criteria.
• Portfolio Submissions: Some programs may demand a portfolio highlighting previous work, especially for design, stage management, or technical direction specializations.
• Entrance Exams: Standardized tests or supplementary assessments may be part of the application process.

Career Opportunities with a Performing Arts Degree

Graduates with a Performing Arts Degree have access to a range of career paths across multiple industries:

• Theater and Film: Roles include Actor/Performer, Stage Manager, and Technical Director.
• Dance and Music: Careers such as Dancer, Choreographer, Lighting/Costume Designer, and Sound Designer.
• Related Fields: Positions in production management and backstage technical support are also common.

Professional organizations and unions in Missouri can offer additional support and networking opportunities. To explore job prospects, graduates may also consider reviewing the job outlook for actors provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics on the BLS Actors Job Outlook page (status 200).

Get Started Today

The path to a successful career in the performing arts begins with choosing the right education. With a variety of degree programs, local performance opportunities, and robust curricular structures, St. Louis is an excellent environment for artistic growth. Prospective students are encouraged to contact schools directly through the submission forms provided on their official websites to start their journey in the performing arts.

Additional Resources and Information

• Federal Oversight Agencies:

  • U.S. Department of Education: https://www.ed.gov/
  • National Endowment for the Arts: https://www.arts.gov/

• State-Specific Degree Information:

  • Degree Types Available:
    • Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA): Specializing in Acting, Musical Theatre, Design (Costume, Lighting, Scene, Sound), Technical Direction, and Stage Management.
    • Bachelor of Arts (BA): Focus in Theatre, Music, Studio Art, and Art History.
  • Specializations:
    • Performance: Acting, Musical Theatre, Dance
    • Technical Arts: Costume Construction, Technical Direction, Sound Design
    • Design/Production: Lighting, Scene, Wig & Makeup, Stage Management

• Admission Requirements:

  • BFA Programs: Require auditions/interviews and supplemental assessments.
  • BA Programs: Follow standard university application procedures.

• Curriculum and Accreditation:

  • Core Courses: Acting techniques, design principles, production management, and theater history.
  • Accrediting Bodies:
    • National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST)
    • Regional Accreditation: Confirm details on program websites or with accrediting bodies.

• City-Specific Arts Organizations:

  • The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis and Opera Theatre of Saint Louis play significant roles in the local arts community.

• Educational Resources:

  • Webster University Senior Showcase: A capstone performance opportunity.
  • SLU Internship Program: Offers credit-bearing internships with local arts organizations.

Top Performing Arts Programs in Missouri

For further compliance and detailed official information, consult Missouri’s Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (https://dese.mo.gov/) and the Missouri Arts Council (https://missouriartscouncil.org/).