Performing Arts Programs in Maine

Getting a Performing Arts Degree in Maine

A Performing Arts Degree opens the door to a career in Theater, Dance, Music, Acting, and more. This guide explains the different education paths available in Maine—from Bachelor’s degrees focusing on performance and production to interdisciplinary programs that combine Theater and Dance. Prospective students can learn about academic prerequisites, hands-on training, and specialized concentrations that ensure a well-rounded education in the arts.

Performing Arts programs in Maine are developed with up-to-date curricula, accredited by reputable organizations, and regulated by federal and state oversight agencies. These programs prepare students for the dynamic and competitive world of performing arts.

Why Pursue a Performing Arts Degree in Maine

Maine offers a rich cultural heritage with high-quality performing arts education and a supportive local arts community. The state’s official website, Maine.gov, provides information about state initiatives that promote arts and cultural engagement. With a thriving arts scene, students benefit from numerous performance opportunities, community workshops, and collaborations with local theaters and dance companies.

According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), actors, directors, and other performance professionals enjoy varied career growth prospects. For example, the job outlook page for Actors details competitive salaries and steady employment growth. Maine’s local arts institutions and diverse production companies frequently collaborate with schools to provide practical training and internships, enriching students’ career prospects.

Prerequisites for Performing Arts Programs

Prospective students must meet several prerequisites before enrollment. Typical requirements include:

  • Academic Credentials: A high school GPA ranging from 2.5 to 3.0, depending on the institution.
  • Standardized Tests: SAT/ACT scores are optional for many programs in 2024 (e.g., at the University of Southern Maine and UMaine).
  • Auditions and Portfolios: Performance-focused programs—such as UMaine’s Acting or Directing minors—require auditions. In contrast, institutions like Bowdoin College emphasize academic preparation without mandatory auditions.
  • Institution-Specific Requirements: Each program may include additional criteria, such as the completion of core curriculum courses or submission of design portfolios in technical areas.

These prerequisites ensure that students are well-prepared to tackle the rigorous coursework and practical training integral to a comprehensive Performing Arts education.

Typical Program Curriculum

Performing Arts curricula in Maine combine theoretical studies with practical training. Students typically engage in courses that cover:

  • Core Performance Workshops: Courses such as THE 140 (Entry Year Workshop) and THE 141/142 at the University of Southern Maine develop fundamental acting and production skills.
  • Technical and Design Courses: Programs often offer specializations in Technical Theatre and Design.
  • Special Editions: Interdisciplinary subjects such as Dramatic Literature, Performance Theory, and collaborative devising are integral components in programs like Bowdoin College’s Theatre and Dance major.
  • Practical Training: University of Maine integrates practicum credits (e.g., 6 credits) and mandates participation in mainstage productions for applied learning experiences.

Most programs span four years for a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree, with opportunities to concentrate in Acting, Dance, Music, Design, or Directing.

Performing Arts Programs in Maine

Several top institutions in Maine offer robust Performing Arts programs:

  • University of Southern Maine (USM)

    • Location: 110 Campus Drive, Gorham, ME 04038
    • Program: B.A. in Theatre (58 credits, excluding Core Curriculum)
    • Specializations: Acting, Design, Directing, Technical Theatre
    • Curriculum Highlights: Includes courses like THE 140 and THE 141/142
    • GPA Requirement: Minimum overall GPA of 2.5, with a grade of C or better in theatre courses
    • Website: USM Theatre Program

  • Bowdoin College

    • Location: Brunswick, ME
    • Program: Major in Theatre and Dance (interdisciplinary)
    • Curriculum Highlights: Includes Design/Stagecraft (1 credit), Dramatic Literature (1 credit), and Performance Theory (1 credit); culminates in a capstone project involving collaborative devising or independent study
    • Admissions: Emphasizes academic preparation without the need for auditions
    • Website: Bowdoin Theatre & Dance Requirements

  • University of Maine (UMaine)

    • Location: Orono, ME
    • Program: B.A. in Theatre with practicum credits (6 credits)
    • Specializations: Options include History/Literature focus or concentrations in Directing, Acting, and Design
    • Performance Requirement: Active participation in mainstage productions and an audition for Theatre minors
    • Website: UMaine Theatre and Dance

These institutions, all accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), offer diverse, high-quality training that meets both academic and artistic standards.

Performing Arts Employment Opportunities in Maine

Maine’s arts scene offers numerous employment opportunities post-graduation. Several well-known institutions include:

  • Portland Stage Company

    • Location: Portland, ME
    • Opportunities: Offers internships and entry-level positions in theater operations and production
    • Website: Portland Stage Company

  • Maine State Theatre

    • Location: Various venues across Maine
    • Opportunities: Engages graduates in mainstream theater productions and technical roles
    • Website: (Check the institution’s official site for employment details)

  • Local Film and Television Productions

    • Examples: MPBN and other local production companies provide roles in film, TV, and live performance environments

These organizations often host job fairs, workshops, and networking events, playing a crucial role in launching and advancing performing arts careers in Maine.

Professional Development and Networking

Professional development is a vital component of a Performing Arts career. In Maine and nationally, several organizations support ongoing learning:

  • Maine Arts Commission

    • Purpose: Promotes arts education and provides professional development opportunities, grants, and networking events
    • Website: Maine Arts Commission

  • National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST)

    • Purpose: Advocates for excellence in theater education through accreditation and support services
    • Website: NAST

Additionally, federal oversight through the U.S. Department of Education and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) ensures compliance and offers supplementary resources for students. Networking events, industry workshops, and conferences are regularly organized both at the state and national levels.

Cost and Financial Aid

Tuition and fees for Performing Arts programs in Maine vary by institution. Prospective students should review the respective school websites for detailed cost breakdowns. Financial aid opportunities include:

  • Maine State Grant: Up to $1,500 annually for in-state students.
  • Maine Arts Commission Scholarships: Award amounts between $1,000 and $2,000 for arts majors.
  • Institutional Scholarships:
    • USM: Offers merit and need-based theatre scholarships.
    • UMaine: Provides SPA scholarships of up to $5,000.
  • Work-Study Opportunities: UMaine integrates work-study through practicum credits (THP 101–105) and Bowdoin collaborates with local theaters, such as the Portland Stage Company, for internship experiences.

For federal financial aid details, consult the Federal Student Aid Handbook and additional state-specific resources.

Career Opportunities

Graduates with a Performing Arts Degree in Maine will find multiple career paths in various sectors:

  • Theater Production: Opportunities at venues like Portland Stage Company and Maine State Theatre.
  • Film, Television, and Music: Roles within local production companies such as MPBN and other media outlets.
  • Education: Positions in arts integration programs at public and private schools.
  • Internship Programs: Programs such as the Maine Arts Commission Internships (with an annual application deadline of March 1) and Bowdoin College internships provide practical experience and industry connections.
  • Apprenticeships and Entry-Level Positions: Many institutions offer entry-level placements designed to transition students from academic training to professional employment.

The BLS job outlook page for Actors is an excellent resource for understanding industry trends and salary projections.

Get Started Today

The performing arts industry in Maine offers a wealth of opportunities for students eager to pursue creative and technical roles within Theater, Dance, Music, and Acting. With high-caliber programs, practical training, and strong connections to established cultural institutions, Maine is an ideal location to launch your career in the arts. Reach out to your preferred school to discover more about program details, financial aid, and admissions requirements. Take the next step toward a rewarding education in the performing arts.