Theatre BA
Arts Pass
Bennion
Center
Learning Abroad
Office of
Undergraduate Research
Courses
Getting Started
- Meet with an advisor to create a course plan
- Start with theatre core courses
- Begin taking GE classes
- Complete math & writing requirements
- Consider applying to the Honors College
Making Progress
- Check in with your advisor regularly to stay on track of GEs & degree requirements (refer to catalog for more info)
- Consider pursuing a second major, minor, or certificate to enhance your degree
- Complete the BA language requirement
- Finish remaining theatre core courses & explore theatre elective options
Finishing Up
- Enroll in THEA 4220: New Plays Workshop
- Finish remaining GEs & theatre electives
- Review degree audit & meet with advisor to track progress toward graduation
Community
Getting Started
- Attend CFA's welcome event ArtsBash & events hosted by the SAC
- Explore student clubs on campus at the Get Involved Fair
- Browse our events calendar & attend shows with friends
Making Progress
- Participate in department productions
- Get involved in student-driven work
- Attend guest artist talks, workshops & lectures
- Find a job on campus
- Use ArtsPass to visit museums like the UMFA & attend cultural events
- Go see shows in the community and find opportunities to network
- Join ArtsForce to connect with other CFA students at events & workshops
Finishing Up
- Consider an internship with a professional arts organization
- Take on a leadership role in SAC or a student group
- Join the Alumni Association and Forever Utah
Knowledge & Skills
Getting Started
- Explore academic resources like Marriott Library, Writing Center, & Learning Center
- Check out the CFA's Create Success Initiative
- Audition for class/student projects
Making Progress
- Attend ArtsForce workshops, talks, lectures & panels to learn more about working in the arts
- Explore student research opportunities in OUR
- Participate in faculty research - talk to your professors or area head
- Meet with the CFA's internship coordinator to develop an internship plan
- Apply for a FAF grant to seek financial support for student-driven extracurricular experiences
Finishing Up
- Discuss career/grad school options with your professors
- Attend an academic or professional conference in your field
- Complete your Honors thesis, if applicable
Transformation
Getting Started
- Take GEs that meet requirements & fuel your creativity
- Explore student projects and/or ways to get involved in a production crew
- Apply for scholarships in the dept./college
Making Progress
- Take advantage of office hours to get to know your professors
- Participate in productions on campus or in the community (audition in spring)
- Consider for-credit internships with the Hinckley Institute
- Apply to experience our London Learning Abroad Program or explore other study abroad programs
- Participate in a workshop or training in the Counseling Center or Center for Student Wellness
Finishing Up
- Submit an original play or musical for development in the New Plays Workshop
- Share about your capstone project on the dept.'s news page
- Participate in graduation ceremonies & events
Impact
Getting Started
- Use your ArtsPass to access events
- Consider taking a CEL-course
- Meet with an advisor or Student Success Coach to discuss your interests & set goals for your time in college
Making Progress
- Teach for Youth Theatre at the U during the summer
- Participate in ArtsForce events & activities
- Volunteer to work with SAC
- Consider running for a position in ASUU
- Check out the ArtsBridge Scholar program
- Get involved with the department's justice, equity, diversity, & inclusion committee
- Go on an alternative break and/or engage in service projects with the Bennion Center
Finishing Up
- Develop a research project through UROP & present at the Undergraduate Research Symposium
- Propose an event, workshop, or project for funding by the FAF grant program
Careers
Getting Started
- Meet with a pre-professional advisor and/or career coach to explore your interests
- Add a second major or minor to enhance your studies
- Apply for an Emerging Leaders Internship
Making Progress
- Attend talks by guest artists & other dept. events to network and learn about career opportunities
- Work on department productions & update your resume regularly
- Activate & customize your Handshake account
- Begin thinking about your online professional profile & ways to showcase your work
- Have your resume/professional documents reviewed by a Career Coach in the CPDC
- Explore grad school programs, if interested
Finishing Up
- Refine your resume & professional materials
- Apply for jobs and/or graduate school
- Attend career fairs & expos
- Connect with the department & college's alumni networks
Start Your Career Journey
Find support at the Career and Professional Development Center (CPDC)
About the Major
The Theatre Studies BA is a versatile interdisciplinary degree which allows students to explore the many aspects of theatre and performance, with an emphasis on the development of new works for the stage. In addition to the core requirements in production, scenography, script analysis, and theatre history, candidates can pursue courses in acting, design, stage management, directing, playwriting, dramaturgy, and dramatic literature. Candidates also complete intermediate and advanced coursework designed to prepare them as scholars and makers in the exciting field of play development, whether as a playwright, director, dramaturg, actor, stage manager, teacher, or critic. As a capstone experience, students participate in the New Plays Workshop, in which they support the development of several plays by advanced playwriting students. As a member of the workshop, students can serve as an actor, director, dramaturg, or stage manager depending on their areas of interest and the needs of each play. Students are also encouraged to participate in the London Study Abroad Program, which allows students to see world-class theatre and earn credits towards their degree. Through the Theatre Studies BA degree program, students develop their creativity, critical thinking, communication and collaboration skills to pursue graduate programs and careers in theatre and film, as well as careers in health care, social work, public relations, non-profit and educational leadership, and higher education.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate basic knowledge of the central elements of theatrical process and production.
- Analyze, contextualize, and communicate ideas about dramatic texts or performances from a broad range of traditions and periods, including our own.
- Apply a variety of scholarly and creative methodologies in the domains of theatre scholarship, playwriting, performance, and production.
- Utilize creative or scholarly research methodologies to demonstrate advanced understanding of theatre history, dramatic literature, performance writing, directing, or dramaturgy.
- Connect theatre-based knowledge and skills with other fields and methods of inquiry.
Plan & Prepare
At the U, we plan for our students to have an exceptional Educational Experience identified by four broad categories we call the Learning Framework: Community, Knowledge & Skills, Transformation, and Impact. This major map will help you envision, explore, design, and plan your personalized Exceptional Education Experience with the Learning Framework at the core. In addition to assisting you in planning your coursework and navigating the requirements of your major, this map will help you incorporate other kinds of experiences to expand your knowledge, support your development, and prepare you for the future you want.