WHAT IS THE THEATRE ADMINISTRATION (B.S.)?
A one-of-a-kind program combining classroom learning and real-life, hands-on application that creates future performing arts leaders from day one. Students apply what they learn in the classroom to real-life scenarios in their theatre laboratory at Dillingham Center. Students will transact approximately 10,000 tickets per season using the Tessitura CRM platform, serve as marketing managers promoting Center for Theatre and Dance productions, and learn to provide a holistic customer experience for all patrons. Through a required Business minor, Theatre Administration students have flexibility to develop related skills in areas such as marketing, management, and entrepreneurship. Through a seamless application process and one extra year of study, Theatre Administration students can earn a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) in Entertainment and Media Management at the Ithaca College School of Business.
WHO IS IT FOR?
Ideal candidates are strategic and forward-thinkers looking to bridge the gap between business and the arts. Many Theatre Administration majors come from an extensive background in one or more artforms, including instrumental and vocal music performance, fine and visual arts, acting and dance performance, and technical theatre.
WHAT WILL YOUR FOUR YEARS LOOK LIKE?
YEAR ONE – FRONT OF HOUSE PROFICIENCY
Your coursework begins with a strong foundation of theatre management principles and concepts.
Objective: Attain competency in venue and event management by selling tickets to the Ithaca College and local communities, developing excellent customer service skills, and learning practices for food and beverage service.
Skills Earned:
• Navigate and successfully sell tickets in Tessitura, the preferred ticketing platform in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia.
• Patron interaction and management.
• Management of a staff of up to ten ushers and three box office personnel for a 50-seat studio theatre, 280-seat flexible theatre, and 500-seat proscenium theatre.
• Assist in opening night receptions and retail concessions at performances.
Areas for Summer Internships and Job Opportunities: Box Office, Front of House, Patron Services, General assisting in various areas of theatre administration.
YEAR TWO – MARKETING GURU
Your coursework trains you to become a strategic and analytical decision maker using Tessitura Analytics to effectively promote six to eight productions per season.
Objective: Develop an understanding of theatrical promotion and publicizing through the use of marketing tools.
Skills Earned:
• Collaborate with classmates as a member of our student-led marketing team.
• Communicate with our Ithaca and regional Finger Lakes community through a variety of marketing communication tools like social media and print advertising.
• Develop succinct written communication skills.
• Enhance community relations through local outreach for productions.
Areas for Summer Internships and Job Opportunities: House Management, Marketing, Social Media, Publicity and Promotions, Audition Development, Education and Outreach.
YEAR THREE – LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Your coursework becomes business-focused with your choice of minor in the School of Business. Students have flexibility to pursue coursework in marketing, management, and entrepreneurship, among options for a second minor social sciences, modern languages, or live events management.
Third year students also have the opportunity, and are highly encouraged, to study abroad at the Ithaca College London Center, where they will immerse themselves in experiential coursework that features work placement opportunities, lectures, discussions, weekly theatrical walks through London, and play-going.
Objective: Hone leadership potential through a variety of theatre administration position on or off campus.
Skills Earned:
• Staff management and delegation with small and large teams.
• Active participation in the world community through various experiences.
Areas for Summer Internships and Job Opportunities: General Management, Company Management, Advertising and Public Relations.
YEAR FOUR – LAUNCH YOUR CAREER
Your coursework culminates in a capstone experience related to all areas in theatre administration.
Additionally, the entire fourth year class in the Center for Theatre and Dance attends Field Studies in New York City: a networking week of panels, workshops, and seminars with CTD alumni who are working in all aspects of the industry. You will hear stories of career triumphs and learn insightful lessons to help you jumpstart your career.
Objective: Catapult your skills and experience into the career market.
Skills Earned:
• Career-ready resume and cover letter to accurately portray skills and experiences.
• Reflect on the journey thus far and narrow down what the next chapter might look like.
Areas for Summer Internships and Job Opportunities: Limitless!