Alma College Theatre Program Closure: A Surprising Announcement

Shocking News for Students and Alumni

Alma College has notified students and faculty that it will close its Theatre academic program. This decision places the major into immediate teach-out and ends formal coursework in the discipline. The announcement, made in mid-September, means the department will no longer admit new theatre majors. All theatre classes will be phased out as current students complete their degrees.

According to Encore Michigan reporting, students already enrolled in the major will be allowed to graduate. However, many required theatre courses will no longer be available. Instead, students may opt for course substitutions from other departments to satisfy their remaining degree requirements. Alma has also confirmed it will fund one theatrical production per year, directed by a contracted guest artist. This shift moves theatre at the college from an academic curriculum to a limited co-curricular activity. It remains unclear whether current students will transfer to other institutions or what support will be provided for those seeking to continue their education in the field.

Community Response

Students responded publicly through a statement from the Delta Beta Chapter of Alpha Psi Omega, the national theatre honor society.

“The closing of our academic program is heartbreaking,” the statement reads. **“We are committed to keeping theatre alive on campus, but we cannot do it alone. We ask the community to continue supporting us as we participate in KCACTF, USITT, and other opportunities that have shaped generations of Alma theatre students.”

The group also noted that the decision was delivered without warning, stating the news “came as a shock to students and faculty alike.”

As a direct result of the program’s closure, Kelli Crump, MFA and MA, Assistant Professor and Director of Theatre, will not return to the staff next fall.

Broader Context

Alma’s announcement comes during a period of instability for several small Michigan colleges. While most institutions of similar size—including Hope College, Kalamazoo College, Albion College, and others—continue to operate BA-level theatre majors, Siena Heights University announced earlier this year that it will close entirely after the 2025–26 academic year. However, Alma’s theatre program closure affects only this single department.

Alma offered this written statement:

“This decision was not made lightly, and it comes after extensive review, consultation, and consideration of the long-term sustainability and academic priorities of Alma College." - Timothy J. Rath, Director of College Communications

The statement continues, "Our obligation as stewards of the college’s mission requires us to constantly evaluate enrollment numbers to ensure the viability of our academic offerings for generations to come.

We want to emphasize that theatre performances will continue to be an important part of campus life. Students from all majors will still have opportunities to participate in productions, reflecting our ongoing commitment to the performing arts. Alma College looks forward to the continued growth and development of our music and dance programs, which remain vibrant and well-supported areas of study and performance.”

Encore Michigan reporting has also confirmed that graduates of the Alma College theatre department were not informed of this closure by the university. Instead, they learned of the news through word of mouth and social media posts.

Future of Theatre at Alma College

Following the announcement, the theatre department and major appear to have been removed from the college’s website. Alma College did not respond to further questions or additional requests for comment.

Conclusion

The closure of the theatre program at Alma College has left many students and alumni feeling uncertain about their future. While the college plans to continue funding one production per year, the loss of an academic program is significant. Students now face the challenge of navigating their remaining coursework and considering their options for continuing their education in the performing arts.

As the community rallies to support the students, the future of theatre at Alma College remains a topic of concern and discussion. The commitment to keep theatre alive on campus is strong, but it will require collective effort and support from all involved.

In this time of transition, it is essential for the college and its students to find ways to adapt and thrive. The arts play a vital role in education and community, and the hope is that the spirit of theatre will continue to flourish at Alma College, even in a new format.