A key part of acting is to understand what goes into a successful production; it’s much more than what is presented to the audience as they sit in their reclining sections and sofas. Theater and acting programs include courses such as theater history, writing, direction, theatrical literature analysis, and workshops. It could also include coursework related to theater design, including the theater seating configurations. Making programs more viable today, increasing numbers of schools are adding commercial components like theater business, stage management, and marketing. Niche options include courses that ultimately lead to backstage careers: lighting, stage or costume design, and theatrical makeup.

• Technical Theater Terms: A comprehensive dictionary of technical theater phrases.
• How To Open A Community Theater Company: An explanation on managing a community theater.
• Acting Industry Tips: Great ideas on choosing an acting school and finding gigs.

Unlike conventional literature, dramatic literature is specifically written for theatrical performance, riveting enough to have the audience on the edge of their home theater couch and loveseat set with anticipation and excitement. Studies in this area explore the history and works of prominent playwrights, as well as writing styles, structure, story development, and writing for different mediums. It is common for such programs to feature workshops and final live performances of the students’ works. Since writing portfolios are usually part of the application process, students are advised to start practicing in advance.

• Stage Terms: A dramatic literature glossary.
• Dramaturgical Resources: Information for dramatic literature enthusiasts.

Classical dance is generally defined as well-known dance forms devised until the beginning of the 20th century. Common examples include ballet, jazz, waltz and ballroom, and also folk and cultural dances. By comparison, modern dance uses styles formed by newer music genres and are usually less strictly structured, like hip-hop, interpretive freestyle, and fusion. Music studies programs combine theoretical and performance components.

• Resources for Dancers: A compilation of useful websites, dance companies, and references.
• Ballet Terms: Dictionary of ballet terms from the American Ballet Theatre.
• Guide to Dance Resources: Videos, photos, and articles about modern and classical dance.
• Modern Dance Library Resources: A great collection of links related to modern dance.

With the advent and innovations of film and technology inevitably came film studies; a wonderful way for movie buffs to leverage the time they’ve spent on their 4-seat home theater seating. Film studies usually encompass the history of film, analysis and critique, screenwriting, and film genres. It can also extend to television and pop culture. Film studies usually do not involve technical aspects such as production, instead leaning more towards the theoretical side.

• Top Ten U.S. Film Schools: The Association of Independent Video & Filmmakers’ top film school picks.
• Film Student Resources: Categorical collection of film studies information.
• Film History: A detailed history sorted by decade.
• Film Terms: A film jargon dictionary.
• U.S. Film Festivals: Detailed information on film festivals and submissions.

Like dance studies, music studies span a variety of genres and eras. Degrees can be in general music studies or alternately specialized, such as in jazz or popular music. Music studies usually involve music history, theory and sight-reading, styles, and business. The performance aspect focuses on writing, performing, and recording. Although the coursework is extensive, students may still choose to decompress with their favorite soundtracks while relaxing in a recliner with heat and massage features.

• Music History: A collection of music history websites.
• Worldwide Internet Music Resources for Instruments: Extensive list of resources on many different instruments.
• Music Glossary: An explanation of technical music terminology.
• Music Schools: Schools and music departments around the world.
• Piano Pedagogy Resources: Piano studies information for teachers and students.
• Music Education Resources: Links and journals on music education.
• Careers in Music: A look at different music performance career opportunities.
• Music Law: A guide to licensing and copyrighting music correctly.
• The Music Industry Today: A report by the RIAA on the state of today’s music industry (published in January 2011). (PDF)