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Theatre, B.S.

The Bachelor of Science in Theatre is offered through Department of Theatre and Dance in the College of Liberal Arts at MTSU. MTSU is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre.

Theatre majors at MTSU take center stage with hands-on production responsibilities in the theatre's main season. Students enter a comprehensive program that includes all areas of performance and design/technology, theatre in education, and dance. Theory and instruction are infused with a carefully crafted progression of hands-on experience and training. Students use state-of-the-art lighting, costuming, and scenery equipment both in and out of the classroom. The major in Theatre is designed to provide students with maximum opportunities to develop theoretical and practical appreciation of theatre arts. Preparation is offered for the pursuit of graduate study in several fields or for entry into professions including secondary school teaching and professional theatre.

The recently renovated Tucker Theatre and the Anderson Studio Theatre provides space for student produced and main stage performances.

Students majoring in Theatre must receive a grade of C or better in all courses in their major for the course to count as a prerequisite or to count toward graduation. No more than 50 percent of coursework (60 credits of 120 required) for the degree may be completed in THEA coursework.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can you do with a theatre degree?

With a theatre degree you can be:

• Actors
• Directors
• Singers
• Dancers
• Builders
• Designers
• Costume Makers
• Make-up Artists
• Lighting Technicians
• Sound Technicians
• Theatre Managers
• Public Relations and Promotion
• Stage Managers
• Teachers and Professors
• Dramaturges
• Choreographers

What skills do you gain as a theatre major?

Theatre is an academic program that gives you skills to build your future:

• Communication skills
• Creative problem-solving skills
• Motivational skills
• Cooperative working skills
• Ability to work independently
• Time management skills
• Goal-orientation approach to work
• Concentration skills
• Dedication and commitment to process
• Experience in accepting responsibility
• Leadership skills
• Self-confidence
• Drawing & Painting
• Building
• Design skills in lighting, scenic, make-up/hair/wigs, costumes, and sound
• Directing skills
• Performance skills

Learn new skills perfecting the talents you already have!

What are the differences between a BS and a BFA in theatre?

The B.S. in Theatre is a flexible, generalist approach that aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully enter professional fields of Theatre, Dance ,and live entertainment within the context of a comprehensive liberal arts education.  This training program emphasizes performance and production, with students playing key roles—both onstage and off—in Department and student-produced productions and events.  There is no audition necessary for the B.S. program.

The B.F.A. is a professional program designed for students who want intensive, performance and/or design, and technical-focused training that prepares them for a career in professional theatre. This program includes intensive study in the area of the student’s concentration (Musical Theatre, Acting, or Design/Technology). There are regular performance and design opportunities through our Center Stage and Student Success Seasons, Showcases, and Cabaret productions that allow students to apply their training in real productions and build resumes. Graduates leave with a strong foundation for careers in theatre, musical theatre, and related theatrical fields. This degree requires an audition/interview and continued participation in the program depends on demonstrated growth, commitment, and professional potential.

How long does a bachelor's degree in theatre take?

Both the B.S. and the B.F.A. are designed to take four years to complete. However, students have been known to complete the program in three.

What classes do theatre majors take?

All theatre majors take the following as part of their theatre core:

• Acting I
• First Year Seminar
• Introduction to Production Practices
• Production Practices Lab
• Fundamentals of Play Directing
• Script Analysis
• Theatre History I:  Greek Period to Restoration
• Theatre History II: Restoration to Present
• Production Practicum
• Senior Seminar in Theatre
• (Students choose 2/3 of the following:
• Stage Management
• Lighting for Arts and Entertainment
• Scene Design
• Introduction to Costumes for Arts and Entertainment
• Sound Design for Arts and Entertainment

And so much more….as can be found via the following links from the undergraduate catalog:

• B.S. in Theatre
• B.S. in Theatre with a Teacher Licensure
• B.F.A. in Theatre with an Acting Concentration
• B.F.A. in Theatre with a Musical Theatre Concentration
• B.F.A. in Theatre with a Design/Tech Concentration