Theatre Arts, BA

Return to: Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences

The Theatre Arts major blends hands on experience in production with foundational training and advanced study. A core liberal arts base of coursework serves intermediate and advanced study in the classroom, rehearsal room, studio, and theatre. Students can pursue advanced coursework in one or more of three emphasis areas (performance/directing; design/tech/management; history/literature/criticism) through departmental and college electives. Faculty advised independent projects, directed studies, and research complement coursework. All majors are mentored by leading professionals who are also passionate teachers. Theatre Arts majors work alongside faculty, graduate students, teaching artists, and professional guests on and off stage.

The department provides experiences in many areas of theatrical production, training, and study. Theatre Arts boasts a robust production season of three to four main stage shows directed by faculty or guest directors and a one-act series directed by graduate or advanced undergraduate students. The department regularly hosts guest artists for additional workshops, lectures, and talks. Auditions for all productions are open to majors and non-majors alike.

Theatre Arts majors regularly secure internships, apprenticeships, and employment in theatre production upon graduation. Theatre Arts majors have successfully completed graduate-level training programs in performance, design, and history. Still other graduates find their Theatre Arts BA excellent preparation for law school, medical school, or other fields of employment that prioritize communication, collaboration, project management, and creativity.

The theatre arts major requires the completion of 42 credits distributed as follows.