The Bachelor of Arts in Theatre will provide students with a comprehensive overview of the theory and practice of direction, playwriting, and stage management for the theatre with a concentration of course and production work in one of the three disciplines.

Upon successful completion of this program, students should be able to:

• demonstrate practical competence as a director, stage manager, or playwright;
• demonstrate the ability to analyze text and performance;
• demonstrate successful leadership within a group of artistic and technical collaborators, in the creation and presentation of public performances in the theatre;
• demonstrate the ability to think, write, and speak clearly about theory and practice;
• demonstrate a clear understanding of current industry best practices and standards; and
• describe and recreate diverse theatre traditions. 

This degree program is particularly designed for students wishing to pursue careers in stage management, directing, and/or playwriting. Students will study theatrical practices from the perspective of all three concentrations in order to gain an understanding of how the disciplines interact: the stage manager with the director; the director with the playwright; the playwright with the stage manager. To that end, students will take courses in developing theoretical and historical study, the art and craft of design, technical theatre, the conceptual skills involved in directing for the theater, the tools of story crafting required of playwrights, and the organizational prowess necessary to manage stage and production. At every opportunity, students are encouraged to put into practice what they are learning in the classroom through hands-on engagement in the preparation and presentation of performances produced in the department. In the classroom, students work with a faculty of working professionals who bring their experience to the art, craft, and business of the theatre. This pragmatic approach prepares students to face the challenging realities of making a life in the performing arts. Students graduate with knowledge of how to look for work, with the desire and ability to do the work, and with an understanding of the need to grow as an artist and manager beyond graduation.