Performing Arts Programs in Arlington, Texas

Getting a Performing Arts Degree in Arlington, Texas

A Performing Arts Degree offers comprehensive training in Theater, Dance, Music, and Acting. This guide explains the various education paths available—from Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Fine Arts to Associate Degrees—and outlines course work, specializations, and production-based learning opportunities. Prospective students will gain insights into local degree programs, admission requirements, and the broader regulatory environment that supports arts and education.

About Arlington, Texas

Arlington, Texas, located in Tarrant County, is a dynamic city with a strong cultural and educational presence. Known for its active performing arts scene and large public venues, Arlington offers a unique blend of metropolitan conveniences and community-driven artistic initiatives. For further details about the city, visit the official Arlington website.

Performing Arts Degree Programs in Arlington, Texas

Local and nearby institutions provide a range of Performing Arts programs:

  1. University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) – Theatre Arts Program

    • Address: 701 S Nedderman Dr, Arlington, TX 76019 (Located in the central college district)
    • Degrees Offered: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Theatre Arts and Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Theatre Arts with concentrations in Design and Technology, Musical Theatre, and Acting
    • Program Highlights: Production-based learning, opportunities in new play development, and rigorous performance training
    • More Information: UTA Theatre Arts Program

  2. Tarrant County College (TCC) – Drama Program

    • Address: 400 E Ferguson St, Arlington, TX 76010 (Situated in a neighborhood committed to community education)
    • Degrees Offered: Associate-level courses designed for transfer, enabling students to build a core curriculum in drama and theatre
    • Program Highlights: Small class sizes, focus on foundational performance techniques, and accessible course offerings
    • More Information: TCC Drama Program

  3. UT Dallas – Visual and Performing Arts with Theatre Concentration

    • Address: 800 W Campbell Rd, Richardson, TX 75080 (Approximately 20 miles north of Arlington)
    • Degree Offered: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Visual and Performing Arts with a Theatre Concentration
    • Program Highlights: An interdisciplinary approach that includes acting, stage management, directing, and playwriting, with a capstone project requirement
    • More Information: UT Dallas Visual and Performing Arts – Theatre Concentration

Performing Arts Opportunities in Arlington, Texas

Arlington’s bustling arts scene provides numerous performance opportunities and engagement platforms:

  • UTA Mainstage Theatre
    Based in the heart of the University of Texas at Arlington, this venue offers students and professionals alike a stage for theatrical productions and auditions. For details on performance opportunities, refer to the UTA Theatre Arts Program.

  • Arlington Music Hall
    Located in one of Arlington’s prominent neighborhoods, Arlington Music Hall serves as a key venue for concerts, musical performances, and community events. Explore upcoming performances at the Arlington Music Hall.

  • Arlington Community Theater
    As a local hub for regional theatre productions and community-driven performances, Arlington Community Theater provides audition opportunities and performance experiences for emerging talent. Visit their official website at Arlington Community Theater.

Prerequisites for Performing Arts Programs

Prospective students should expect standard admission requirements across programs:

  • A high school diploma or GED is required.
  • Many programs request participation in auditions or a portfolio submission showcasing acting, dance, or musical skills.
  • Some schools may require an entrance exam or completion of core curriculum courses in theatre studies.
  • Minimum GPA requirements apply; for example, UTA mandates a minimum 2.0 GPA for both admission and retention.

Career Opportunities with a Performing Arts Degree

Graduates with a Performing Arts Degree may pursue varied career paths:

  • Performance Roles: Actor, Dancer, Musician, Stage Manager, Technical Director, and Playwright.
  • Production and Technical Careers: Costume Designer, Production Technician, and Lighting or Sound Designer.
  • Educational and Administrative Positions: Theatre Educator, Arts Administrator, and roles within professional unions or associations.
  • Further Engagement: For detailed job outlook statistics on actors, refer to the Bureau of Labor Statistics actor job outlook page.

Additionally, graduates may consider joining professional organizations such as the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST), which accredits theatre programs and helps set education standards.

Regulatory and Oversight Bodies for Arts and Education

Arlington and Tarrant County are supported by various regulatory agencies:

  • City-Level: While the Arlington Arts Commission (information available through Arlington City Hall) typically oversees arts initiatives and education, an active URL was not found.

  • County-Level: The Tarrant County Arts Council supports arts education and workforce development in Tarrant County. Direct online access was not available; contact Tarrant County Government for details.

  • State-Level:

    • Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA): Oversees state-wide arts funding, grants, and education programs. Visit Texas Commission on the Arts for more details.
    • Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB): Regulates degree programs and accreditation standards. Their website is available at THECB.

  • Federal-Level:

    • National Endowment for the Arts (NEA): Provides grants and supports national arts initiatives. Recent information is available at NEA.
    • U.S. Department of Education: Oversees federal education policies and financial aid. Details can be found at U.S. Department of Education.

State-Specific Degree Information

Students in Arlington can explore a range of degree options:

  • Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Theatre Arts and Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Theatre Arts are available at UTA with specializations in Acting, Musical Theatre, and Design and Technology.
  • Associate Degrees are available at TCC, which offer transferable drama courses.
  • Bachelor of Arts in Visual and Performing Arts with Theatre Concentration is offered at UT Dallas, an interdisciplinary program integrating acting, directing, stage management, and playwriting.

Admission requirements include a minimum GPA (2.0 for UTA programs), auditions for performance-based programs, and, in some cases, completion of core curriculum courses such as THEA 1310 Understanding Theatre and THEA 2371 Technical Theatre 1. Accreditation is overseen by bodies like the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST), so verify current status via official institution websites.

Get Started Today

The journey to a career in the performing arts is both challenging and rewarding. With diverse degree programs, extensive performance opportunities, and comprehensive regulatory support from city to federal levels, aspiring artists in Arlington have numerous avenues to launch successful careers. Prospective students are encouraged to reach out to these institutions and take the first step by contacting the schools directly using the forms provided on their websites.