Quick Facts
- Delivery: On Campus
- Credits: 80-87
Ball State University offers a bachelor of fine arts in theatre through the Department of Theatre and Dance in the College of Fine Arts. Students choose an option in acting, musical theatre, or design and technology.
Program Admission Requirements
Our Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Theatre or Dance offers exceptional pre-professional training in a liberal arts setting. You will participate in our vibrant and diverse production season collaborating with faculty, guest artists, and fellow students across various disciplines. Our BFA programs require an audition and interview for program consideration and admittance. Academic admittance is required for any program consideration. Your audition/interview will also give you departmental scholarship consideration.
Why choose the theatre BFA?
- Choose your path with specialized options in Acting, Musical Theatre, or Design and Technology.
- Gain hands-on production experience through rehearsals, performances, technical assignments, design projects, and backstage production work.
- Build professional connections through showcases, guest artists, internships, festivals, alumni programs, and other career development opportunities.
- Train in the new Performing Arts Center featuring state-of-the-art performance, rehearsal, design, and production spaces beginning Fall 2026.
- Develop industry-ready skills in performance, design, technical theatre, collaboration, and production within a professional-caliber learning environment.
What you’ll study as a theatre major
The shared theatre curriculum includes subjects such as:
- script analysis
- stagecraft
- acting
- directing
- theatre history
- design and collaboration
- theatre, identity, diversity, equity, and accessibility
- professional preparation
- theatre practicum
Students then complete specialized coursework in one concentration. For specific course requirements visit the course catalog or speak with an academic advisor.
View Theatre BFA courses
Concentrations
The Musical Theatre option consists of individual voice instruction that includes a weekly masterclass, musicianship and sight singing, acting, and dance technique classes.
Learn more.
The Acting option offers an innovative and demanding training curriculum consisting of rigorous and varied coursework, a strong foundation in movement-based approaches, and an emphasis on synthesizing the body, voice, and mind.
Learn more.
The Design and Technology option provides an understanding of the skills and tools essential to creating the physical world of theatre and dance production.
Learn more.
What career options are available for theatre majors?
The theatre BFA develops skills in performance, design, technical production, collaboration, communication, creative problem-solving, and professional presentation.
Depending on the option, experience, portfolio, location, and additional qualifications, graduates could pursue work in:
- theatre and live entertainment
- film and television
- touring productions
- design and production shops
- events and attractions
- arts organizations
- community arts
- media production
- arts administration
Students interested in teaching theatre in public schools should review the separate theatre education program and current teacher-licensure requirements.
Theatre BFA and Theatre BA/BS
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.
Students should compare admission, curriculum, progression, and production expectations before choosing a degree. Contact a faculty member or an academic advisor with questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Theatre is a professional, performance-focused degree that prepares students for careers in theatre and the performing arts. Through intensive studio training, productions, and classroom instruction, students develop the artistic, technical, and collaborative skills needed to succeed on stage, behind the scenes, or in related creative industries.
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.