Performing Arts Programs in Salt Lake City, Utah

Getting a Performing Arts Degree in Salt Lake City, Utah

A Performing Arts degree offers diverse educational paths in theater, dance, music, and acting. Programs typically include Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) options, as well as minors in Theatre Arts and Musical Theatre. These degrees emphasize core courses such as acting, stagecraft, dance, dramatic theory, and production participation. BFA specializations may require an audition or interview after initial enrollment, while BA programs generally do not.

About Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City, the capital of Utah and center of Salt Lake County, is a dynamic locale for arts and education. The city features a rich collection of theaters, museums, and galleries, particularly in neighborhoods like Downtown and Sugar House. For more official information about the city, please visit the Salt Lake City official website. The local environment offers numerous cultural landmarks that elevate its performing arts scene.

Performing Arts Degree Programs in Salt Lake City, Utah

Local institutions provide comprehensive Performing Arts programs along with related courses. Below are three notable schools:

  1. Westminster University Theatre Program

    • Address: 300 W North Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84103 (Downtown)
    • Programs Offered: BA and BFA in Theatre, with a Minor in Musical Theatre
    • Program Details: Emphasizing mandatory production participation, the curriculum covers acting, stagecraft, dance, dramatic theory, and technical elements of production. Scholarships such as the Westminster awards may require an audition or portfolio submission.
    • Website: Westminster University Theatre Program

  2. Salt Lake School for the Performing Arts (SPA)

    • Address: 317 W 300 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84101 (Downtown)
    • Programs Offered: Tuition-free public charter school programs in music, dance, theater, and media arts for high school students
    • Program Details: SPA provides structured arts training from beginner to advanced levels. While placement auditions may be part of the process, a formal admission audition is not required.
    • Website: Salt Lake School for the Performing Arts

  3. University of Utah Theatre & Dance Program

    • Address: 600 Glen Silver Rd, Salt Lake City, UT 84112 (University District)
    • Programs Offered: A comprehensive curriculum in theatre and dance prepares students for a range of roles in the performing arts.
    • Program Details: While detailed program specifics are best reviewed on the official site, the program focuses on technical theatre, acting, and production, complementing academic studies with performance opportunities.
    • Website: University of Utah Theatre & Dance Program (Please verify program details on the official website)

Performing Arts Opportunities in Salt Lake City

Beyond academic programs, Salt Lake City hosts a vibrant assortment of performance venues and organizations:

  • Pioneer Theatre Company
    Located downtown, this organization produces innovative theatrical productions and offers community outreach initiatives.

  • Salt Lake Acting Company
    Known for its cutting-edge productions, this company regularly holds auditions to discover new talent.

  • Additional Venues and Workshops
    Numerous local music venues, dance companies, and workshops operate in neighborhoods including Sugar House and the University District. These spaces regularly host performances and training opportunities for emerging and established artists.

For further career insights, prospective actors can view the BLS Actors Job Outlook.

Prerequisites for Performing Arts Programs

Each institution sets specific prerequisites for program entry:

  • Educational Requirements: A high school diploma or its equivalent is standard.
  • Minimum Age: Age requirements vary by program and institution.
  • Audition/Interview:
    • BA in Theatre typically does not mandate an audition.
    • BFA in Theatre requires an audition/interview following initial enrollment.
    • Salt Lake School for the Performing Arts may require placement auditions for class levels without a formal admission audition.
  • Portfolio Submissions and Entrance Exams: Some scholarships or specialized programs, such as Westminster awards, may require additional assessments.

Career Opportunities with a Performing Arts Degree

Graduates can pursue a range of rewarding careers in the performing arts:

  • Performance: Opportunities as actors, dancers, musicians, and technical theatre specialists.
  • Production: Roles in stage management, lighting, costuming, and creative design.
  • Education: Teaching positions in arts education and technical workshop leadership.
  • Industry Employment: Local employers include the Pioneer Theatre Company, Salt Lake Acting Company, and even national organizations like Disney. Additional opportunities exist in film, television, and digital media.
    Professional development may also include joining unions or professional organizations associated with the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST) and similar bodies.

Get Started Today

Aspiring performing artists are encouraged to explore these degree programs and take advantage of the many local performance opportunities. With a spectrum of options from high school training at SPA to undergraduate programs at Westminster University and the University of Utah, the path to a successful career in the performing arts is wide open. Contact your chosen school through their official inquiry forms and begin your journey in Salt Lake City’s thriving arts community.