Bachelors In

Theatre Arts Degrees

The complete guide on what you’ll learn, job prospects, university programs, and saving time and money.
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Why We Love It

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* Salary & growth data is based on the recent Bureau of Labor and Statistics data published at https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes272011.htm for 27-2011 Actors 11/2021. Based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary.

With a bachelor of arts in theatre arts, you’ll study a comprehensive curriculum designed to introduce you to all facts of theatre productions.

From acting to costume design, and stage design to directing, students learn how to manage and oversee every aspect of theatre productions. Graduates may go on to act in, write, direct, or create the stages or costumes for plays, musicals, operas, and ballets.

What is a Degree in Theatre Arts?

While studying for a major in theatre arts, students are introduced to many aspects of theatre productions. Students learn how to design costumes, write scripts, act in productions, create stage scenes and props, handle show lighting, and much more.

This introduction to all aspects of the theatre prepares students for any role they may be interested in, from actor to director to costume designer. Students also study the history and literature of the theatre, becoming familiar with popular plays and productions.

Graduates may work as cast or crew for live performance shows like plays, musicals, operas, or ballets. While studying for a bachelor’s degree, you’ll likely gain theatre experience by interning as cast or crew for college theatre productions or those put on by local theatre troupes.

Students focus on improving their performance, presentation, and public speaking skills; communication skills; and leadership skills, allowing them to succeed in the theater or a variety of other business roles.

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What Courses Would I Take For a Major in Theatre Arts?

  • Fundamentals of Dramaturgy
  • Orientation to Production Crafts
  • History of Theatre and Drama
  • Fundamentals of Directing
  • Design for Theatre
  • Theatre, Protest, and Social Change
  • Dramatic Theory and Criticism
  • Fundamentals of Acting

What Jobs Can You Get with a Degree in Theatre Arts?

Individuals who graduate with bachelor of arts degrees in theatre arts have excellent public speaking, presentation, and communication skills, enabling them to succeed both inside and outside of the theatre.

While many students may find careers as actors, directors, and designers inside of the theatre, those who don’t can generally find success in a variety of business roles. Theatre arts graduates often make very effective marketers, managers, and public relations professionals in business roles.

How Long does it take?

A bachelors in Theatre Arts will have a typical length of 4 years in a full time schedule. That said, there are many ways to speed up the timeframe by either taking more units via online coursework, community college, or taking free classes at OnlineDegree.com that could transfer to universities in the US.

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Best Jobs for Theatre Arts Degrees

Graduates of theatre arts degree programs commonly work in theatre roles after graduation as actors, actresses, costume designers, set designers, directors, makeup artists, and theatre administrators.

However, graduates may also be adept in general business roles because of their excellent public speaking and presentation skills, and may pursue roles in marketing, management, or public relations.

How to save time and money

Our mission is to help you to avoid paying full price for college. We want your Theatre Arts degree to be affordable and accessible. Here’s how you could save:

Create Your Free SmartPlan

There are many ways to make college affordable and accessible.

That’s why we created a helpful tool called SmartPlan.

It’s free, and helps you find potential ways to save and tons of information about each school you’re considering

Think of it as your “college blueprint”, to help you instantly craft a path to your degree:

  • Which Colleges Match Your Needs
  • Ways You Could Save Time & Money
  • Free Courses You Could Take for Credit
  • Valuable Data and Insights on Each College
  • Detailed Steps You Should Take!

See what’s possible for you and generate a free plan within just a few minutes

Create My SmartPlan

Get a Certificate in Theatre Arts

If you’re not sure whether a four-year theatre arts degree is right for you, you can try out the major by earning a theatre arts certificate before pursuing a bachelor’s degree.

Theatre arts certificates are commonly available for acting, costume design, theatre makeup, stagecraft, and theatre management. These short programs allow students to gain skills and experience in theatre arts subjects, allowing them to try out the career and make some money while later pursuing a bachelor’s degree.

You Might also be Interested in

Many visitors who look for a degree in Theatre Arts are also interested in the following degrees.

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