About the Program
The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre with a concentration in performance/musical theatre includes classes in musical theatre performance, musical theatre history, dance, acting and movement, in addition to vocal lessons and other theatre related courses. The senior year concentrates on helping students launch successful careers after graduation through showcase presentations, and visits from leading professional theatre internship programs as well as classes in audition techniques and professional preparation.
Our theatre faculty have won awards for producing, directing, and designing including Tony Awards, Bay Area Theatre Critics’ Circle Awards, Hollywood Drama-Logue Awards and many others. You’ll meet guest artists and directors at the top of their fields and build contacts in the industry.
Theatre students and faculty have worked on AMC’s Turn: Washington’s Spies, Lincoln and Loving. Our department also has a partnership with Virginia Repertory Theatre, Richmond’s leading professional theatre company. Students have landed positions with The Public Theater, Seattle Children’s Theatre, Arena Stage, Shakespeare Theatre (D.C.), and Santa Fe Opera, and on-screen performances in productions from Netflix, FOX, Disney and Paramount.
Some classes you might take in this major:
- Musical Theatre Performance
- Cabaret Storytelling
- Introduction to Ballet
- Musical Theatre Dance Styles
- Voice and Speech for the Actor
Our alumni are:
- Actors on stage and film
- Educators
- Choreographers
- Vocalists
Theatre Foundation
All freshman and transfer students entering the department are initially classified as Theatre Foundation students. After successfully completing the first two years of core theatre courses in their foundation areas of emphasis, students apply for admission to a specific degree program (B.F.A. or B.A.). The department offers B.F.A concentration areas in performance, including musical theatre, and stage management, as well as three areas of design/technology: scenic, lighting and costume.