Grand Valley State University’s Department of Music, Theatre and Dance (MTD) is in the process of adding a new program for students called “Performance Arts Industry.”

The new program addresses a new area of ​​interest for MTD students. Traditionally, these students earn a degree in performing arts or arts education and learn other professional knowledge and skills. The new degree focuses on the business aspect of performing arts and provides the skills students need before starting a career in the field.

“There are a lot of other careers in the performing arts world that don’t quite fit one of these (existing) degree names,” said Dan Graser, MTD’s assistant department head. “Enough people have become interested in these careers that a true degree is a good idea and provides more specific training for students who may not want to be performers or educators.”

Students in the program would work with the components that make the performing arts possible. Jobs such as arts presenter or exhibition director comprise the positions for which the degree is intended.

Performing arts students must still complete many of the same courses as other students in the MTD department. Prospective students must audition for the program and go through a similar process as other MTD majors, so a background in performing arts is still relevant for graduation.

Graser said students in the past have received a similar education at GVSU by pursuing a double major or minor, particularly by taking courses in GVSU’s School of Community Leadership and Development. Graser said the new program is a way to bridge the path many students had already taken.

Adding a program like the performing arts has been under discussion in the MTD department for nearly a decade. On July 12, the Board of Trustees approved the proposal to add the program at its annual meeting. Although the program passed the curriculum committees, the dean and the chancellor of the university, it is not quite ready to become part of GVSU’s course offerings. officially.

“The degree is not yet recognized by the National Association of Schools of Music,” said MTD Department Head Kevin Tutt.

While the university awaits approval, it will spend time preparing the details and communicating with prospective students about the new course offerings.

“When you wait for an accreditation body to approve a program, you never know the timeline”, said Graser. “We are aiming for autumn 2025 at the earliest.”

By developing the Performing Arts Industry Program, GVSU is adapting to evolving industry trends and creating a more direct path for students interested in the broader world of the performing arts.