The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the demand for professionals in the arts will increase by more than 11 percent from 2008 through 2018, but competition will be high for careers in dance, acting and music. A number of colleges in the southern United States offer programs geared toward entry into art-related fields.
University of Alabama
The University of Alabama, a public institution home to more than 27,000 undergraduate and graduate students, is in Tuscaloosa, a suburban community 50 miles from Birmingham. In 2010, "U.S. News and World Report" ranked the school 96th among all universities in the U.S. The college grants baccalaureate and graduate degrees in music, theater and dance. In the School of Music, undergraduates can major in music administration, music education, music therapy, jazz studies, composition and theory or performance in voice or one of 19 different instruments. The bachelor of arts in dance program, featuring an intensive summer program sponsored by the American Ballet Theatre, allows students to concentrate in jazz, modern or ballet. Students in the bachelor of arts in theatre program concentrate in acting, musical theatre, theatre management, scene design and technical production or costume design and technical production. Auditions are mandatory for the music and dance programs; theatre is open to all interested students. Approximately 72 percent of students at the University of Alabama receive financial aid, according to the "2009 Barron's Profiles of American Colleges." Tuition rates are discounted for Alabama residents.
University of Alabama
Box 870100
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487
205-348-5666
ua.edu
College of Charleston
Established in 1770, the College of Charleston is a public institution in Charleston, South Carolina. The college enrolls more than 11,300 students and features undergraduate degrees in music and theatre and a minor in dance. The music program features specializations in music theory and composition, music history and literature and music performance with concentrations in voice, piano, classic guitar, strings, orchestral and jazz. Performance specialists must audition for admission and have the opportunity to participate in a one dozen vocal and instrumental ensemble groups. The college's theater program features specializations in acting and directing, costume design, stage design and children's theater. The dance minor includes study of choreography, ballet, modern and jazz. No auditions are necessary for the theatre or dance programs. Performing arts students at the College of Charleston have the opportunity to participate in study abroad programs or internships. South Carolina residents receive discounted tuition rates and special scholarships are available for performing arts students.
College of Charleston
66 George St.
Charleston, SC 29424
843-953-5670
cofc.edu
Duke University
The United Methodist Church established Duke University in 1838 in Durham, North Carolina. The school received the 10th-place ranking among all universities in the United States from "U.S. News and World Report" in 2010. Admission to Duke is highly competitive; less than 25 percent of those who apply receive an invitation to attend, explains the "2009 Barron's Profiles of American Colleges." Auditions are mandatory for the school's undergraduate and graduate degree programs in dance, music and theater. Dance baccalaureate students can study ballet, modern, jazz, African, swing, tap and kathak and flamenco dancing and have the opportunity to spend a semester studying in New York. The music major for undergraduates allows students to study music history, theory or instrumental or vocal performance. Performance majors must participate in one of the many ensembles sponsored by the university. Theater majors must complete courses in acting, directing and playwriting and can complete a semester studying the art in London, England. Around 45 percent of freshmen and 40 percent of continuing students at Duke receive financial aid, reports the "2009 Barron's Profiles of American Colleges."
Duke University
2138 Campus Drive
Box 90586
Durham, NC 27708
919-684-3214
duke.edu
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