Performing Arts Programs in Dallas, Texas

Getting a Performing Arts Degree in Dallas, Texas

A Performing Arts Degree equips students with advanced skills in theater, dance, music, and acting through rigorous coursework and hands-on training. Degree programs typically offer specialized education paths at the undergraduate and graduate levels, including Bachelor of Arts (BA), Master of Arts (MA), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) options. Students may also pursue certifications in focused areas such as Acting, Musical Theatre, and Technical Theatre.

Drawing on comprehensive research and current program details, this guide explains the process of earning a Performing Arts Degree in Dallas, Texas. It provides insights into available degree programs, practical prerequisites, and career opportunities that students can expect upon graduation.

About Dallas

Dallas is a major cultural hub in Texas with a rich arts and education landscape. The city is home to influential organizations such as the Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs, which promotes arts education, public art initiatives, and cultural programs. In addition, the Dallas County Arts Council supports community arts education and cultural initiatives across Dallas County. These entities work in conjunction with state bodies like the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and the Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA) to create a stimulating environment for aspiring artists. Dallas’s neighborhoods, including the Arts District and downtown areas, offer numerous performance opportunities and a lively creative scene.

Performing Arts Degree Programs in Dallas, Texas

Below are three schools offering Performing Arts programs or closely related courses. If a program is located outside Dallas proper, the distance from the city center is noted.

1. The University of Texas at Dallas Theatre Program

   • Programs Offered: BA, MA, and PhD in Theatre with specializations in Acting, Design & Technology, Stage Management, and Playwriting.
   • Key Details:
     • Undergraduate admission requires an SAT score of 1270 or ACT score of 28 and an audition for performance tracks. Graduate applicants should have a GPA of 3.0 or higher, with a portfolio or audition for specialized programs.
     • Core courses include THEA 1310 (Understanding Theatre) and VPAS 3340 (Writing in the Arts), along with advanced seminars in theatre history, theory, and production for graduate students.
     • Tuition is approximately $42,000 per year for the 2024 academic period.
   • Address & Neighborhood: 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080 (approximately 14 miles north of Dallas, in the Richardson area).
   • Official Program Page: UT Dallas Theatre Program

2. North Texas Performing Arts (NTPA) Academy

   • Programs Offered: Certifications in Acting, Musical Theatre, and Technical Theatre through a performance-based training model.
   • Key Details:
     • Admission is audition-based with no formal GPA requirement, emphasizing practical skills and industry readiness.
     • The curriculum is designed for intensive, hands-on training with strong industry partnerships.
   • Address & Neighborhood: Specific address details are available on the official website; the academy operates within the Dallas metropolitan area, providing access to downtown performance venues.
   • Official Program Page: NTPA Academy

3. University of North Texas (UNT) – College of Music & Theatre

   • Programs Offered: Degree programs in music, theatre, and performing arts with a comprehensive curriculum that includes practical training in both fields.
   • Key Details:
     • UNT is known for integrating performance opportunities with in-depth academic coursework.
     • Although located outside Dallas, it offers a strong performing arts curriculum with graduates succeeding in diverse professional roles.
   • Address & Neighborhood: 1155 Union Circle, Denton, TX 76203 (approximately 40 miles from Dallas, situated in downtown Denton).
   • Official Website: University of North Texas

Performing Arts Opportunities in Dallas

Dallas offers a wealth of extracurricular opportunities that complement academic programs. Engaging with these organizations can enhance practical experience and industry connections:

• Dallas Theater Center

  • This professional theatre company provides internships, workshops, and frequent performance opportunities. It plays a central role in Dallas’s theatrical community and is located in the Arts District.
  • Official Website: Dallas Theater Center

• AT&T Performing Arts Center

  • A premier venue for theater, dance, and music performances, the center hosts events and auditions that attract both local talent and internationally renowned artists. Located in downtown Dallas, it serves as a critical platform for emerging performers.
  • Official Website: AT&T Performing Arts Center

• Additional Opportunities:

  • Local cultural events coordinated by the Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs and support from the Dallas County Arts Council further enrich the city’s performing arts scene, combining educational and practical artistic experiences in various neighborhoods across Dallas.

Prerequisites for Performing Arts Programs

Prospective students should be prepared to meet the following common prerequisites when applying to a Performing Arts program:

• Undergraduate Programs:
  • Minimum SAT score of 1270 or ACT score of 28
  • Required audition for performance tracks
• Graduate Programs:
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0
  • Portfolio submission or audition based on program specialization
• Certification Programs (e.g., NTPA Academy):
  • Admission is primarily audition-based with no strict GPA requirement

These prerequisites ensure that applicants possess a foundational knowledge of performance arts and are ready to engage in specialized training.

Career Opportunities with a Performing Arts Degree

Graduates with a Performing Arts Degree have access to a broad range of career paths in various industries. Typical roles include:

• Actor: Engaging with theater, film, television, and online media. Job outlook for actors indicates a dynamic employment landscape.
• Lighting Designer & Stage Manager: Integral roles within theater productions and live events that require technical expertise and creative insight.
• Arts Administrator: Overseeing arts organizations and cultural institutions to facilitate public programming and educational initiatives.
• Additional Fields: Careers in dance, musical performance, and film production also feature robust opportunities.

Professional organizations, such as the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST), offer accreditation and networking benefits that aid career development. Local employers including the Dallas Theater Center and the AT&T Performing Arts Center contribute significantly to the industry’s support network.

Get Started Today

This comprehensive guide underscores the pathways to earning a Performing Arts Degree in Dallas, Texas, and highlights the numerous educational and professional opportunities available. Prospective students are encouraged to explore these programs further and contact a school directly through their inquiry forms to take the next step in their performing arts education journey.