Live, Breathe and Study Theatre at Detroit Mercy
Go Live! Academic Session
What will I learn from Detroit Mercy's theatre program?
You are on your way to a creative future with University of Detroit Mercy's theatre program. Detroit is a city on a resurgence filled with enthusiasm and diversity. It is also a strong community for culture, arts and theatre. If you are looking to earn a Bachelor of Arts with a major in theatre, Detroit and Detroit Mercy are where you want to come to live, breathe and study theatre. Whether you have glitter in your veins, want to act or direct, or want to learn how to manage a production, our program combines academics and experience with to help shine a spotlight on your career.
What type of financial aid is available?
Be sure to fill out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form to apply for financial aid for college. In addition, you may be eligible for a performing arts academic and talent scholarship for up to 50 percent off tuition.
Where do students perform?

Detroit Mercy uses three spaces on the McNichols Campus and one in downtown Detroit:
Downtown Detroit
- The Marlene Boll Theatre at the Boll Family YMCA
Detroit Mercy McNichols Campus
- Studio 164 in Reno Hall
- Grounds Coffeehaus in the Student Union Building
- Architecture Exhibition Space in the Warren Loranger Architecture Building
Fearless. Smart. Vital.
How does entertainment blend with social justice?
Since 1998, the Performing Arts Department at University of Detroit Mercy has raised more than $200,000 for the homeless and abused, and for community shelters and centers. We believe social justice theatre experiences are integral to training student artists to value equally the development of their aesthetic skills and their social consciousness, combining their passion for making art with their desire to make a positive impact on their communities and the world.
How do I apply and audition?
University of Detroit Mercy has a two part process for this program. First, you need to apply to Detroit Mercy and select theatre as your major. Second, you need to interview and audition, either on campus or online. For more information on the full process, visit our Apply and Audition page.
Where do Detroit Mercy theatre alumni work?
After graduation, our Detroit Mercy theatre majors have made the world their stage. Just a few of the places our alumni have worked or performed at are:
- CBS
- Cherry Lane Theatre
- Detroit Repertory Theatre
- Disney Channel
- Fox
- JET
- Lincoln Center Theatre
- Matrix Theatre Company
- Meadow Brook Theatre
- the Purple Rose Theatre
- Quicken Loans
- the Ringwald theatre
- TLC