The purposes of this department are to offer theatrical experiences of professional caliber to the MSU student, to offer various levels of training to prepare students for careers in theatre, and to provide opportunities for many students to perform in all aspects of this art as an expansive and social outlet. It is also the intent of the department to provoke and sustain interest in the theatre as a source of truth and insight into the human condition; to preserve and investigate further historical traditions, and to present new plays that reflect the present condition of society.
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.
The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Theatre is designed for students wishing to prepare for a professional career in theatre. Admission to the program is by audition and portfolio review, which occurs during the spring semester of each academic year. In addition to required theatre education courses, students choose an area of concentration in either acting or design. The concentration provides highly focused course work devoted to professional and practical skill development and production process and collaboration.
The academic minor in theatre, which is administered by the Department of Theatre, is designed for students wishing to expand their employment opportunities both within and outside the sphere of professions in theatre. In addition to preparing students for careers that are directly related to theatre, the minor will afford opportunities to expand creative, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills that will prove useful in virtually any professional area. The academic minor is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs at Michigan State University other than the Bachelor of Arts Degree or the Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Theatre. With the approval of the department and college that administers the student’s degree program, the courses that are used to satisfy the minor may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the bachelor’s degree. Students who plan to complete the requirements of the minor should consult the undergraduate adviser in the Department of Theatre.
Department of Theatre Undergraduate Studies Flyer (PDF)