OCU Entertainment Business Program

The Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Arts Management is part of one of the finest entertainment-based universities in the country. It provides career-oriented programs preparing students to become managers and executives in the entertainment and performing arts industries. It seeks to provide students the opportunity to become performers or creative talent who can better manage or understand the management of their business affairs. The entertainment business degree is designed to provide the industry with the next generation of managers educated with the highest of standards. The school is committed to producing employable graduates who are prepared to work in all aspects of the entertainment industry.

IMAGINE YOURSELF in one of America’s most exciting industries, as a part of one of America’s largest export commodities, ENTERTAINMENT. The entertainment industry adds to the quality of life, where everything appears to flow seamlessly as we all enjoy television, movies, live performances, sports, recreation, and much more. When you think about it, entertainment is everywhere as we move through our daily activities. Whether it’s listening to music on the radio, going to the theatre, taking a cruise, traveling to an entertainment destination, or experiencing your favorite sport, entertainment enriches the joys of life. This seamless nature is actually the end product of the entertainment managers behind the scenes who have made it possible. Without the business side of entertainment, your favorite entertainers would never be seen. These behind the scenes workers of magic, create and manage the concerts, actors, musicians, models and basketball players, videos and film, radio and television, conventions and corporate trade shows, gala balls and festivals, roller coasters and cruises. They make it possible for consumers in the United States and abroad to enjoy entertainment.

At the Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Arts Management, we have the years of experience, the professional network, the hands-on opportunities, the creativity and the commitment to our vision to help you achieve your dreams.

If we’ve piqued your interest in this electrifying career-oriented degree option, give us a call at (405)208-5809 or complete the Entertainment Business Form*.

About The Entertainment Business Program
The entertainment business degree at Oklahoma City University is designed for those interested in a career in the business of the entertainment industry. The degree prepares students for a career in the profession by instilling a core understanding and bridging the accepted practices of business and find distinctions of entertainment, plus the discipline needed to be successful. Students are provided practical knowledge and application of industry standards as well as network building skills and opportunities with leaders in a wide range of entertainment fields.

Why OKC?
Unless you’ve been to Oklahoma City recently, you haven’t experienced the rebirth of enthusiasm and energy in this thriving, entertainment-filled metropolis. The vision of tomorrow’s economy combined with the rich Oklahoma heritage in entertainment has created a resurgence of industry opportunities for our entertainment business majors. Oklahoma City is a surprise to many who visit for the first time. As the state's capital, Oklahoma City offers abundant opportunities for the aspiring entertainment manager. Oklahoma has a rich history of producing stars in many entertainment arenas. Entertainment performances, organizations and venues abound, including; independent artists and national tours frequently perform at the Cox Convention Center, the Civic Center Music Hall, Broadway shows at the Lyric Theatre, the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, Remington Park Race Track, Frontier City Theme Park, Oklahoma Opry, the 15,000-seat Southwestern Bell Bricktown Ballpark (home of the Oklahoma RedHawks), the Ford Center (home of the Blazers professional hockey team, a new 20,000-seat sports arena, proven ideal for hockey, basketball and concerts), and the new seven-mile Bricktown Canal. MAPS (Metropolitan Area Projects), a renovation of Oklahoma City's downtown entertainment venues, continues to bring exciting new entertainment opportunities to the city as well. Throughout Oklahoma City you can find venues and events supporting local entertainment as well. Live music, live theatre, comedy clubs and restaurants, casinos, a variety of concert venues, and internationally respected arts and music festivals are part of the OKC scene.

Faculty
The faculty of the Arts Management Department consists of nine full- and part-time educators. Each faculty member has experience in the practical and professional application of arts management, entertainment business, technical production, and performing arts. Rachel Jacquemain is the director of the Entertainment Business Program.

Fields of Study
Rachel Jacquemain uses a definition of entertainment that incorporates not only the traditional areas of entertainment such as music, theatre, films, television and movies, but also other leisure activities such as amusement parks, cruises, entertainment venues and sporting events. OCU's Entertainment Business Program is geared toward all aspects of the entertainment industry. When taking all forms of entertainment into consideration, it adds up to 2 million jobs nationally with a total annual payroll of $51 million. Visit the Curriculum Page for more information about Entertainment Business classes.

Opportunities and Internships
The arts management faculty and the University have major ties to the entertainment world and facilitate internships and partnerships in the industry from coast to coast for select, qualified students. Students have the opportunity to serve in various management or artistic positions on campus with OCU's The American Spirit Dance Company, Spirit of Grace Liturgical Dancers, The Oklahoma Opera & Music Theatre Company and University Theatre, as well as other University, local, and regional performing groups.

S.A.M. -- Students of Arts Management
Students of Arts Management is our student-managed networking organization. This organization contacts industry experts and coordinates meetings, panel discussions and entertainment industry conferences facilitating the opportunities for our students to be introduced to the wide and varied professionals in entertainment. The list of their guests have included producers, designers, talent agents, film executives, event coordinators, executive directors of nonprofit performing arts organizations, stage managers, performers, casting agents, writers, tour managers, business executives, chamber of commerce representatives, government officials, museum and gallery owners and directors, marketing specialists, public relations specialists, bankers, image developers and board of director members.

The organization coordinates workshops, seminars and focus groups to study industry trends, professional expectations and consumer issues. The purpose of these activities is to bring the professional world of the entertainment life style to the forefront as discussion.
SAM is responsible for producing the school’s Tribute To The Stars Awards Banquet at the end of every year. This is comparable to a “red carpet” awards program that you might see on television. It is fully designed, written, fundraised and produced by the students.

Networking is an integral part of this degree program and a pivotal element within the proven success of our students.

Visit the Students of Arts Management page to find out more.

* Click here for a text version of the Entertainment Business Form.