Best Theatre Programs in Tempe

Best Theatre Programs in Tempe: Top Degrees, Training, and Performance Opportunities

Tempe, Arizona is one of the Southwest’s most dynamic arts hubs, anchored by Arizona State University and a thriving professional theatre scene. Whether you are a student pursuing a theatre degree or a parent researching programs, choosing the right training ground matters. This guide delivers a clear, data-informed comparison of the best theatre programs in Tempe, separating academic degrees from performance venues and highlighting admissions, costs, and career outcomes.

Key Takeaways

• Arizona State University (ASU) offers the most comprehensive and nationally recognized theatre programs in Tempe.
• ASU School of Music, Dance and Theatre provides BA, BFA, MFA, and PhD pathways with strong production volume and industry-connected faculty.
• Professional venues like ASU Gammage and Tempe Center for the Arts enhance student access to Broadway tours and regional productions.
• Prospective students should compare audition requirements, performance opportunities, faculty experience, and tuition costs before applying.
• Tempe combines academic rigor with real-world stage access across the Phoenix metro area.

How We Evaluate the Best Theatre Programs in Tempe

To identify the top options, we evaluated programs using the following criteria:

• Reputation and Accreditation
• Faculty Industry Experience
• Number of Annual Productions
• Alumni Success and Career Placement
• Facilities and Performance Venues
• Affordability and Scholarship Opportunities

This approach ensures clarity for students seeking conservatory-level training, liberal arts flexibility, or professional stage exposure.

Top University-Level Theatre Programs in Tempe

1. Arizona State University — School of Music, Dance and Theatre

Location: Tempe Campus
Degrees Offered: BA in Theatre, BFA in Acting, BFA in Musical Theatre, MFA in Theatre, PhD in Theatre for Youth
National Recognition: Frequently ranked among top public university theatre programs in the West.

ASU is the cornerstone of theatre education in Tempe. The School of Music, Dance and Theatre integrates performance, theory, dramaturgy, design, and directing into a comprehensive curriculum.

Why ASU Stands Out

• Produces 20+ performances annually across multiple stages
• Access to professional Broadway tours at ASU Gammage
• Faculty with national touring, regional theatre, and film credits
• Strong ties to Phoenix-area arts institutions

Program Breakdown

BFA in Acting: Focused conservatory-style training with audition entry. Emphasis on voice, movement, and classical and contemporary performance.

BFA in Musical Theatre: Highly competitive. Combines acting, dance, and vocal performance with professional audition preparation.

BA in Theatre: Flexible liberal arts degree, ideal for double majors or students pursuing directing, playwriting, or theatre studies.

MFA Programs: Designed for advanced practitioners. ASU’s MFA in Theatre for Youth is nationally respected.

Admissions and Tuition

• Auditions required for BFA tracks.
• In-state tuition averages significantly lower than private conservatories.
• Merit-based and arts-specific scholarships available.

Best For: Students seeking rigorous training paired with university resources and professional exposure.

Professional Theatre Venues Supporting Student Growth

While degree programs form the educational core, Tempe’s professional theatre venues elevate student experience. Many offer internships, backstage jobs, and exposure to touring professionals.

ASU Gammage

Type: Broadway touring venue
Architecture: Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright

ASU Gammage is one of the largest university-based presenters of Broadway in the country. Students frequently secure front-of-house roles, internships, and networking access with touring cast members.

Value to Students:

• Exposure to national productions
• Industry networking
• Real-world theatre operations experience

Tempe Center for the Arts

This modern lakeside facility hosts community theatre, professional companies, youth programs, and touring artists.

Students benefit from:

• Community production partnerships
• Workshops and seasonal festivals
• Technical theatre experience

Comparison of Top Theatre Options in Tempe

Program/VenueTypeDegree OfferedAnnual ProductionsBest ForASU School of Music, Dance and TheatreUniversity ProgramBA, BFA, MFA, PhD20+Professional acting and academic studyASU GammageBroadway VenueNoTouring SeasonsIndustry exposure and internshipsTempe Center for the ArtsPerformance VenueNoVariesCommunity and regional productions

What Makes a Theatre Program Truly Excellent?

When comparing theatre programs in Tempe, consider these deeper factors often overlooked:

1. Performance Volume

Students grow through stage time. Programs producing multiple shows per semester provide more casting opportunities.

2. Alumni Network

ASU alumni work in regional theatres, national tours, film, and arts education. A strong alumni base improves audition access.

3. Technical Resources

Lighting labs, costume shops, rehearsal studios, and black box theatres directly impact quality of training.

4. Career Preparation

Look for audition technique courses, senior showcases, and agent networking events.

Affordability and Scholarships

Cost is a deciding factor for many families.

• Public University Advantage: In-state tuition at ASU provides substantial savings over private arts schools.
• Talent Scholarships: Competitive awards based on audition strength.
• Federal Financial Aid: Available for degree-seeking students.
• Work-Study in Theatres: Students often work in production departments for supplemental income.

Before committing, calculate total cost including housing, materials, and performance fees.

How to Apply to Theatre Programs in Tempe

Step 1: Choose the Degree Path

Decide between a conservatory-style BFA or flexible BA.

Step 2: Prepare Audition Materials

• Two contrasting monologues
• 16 to 32 bars of musical theatre selection if applying for BFA Musical Theatre
• Headshot and resume

Step 3: Schedule Campus Visit

Attend a live production to evaluate student performance level.

Step 4: Submit FAFSA and Scholarship Applications Early

Is Tempe a Good City for Theatre Students?

Yes. Tempe benefits from its proximity to Phoenix’s broader arts ecosystem. Within 20 minutes, students can access:

• Herberger Theater Center
• Arizona Broadway Theatre
• Multiple regional and community theatre companies

This metropolitan access expands audition options and professional connections beyond campus.

Who Should Choose a Theatre Program in Tempe?

• Students seeking affordable public university theatre degrees
• Aspiring actors who want both academic study and Broadway exposure
• Graduate researchers focused on theatre education and youth theatre
• Performers who thrive in a growing Southwest arts market

Tempe uniquely blends structured academic rigor with a vibrant professional theatre network. The result is a training environment that equips students not only to perform, but to sustain long-term creative careers.

Frequently Asked Questions about Theatre Programs in Tempe

What theatre degrees can you earn at Arizona State University in Tempe?

At ASU’s School of Music, Dance and Theatre in Tempe, you can earn a BA in Theatre, BFA in Acting, BFA in Musical Theatre, MFA in Theatre, and a PhD in Theatre for Youth. These cover performance, production, and theatre studies paths.

Do you need an audition to get into ASU’s theatre programs?

Yes, you must audition for the BFA in Acting and BFA in Musical Theatre. The BA in Theatre usually does not require an audition, but you should check the latest ASU guidelines before you apply.

How much performance experience can you expect in Tempe theatre programs?

ASU produces more than 20 shows each year across several stages. You can also gain experience at venues like ASU Gammage and Tempe Center for the Arts through internships, crew work, and community productions.

Is studying theatre in Tempe affordable compared to private conservatories?

For Arizona residents, in-state tuition at ASU is often lower than many private arts schools. You can also apply for talent-based theatre scholarships, federal financial aid, and campus jobs in production areas to help manage costs.

What makes Tempe a good location for theatre students?

Tempe gives you a strong university program plus access to the Phoenix metro theatre scene. You are within a short drive of venues like Herberger Theater Center and Arizona Broadway Theatre, which can expand your audition and networking options.