Student Success

“Being involved in the Theatre program was the best part of my time at UMass Lowell. The interdisciplinary nature of the program teaches students to see through the eyes of every type of theater artist: actor, stage manager, designer, director—just to name a few.”
— Jill Zuber

“This program not only exposed me to a wide spectrum of the performing arts but also gave me the starting point for a career in theater post-graduation. The lessons and people I worked with were truly life-changing.”
— Robert McKenzie

“Through UMass Lowell’s theater program, I made connections with real working professionals that subsequently led to an amazing career in the film industry. I wake up every day grateful I studied there.”
— Michael Cazzi

Why Choose Theatre Studies at UMass Lowell?

Students performing in As You Like it in 2012.

Built on a liberal arts foundation, the Theatre Studies program offers comprehensive training that develops creative, analytical and critical thinking skills essential to today’s global economy. 

You'll learn with outstanding faculty of theater artists and scholars offering coursework in acting, directing, design, technical theater, playwriting, dramatic literature and theater history.

Theatre Courses

Explore the history of theatre and its various arts, including acting, directing, design, playwriting and theatre production.

Sample courses include: 

  • Play Production
  • Stagecraft
  • Theatrical Design
  • Comedy
  • Play Analysis
  • Acting
  • Voice and Movement
  • Directing Workshop

Internships

Work alongside professional theater artists through a partnership with the acclaimed Merrimack Repertory Theatre in Lowell. 

Internships are also available both on campus and at professional theaters in the area. 

Students performing on stage during a UMass Lowell Theatre Arts production.

Campus Productions

The Theatre Studies program stages full-scale productions each year, giving you the hands-on experience to build your resumes and grow as artists, along with dramatic readings and other performances in the Comley-Lane Theatre on South Campus. 

Work behind the scenes in theatre production and management, including theatrical design, stage management and technical production.

Career Options

Work closely with professional directors and designers from the Boston-area theatre community. 

Career Areas

  • Acting
  • Theater education
  • Advertising
  • Theatrical production on Broadway and for television
  • Playwriting
  • Film work
  • Theatrical design
  • Graduate study
  • Stage management 

Career-ready Skills

  • Creative problem-solving 
  • Effective public speaking
  • Communication skills
  • Self-confidence
  • Empathy
  • Collaboration and teamwork
  • Management
  • Artistic expression
  • Marketing