Performing Arts Programs in Tacoma, Washington

Getting a Performing Arts Degree in Tacoma, Washington

Pursuing a Performing Arts Degree in Tacoma, Washington offers a wide range of education paths—from theatre and acting to dance and music. A Performing Arts Degree encompasses both creative performance training and academic study in areas such as theatre production, technical design, movement, and music. Whether you are looking to enter undergraduate programs with concentrations in performance and production or advance your career with a Master of Arts in Theatre Production, Tacoma and the surrounding region provide diverse training options.

About Tacoma

Tacoma, located in Pierce County, Washington, is known for its rich cultural scene and deep commitment to arts and education. The downtown area and neighborhoods such as the Stadium District host a dynamic blend of performance venues and art centers. One key local institution is the Tacoma School of the Arts (SOTA), which provides pre-professional training in performing arts with an emphasis on balancing theory and practice. For more details on SOTA’s offerings, visit the Tacoma School of the Arts website.

Performing Arts Degree Programs in Tacoma, Washington

While Tacoma itself offers several valuable programs in the performing arts, prospective students can also consider nearby institutions to find the best fit. Below are three institutions offering Performing Arts programs or related courses:

  1. University of Puget Sound – Theatre Program

    • Location: 1110 E 4th Ave, Tacoma, WA 98402 (Downtown Tacoma)
    • Program Overview: The University of Puget Sound provides a comprehensive theatre program with a focus on acting, stage production, and performance studies. This program integrates performance training with academic coursework, preparing students for professional roles in theatre and other creative industries.
    • More Information: Visit the University of Puget Sound Theatre Program page.

  2. Tacoma School of the Arts (SOTA)

    • Location: Situated in central Tacoma (exact address available on request from Tacoma Public Schools)
    • Program Overview: SOTA offers an intensive, pre-professional training program for high school students interested in the performing arts. The curriculum is designed to balance live performance opportunities with theoretical coursework, supporting both majors and non-majors in gaining real-world experience.
    • More Information: Learn more on the SOTA Performing Arts page.

  3. Western Washington University – Theatre Concentrations

    • Location: 516 22nd Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225 (Fairhaven; approximately 95 miles north of Tacoma)
    • Program Overview: Western Washington University offers undergraduate concentrations in performance, production, education, design, and technology. Emphasizing collaborative productions and student-led projects, its program prepares students for various roles within the performing arts.
    • More Information: Visit the WWU Theatre Program page.

Performing Arts Opportunities in Tacoma

Tacoma boasts a number of local venues and organizations that enrich the performing arts community, offering auditions, live performances, and community engagement opportunities:

  • Tacoma Little Theatre

    • Overview: A longstanding community theatre located in the Stadium District, Tacoma Little Theatre brings classic and contemporary productions to life. It offers performance and audition opportunities for local talent.
    • More Information: Visit the Tacoma Little Theatre official website.

  • Broadway Center for the Performing Arts

    • Overview: Located in downtown Tacoma, the Broadway Center provides a professional setting for theatrical performances, live music, and dance productions. It regularly hosts auditions and performance events that showcase local and touring talent.
    • More Information: Check out the Broadway Center for the Performing Arts website.

  • Tacoma Ballet

    • Overview: As one of the city’s key dance organizations, Tacoma Ballet offers both classical and contemporary dance performances along with training programs for emerging dancers. Based in downtown Tacoma, it plays an integral role in nurturing the local dance scene.
    • More Information: For details, visit the Tacoma Ballet official website.

Prerequisites for Performing Arts Programs

Admissions into Performing Arts programs typically require a combination of formal education credentials, auditions, and sometimes portfolio submissions. Undergraduate programs may require high school diplomas along with an audition or a review of past performance experience. For graduate programs such as the MA in Theatre Production offered by Central Washington University, no GRE is required and candidates must complete introductory online courses prior to summer sessions, with application deadlines typically falling on February 16. Additional prerequisites include age requirements and occasionally entrance exams, depending on the school.

Career Opportunities with a Performing Arts Degree

Graduates with a Performing Arts Degree can pursue careers in theatre, dance, music, film, television, and various multimedia industries. Career roles include acting, directing, stage management, choreography, production design, and technical theatre. Many alumni find opportunities in community theatres, major production companies, and digital media. For aspiring actors, the job outlook for opportunities in the performing arts can be reviewed on the Bureau of Labor Statistics actor job outlook page. Additionally, joining professional organizations and unions in Washington can provide networking and career advancement opportunities.

Get Started Today

Commitment to a career in the performing arts begins with solid training and education. Whether you are drawn to theatre production, acting, or dance, Tacoma and its neighboring institutions offer diverse programs to suit your ambitions. With a wealth of performance venues and a strong educational framework, now is the perfect time to take the next step. Contact a school today through the available inquiry forms and start your journey in the dynamic world of performing arts.