Jennifer Blazek is studying what she loves – theatre.

But Blazek, a sophomore from Hendersonville, Tenn., said she hopes not only to grace the stage one day but to own it as well.

A vote by the Board of Regents could give her the chance to learn the business side of theatre.

This spring, the theatre and dance department will begin offering a 24-credit hour minor in performing arts administration, pending a vote by the board on Jan. 23.

“I am taking the new minor because I have always been interested in business and marketing,” Blazek said. “And by taking this minor I can combine that with my favorite thing – theatre.”

Theatre Department head Scott Stroot anticipates strong student interest in the new minor.

“We have folks that are interested in studying dance who may want to open their own studio,” Stroot said. “We have folks in theatre who want to know how to run a theater company.”

Stroot said he anticipates the minor will appeal to a cross-section of students.

“It appeals to music majors, it appeals to theatre majors and dance majors,” Stroot said.

The major may also appeal to other students as well.

He said he expects that some business majors with an interest in art management might find the minor useful.

The minor will consist of classes already offered at Western. Students can begin taking classes for the new minor this semester.

Provost Barbara Burch said the minor makes good usage of Western’s existing courses.

The minor requires students to take courses in marketing and performing arts management.

Northern Kentucky University is the only other public university in the state that offers a similar program, Stroot said.

Reach Adriane Hardin at [email protected].