Bachelor of Arts

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre is designed for students wishing to gain experience in all areas of theatre and the broader cultural sector. The BA program is designed to develop skills needed to create and appreciate new work, to understand the history of theatre, and to help navigate professional lives in the arts. In addition, the program is designed to give the student a broad comprehension of theatre theory and practice in order to lay a foundation for advanced study in graduate school, the beginnings of a career in the profession, or application for numerous career paths in the arts industry.

Department of Theatre Undergraduate Studies Flyer (PDF)

Degree Requirements

University Requirements

  • The University requirements for bachelor's degrees as described in the Undergraduate Education section of this catalog; 120 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre. The University's Tier II writing requirement for the Theatre major is met by completing THR 431 or DAN 455.

College Requirements

  • The requirements of the College of Arts and Letters for the Bachelor of Arts degree. The completion of the cognate referenced below satisfies one of the cognates required by the College. The second cognate must be in a field outside the College of Arts and Letters.

Theatre Core (29 Credits)

  • THR 101 - Acting I
  • THR 110 - Theatrical Play Analysis
  • THR 211 - Production Design: Scenery and Lighting
  • THR 211L - Production Design: Scenery and Lighting Laboratory
  • THR 212 - Production Design: Costumes, Props and Makeup
  • THR 212L - Production Design: Costumes and Makeup Laboratory
  • THR 300A - Theatre Practicum - Production Emphasis
  • THR 300C - Theatre Practicum - Area Emphasis
  • THR 341 - Play Direction
  • THR 492 - Senior Seminar (Capstone)
  • The completion of Theatre 492 satisfies the department's capstone course requirement.

Two of the following courses (6 credits):

  • THR 431 - History of Theatre to 1850 (W)
  • THR 432 - History of Theatre since 1850
  • DAN 455 - History of Dance to 1900 (W)
  • DAN 456 - History of Dance since 1900

Theatre Electives (14-17 Credits)

  • Theatre electives: 14 to 17 additional credits in Theatre courses approved by the Department of Theatre. [NOTE: A student with a major in Theatre may earn a maximum of 50 credits in Theatre courses.]

College of Arts and Letter’s Cognate (12 Credits)

  • At least two of the following courses: English 421, 426B, 426D, 426E (6 credits).
  • At least two History of Art courses at the 200 level (6 credits).

Dance Specialization (20 Credits)