Theatre Studies provides students with a broad-based knowledge of the theatrical arts and offers expansive possibilities to exercise that knowledge through dramaturgy, playwriting, performance, and design/production work. While completing this degree, we teach our students artistic flexibility through creative and research-oriented projects.

Theatre Studies coursework stresses critical thinking in verbal and written communication; employs theatre as a lens through which to examine cultural trends; develops projects that merge theory and practical applications; and explores the vitality and uniqueness of theatre as a live, communal expression of gender and cultural diversity.

BA THEATRE

Bachelor of Arts: Theatre Arts

The Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts provides a comprehensive education through a core curriculum in dramatic literature, technical theatre, and performance. Electives allow students to continue their studies more broadly or focus in one area such as research, devising, dramaturgy or playwriting. While elective courses in acting, musical theatre and dance are sometimes available, the BA in Theatre is not a BFA acting/musical theatre program, and BA Theatre students are not guaranteed enrollment in acting/musical theatre advanced courses. Nor should BA students have the expectation of transferring into the BFA acting/musical theatre program once they are here. Instead, graduates of the BA Theatre program are prepared for further scholarship and creative work across a broad array of applications and disciplines in the theatre arts.

BA Theatre Students

• Appreciate the relationship of dramatic text to theatrical production
• Understand the working practices and standards of the professional theatre
• Communicate artistic intent through acting, directing, design, and research
• Organize the human and financial resources to facilitate the theatrical production process

Theatre studies performance showcase

BA Theatre majors participate in the Theatre Studies Performance Showcase, a new series that focuses on the creative labor and rigorous training experience of the BA Theatre Studies students.  The overarching goal for the performance training component in the BA in Theatre Studies has always been to provide experience in a breadth of practical theatre applications and performance techniques. The Theatre Studies Performance Showcase shifts the emphasis away from production outcomes to instead focus on different practical training in theatre arts.  

BA Theatre Degree Requirements