This specialization is designed for students who want to pursue careers in the field of theatre in education. As in any liberal art, the study of theatre provides students with a holistic curriculum and a broad background in thought, critical thinking, writing skills, analysis, and a general knowledge of literature, philosophy, and technology, all of which prepares them with a wide variety experiences and potential. Students who wish to pursue the M.A. or Ph.D. in theatre work closely with their advisor to design a curriculum that combines a solid basis in theatre aesthetics and a strong background in another field, which would likely indicate a minor in an appropriate field, such as English, History, Anthropology, or Philosophy. Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual and Performing Arts with a Concentration in Theatre is a pre-professional degree designed for students who, upon graduation, wish to work in the professional theatre as performers, technicians, or managers or who want to prepare for application to M.F.A. programs in graduate schools. This specialization is designed for students who want to pursue careers as actors in professional theatres and for those who want to prepare for application to M.F.A. programs in graduate schools.
Students work closely with the theatre performance faculty, who act as mentors.
Performance students are required to audition each semester for each main stage production. This specialization is designed for students who want to pursue careers as stage designers, lighting designers, technical directors, or costumers and for those who want to prepare for application to M.F.A. programs at graduate schools. Technology students work closely with the theatre design faculty and staff, who act as mentors. Students are required to work in all design and technology areas each semester. This specialization is designed for students who want to pursue careers as box office, house, or company managers in professional theatres and for those who want to prepare for application to M.F.A. programs at graduate schools.