Quick Facts
- Delivery: On Campus
- Credits: 57-69
Ball State University offers a bachelor of arts or bachelor of science in theatre through the Department of Theatre and Dance in the College of Fine Arts.
Program Admission Requirements
Our BA/BS programs do not require an audition or interview for program consideration and artistic admittance. However, auditioning or interviewing does allow you departmental scholarship consideration. Academic admittance is required for any program consideration.
The flexible, liberal arts-based program combines theatre study with production experience and room for electives, a minor, or another major. Students choose a concentration in directing and stage management, theatre creation, or design and technology.
Why choose to study a theatre degree?
- Choose a concentration in Directing and Stage Management, Theatre Creation, or Design and Technology.
- Gain hands-on production experience as a director, stage manager, designer, technician, performer, writer, or production team member.
- Customize your degree with the flexibility to pursue a minor, second major, or electives in another area.
- Learn in the new Performing Arts Center featuring modern performance, rehearsal, design, and production spaces.
- Develop practical theatre skills through directing, stage management, theatre creation, design, technical production, collaboration, and live performance experiences.
What you’ll study as a theatre major
The foundational theatre curriculum includes:
- storytelling
- script analysis
- acting
- stagecraft
- theatre history
- design and collaboration
- theatre, identity, diversity, equity, and accessibility
- directing
- professional preparation
- theatre practicum
Advanced coursework depends on the electives offered and the concentration. For a full list and specific coursework requirements visit the course catalog or speak with an academic advisor.
View Theatre BA/BS Courses
Concentrations
The Directing and Stage Management option is rooted in experiential learning allowing you numerous opportunities to get hands-on experience throughout our dynamic and diverse production season from the moment you arrive on campus.
Learn more.
The Theatre Creation option provides a true liberal arts experience. This undergraduate-only option allows students to experiment within a variety of disciplines, including playwriting, dramaturgy, devising, creative producing, performance, theatre history, arts management, directing, and design. Learn more.
The Design and Technology option allows students to explore the multiple skills required to be a well-rounded design and technology professional. Hands-on opportunities will help you build foundational skills in the areas of scenic, lighting, costume, sound, hair and makeup, props, and technical theatre.
Learn more.
What career opportunities are available for theatre majors?
Depending on the concentration, experience, portfolio, location, and additional qualifications, graduates may pursue roles such as:
- assistant director
- stage-management assistant
- production assistant
- theatre technician
- design assistant
- properties artisan
- wardrobe technician
- arts-program assistant
- literary or dramaturgy assistant
- community-arts coordinator
- audience-engagement assistant
- development or marketing assistant
Director, producer, production manager, technical director, senior designer, arts administrator, and company manager positions generally require advanced preparation or substantial experience. Advanced positions and professional designations may require additional education, experience, examinations, or licensure. This list is not comprehensive, if you don't see your preferred profession in this list speak with a faculty member or an academic advisor about career opportunities.
Students interested in licensed K–12 teaching should review the separate teaching major in theatre.
Theatre BA/BS and Theatre BFA
What is the difference between a BFA and a BA/BS?
Our BA/BS majors have the same theatre core requirements but more flexibility in regard to electives than the BFA. Contact a faculty member or academic advisor for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
A bachelor of arts (BA) or bachelor of science (BS) in Theatre is a more flexible degree than the bachelor of fine arts. The BA/BS allows students to specialize in areas of theatre while also exploring interests in other academic disciplines.
Skills you could learn as a theatre major:
- Acting and character development
- Stage presence and performance techniques
- Creative collaboration and teamwork
- Public speaking and communication
- Problem-solving and adaptability
- Technical theatre and production skills
- Time management and professionalism
- Leadership and project coordination
- Creative storytelling
- Confidence and artistic expression
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Take the Next Step
If you’d like to learn more about our Theatre Major, complete our online form. Or one of the best ways to get a true feel for Ball State is to see it for yourself, so schedule a visit today! And if you’re ready to apply, review our admission requirements and complete our online application.