Theatre Arts
Bachelor of Arts, Accelerated Master's, Minor
About this program
The Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts introduces you to performance, design, and the study of theatre as a creative and cultural practice. You’ll take part in acting, directing, technical production, and script analysis while working on live shows. This program helps you develop communication, collaboration, and creative problem-solving skills. It prepares you for careers in the arts, education, media, or further study in theatre and performance.
Program Curriculum and Requirements
Program Scope
The curriculum in theatre provides the student with background for advanced study in the dramatic arts, for teaching, for a career in professional theatre and for a lifelong appreciation of the theatrical arts. Fundamental to the major program is a core of required courses designed to develop a foundation upon which to pursue focused coursework in performance (acting and directing), design, technical production, play development, dramaturgy, or musical theatre.
The 45-unit Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts provides students with a background for advanced study in theatre arts for a career in professional theatre, for teaching theatre arts or as a stepping stone towards higher learning.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Students will develop sufficient ability in their area of specialty to be involved in the creation and presentation of public performances in the theatre.
- Students will develop competence at thinking conceptually and critically about text, performance, and production.
- Students will demonstrate a foundational understanding of playwriting and production processes, aesthetic properties of style, and the way these shape and are shaped by artistic and cultural forces.
- Students will demonstrate basic competence in the theater techniques of movement skills, voice skills, scenery and properties, costuming and make‐up, lighting and sound, play development, leadership and organization for production– including intermediate to advanced competence in one or more areas of specialization in creation, performance, scholarship or teaching.
- Students will demonstrate foundational knowledge of the historical and cultural dimensions of theater, including the works of leading playwrights, actors, directors, and designers both past and present.
- Students will demonstrate foundational knowledge of a wide selection of theatre repertory including principal era, genres and cultural sources.
- Students will demonstrate the ability to develop and defend informed judgments about theatre.
SFSU Accelerated Bachelor's + Master's
The School of Theatre & Dance offers students an opportunity to complete both B.A. and M.A. Theatre Arts programs in five years. After completing the B.A. courses in theatre practice and backgrounds, students may enter the M.A. program for more intensive studies in theatre history, dramatic literature, dramaturgy, and directing, with additional elective study in design and educational theatre. The program prepares students for advanced study in a Ph.D program, teaching in theatre arts, and practicing dramaturgy.
Minor in Theatre Arts
The Minor in Theatre Arts gives you a chance to explore acting, stagecraft, and theatre history while majoring in another field. You’ll learn how live performance works and build skills in communication, creativity, and teamwork. This program is a good fit if you’re interested in storytelling, public speaking, or the arts. It adds depth to many majors and supports careers that value collaboration and creative expression.
Learn more about the Minor in Theatre Arts