In our Theatre program, you'll gain an understanding of the professional and cultural foundations essential for achieving the highest standards of theatre. You'll explore principles of theatre performance, design/technology and pedagogy and can get involved in a full season of mainstage productions.
From the Classroom to the Stage
In our Theatre program, you’ll explore performance, design, technology and theatre scholarship. Learn from nationally recognized guest artists. Build industry connections through showcases and portfolio reviews. Whether you prefer to be center stage or backstage, you’ll explore every aspect of theatrical production. This includes acting and musical theatre to scenic, costume and lighting design, as well as stage management.
You can experience the Theatre program’s mainstage season which consists of a minimum of four fully produced shows every academic year. You’ll can also participate in collaborative events and performances with one of four award-winning improv teams.
As a Theatre major, you will meet contacts in the theatre industry through many nationally recognized guest artists, the senior showcase and professional portfolio reviews. You will join a vibrant alumni network of award-winning actors, producers, directors, designers and technicians. They have worked with an impressive array of theatre and production companies including:
- Broadway, Off-Broadway and National Tours
- Top regional theatres including Arena Stage, Steppenwolf, Santa Fe Opera, Cincinnati Playhouse, Seattle Children’s Theatre, Olney Theatre Center, American Shakespeare Center and more
- Netflix, Hulu, HBO, Showtime and Disney projects as well as major feature films with studios like Paramount and Warner Brothers
Degree Programs
You can earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Theatre with an emphasis in performance, design and technical theatre or stage management. In these pre-professional training programs, you’ll learn all aspects of theatre including the art, craft and business. As a Theatre major, you can select one of the following concentrations based on your interest and career goals:
If you are a new student interested in the B,F,A, program, in Theatre, you will apply to Theatre Foundations in a specific track: Performance, Musical Theatre, Costume, Scenic, Lighting or Stage Management. You’re courses emphasize craft, technique,and production, with curricula tailored to your distinct track
After successfully completing your second year of the program, you must have an assessment with faculty in order to be admitted into the B.F.A. program in your specific concentration.
The BA track is designed for students who desire a strong emphasis in theatre combined with a liberal arts education and a minor in another course of study. Students in our BA program pursue interests in areas such as Business, English, Mass Communications, Gender Studies, and Religious Studies to name a few.
Read more about the BA in Theatre
The department offers a Minor in Theatre and a Minor in Musical Theatre. VCUarts also offers an interdisciplinary Minor in Sound Design.
The Master of Fine Arts in Theatre with a concentration in pedagogy/performance is tailored to prepare early- to mid-career theatre professionals to enter the field of teaching at the university or college level.
This dynamic two-year program combines classes in pedagogy, performance studies, dramaturgy, and critical studies with production work and the opportunity to teach and assist in undergraduate classes.
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