The Department of Music, Theater and Dance (MTD) at Grand Valley State University is in the process of adding a new program for undergraduate students titled “Performance Arts Industry.”

The new program addresses an emerging area of interest for students in MTD. Traditionally, these students earn a degree in either performing arts or education of the arts, and other knowledge and skills are learned on-the-job. The new degree will focus on the business aspect of performing arts and teach the skill set students need before starting a career in the field. 

“There are many other professions within the performing arts world that don’t quite fit either of those (existing) degree names,” said MTD Associate Department Chair Dan Graser. “Enough people have gotten interested in these careers that a genuine degree is a good idea and will provide more specific training for students who may not want to be a performer or educator.” 

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

Performance arts industry students will still be required to go through many of the same courses as other students in the MTD department. Prospective students will have to audition for the program and undergo a similar process as other MTD majors, so a background in performing arts is still relevant to the degree. 

According to Graser, students in the past have achieved a similar education at GVSU by double majoring or pursuing a minor, and specifically  through 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 were already taking.

Adding a program like performance arts industry has circulated the MTD department for nearly a decade. On July 12, the Board of Trustees approved the proposal to add the program at their annual meeting. Though the program passed through curriculum committees, the University’s dean and the provost, it is still not quite ready to be part of GVSU’s course offerings officially.

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

While awaiting approval, the University will spend time preparing the details and communicating with prospective students about the new course offering.

“When you’re waiting on an accrediting body to approve a program, you never know the timeline,” Graser said. “The earliest we would aim for is Fall 2025.”

Through the development of the performance arts industry program, GVSU is adapting to evolving industry trends, and creating a more direct pathway for students interested in the broader world of performing.