Production Studies in Performing Arts (B.A.)

FAST FACTS ›

  • You’ll have opportunities to study and work alongside visiting performers and professionals from nationally touring productions.
  • Regardless of whether your focus is music, theatre or audio technology, you’ll study and gain experience in all three areas.
  • Clemson’s performing arts faculty are nationally recognized for their work and deeply involved in their professional fields.
  • A degree in production studies in performing arts will prepare you for a career in many aspects of the arts, from behind the scenes to center stage.
ABOUT.

Whether you have recently discovered your talent, your voice, your ear — or whether it’s been your lifelong ambition to be involved with the performing arts — you will find your spot here at Clemson. Your course of study, practice and professional training will offer you the time and opportunity to explore your path, whether it’s on stage, behind the scenes, teaching or administration. As a performing arts major, you’ll receive the expert instruction and training you need to move ahead in your career. And you’ll have ample opportunity to engage directly in your art. Get out of your comfort zone and push your limits as part of Clemson’s tightly knit community of professors, students and professional staff.

CLASSES.

What you'll study:

Whether you aspire to a career in audio, music or theatre, you’ll enroll in a set of core classes that give you the tools to be successful in a wide variety of performing arts professions. Our customized course of study, culture of performance excellence and tradition of small class size combine to make you a vital partner in your education. 

Audio Technology Concentration
Using the Brooks Theatre as your laboratory, you’ll learn about recording techniques, live sound reinforcement and music technology. You’ll gain professional experience as you record concerts and run sound for events and shows. In your senior year, you’ll produce a CD of your own work.

Music Concentration
Tailor your studies to suit your needs and aspirations. Study performance, music theory, music history, music technology and arts administration. Choose from more than 20 performing ensembles to develop your talent and gain experience. Take advantage of private lessons available to every vocal student and instrumentalist.

Theatre Concentration
Our actors design, writers act and directors write. So whether you decide to specialize in writing, design, acting or directing, you'll know and understand all aspects of theatre. You’ll also get to experience a wide range of performances and plays — from classical to contemporary — emphasizing both the production values and thematic/structural diversity of new works.  

Curriculum:

Popular Minors:

  • Writing
  • Film Studies
  • Entrepreneurship

Similar Majors:

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM.

Majoring in performing arts at Clemson makes the stage your classroom. But offstage, Clemson students get numerous opportunities to build sets, participate in internships, join ensembles and expand their range with vocal and acting coaches.

Internships and Research Projects:

ENSEMBLES:
With more than 25 ensembles to choose from, we have a place for you to express your passion for performing. Opportunities include choral ensembles, instrumental music ensembles, the Clemson Players, Tiger Band and the University Dance Company.
INTERN:
The Department of Performing Arts has partnerships with arts organizations that offer internships to performing arts students. These include the Eugene O’Neill Theatre Center, Spoleto Festival USA, Walt Disney Company and Worklight Productions.
LESSONS:
The Department of Performing Arts offers private music lessons to all students attending Clemson. Private instruction is offered in a wide variety of instruments as well as voice.

Connect with Other Students:

CAREERS.

What are students doing at graduation?*

57%

Employed

43%

Grad School

0%

Seeking Employment

0%

Other

Where are students headed at graduation?*

Recent employers and job titles*

  • Technical Theatre Solutions — Associate Project Manager
  • Lee Resources International — Director of Website Development
  • Work Light Productions — Audio Technician

Recent graduate schools and sought degree types*

  • James Madison University — Master’s
  • Columbia University — M.F.A.
  • Florida State University — Ph.D.

Common Career Areas**

  • Theatre
    • Performing
    • Writing/Literary Management
    • Directing
    • Dramaturgy
    • Touring Show Technician
    • Stage Management
    • Talent Agent
    • Design
      • Sets
      • Lighting
      • Costumes
      • Sound
    • Box Office
  • Music
    • Education
    • Performing
    • Conducting
    • Composing/Arranging
    • Music Libraries
    • Broadcasting
    • Administration/Management
    • Sales
  • Audio Technology
    • Analysis
    • Recording Engineer
    • Editing
    • Composing
    • Sound Design
    • Sound Reinforcement
    • Mixing/Production
    • Sound Restoration
    • Management
*Represents only Clemson University graduates who completed Michelin� Career Center surveys from 2009 to 2011.
**Used w/permission from Univ. of Tennessee.
FIND OUT MORE.

Have more questions or want more information? Fill out the form below, which goes directly to the following department contact as well as our admissions office.

Sallie McKenzie, Director of Marketing and Communications
864-656-4428 — sallie@clemson.edu