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Theatre

Get a Well-Rounded Education with a Degree in Theatre Arts from BSU

Write and direct your own future by joining us in Bridgewater State University’s Department of Theatre. Our theatre studies students chose one of two tracks: the undergraduate degree in theatre arts or education. If you’re majoring in a related field like English or communications, you can add a theatre arts minor.

A degree in theatre arts from BSU stands out for its exceptional value and personalized education. Small, focused courses center around experiential learning and developing a well-rounded skillset applicable to careers in theatre arts and beyond. We immerse our theatre arts degree students in all areas of theatre production — from performance and management to design and technology, all while keeping up with current trends in professional theatre.

Your theatre studies program will also delve into the fascinating history of theatre. Then, as you work to complete your degree in theatre arts, customize your BSU experience by choosing electives that align with your areas of interest, such as advanced performance. Should you choose the theatre education track, it will prepare you for teaching in a classroom or theatre company.

Theatre Arts Degree Program Highlights

Professor Matt Greene giving a tour back stage

Work with experienced industry professionals

Theatre department faculty are active professionals in theatre and film and are members of unions like SAG/AFTRA and the Stage Directors and Choreographers Alliance.
A BSU student sits in front of a bank of video monitors

Fine tune your skills in BSU’s updated technology studio

Expand prospects for careers in theatre arts in our design and technology studio, learning to use computer software to support live performances.
Five BSU students performing on RSU Auditorium stage with a backdrop of a paneled room with fireplace and bookcases

Leave it all on the stage in BSU’s upgraded performance space

You’ll have access to the BSU Auditorium, which features all-new rigging and electrics, for rehearsals and performances.

Present your work regionally and nationally

The Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival provides students majoring in theatre the opportunity to present their work for professionals, educators and student peers regionally and nationally.

Take advantage of BSU’s location

Our campus is close to Boston and Providence’s thriving professional theatre scenes.

Network with like-minded peers

All students have the opportunity to join BSU’s Student Theatre Association.

Tailor your education

Through electives, research opportunities and one-on-one academic advising, theatre students are able to focus their education on their career interests

Program of Study for Theatre Arts Majors

In four years, you’ll earn your undergraduate degree in theatre arts or theatre education while working with diverse and talented faculty who get to know you as an individual. To that end, you can tailor your BSU theatre studies to your personal goals with opportunities to work on research projects in line with your interests.

As a student majoring in theatre, you’ll first develop a foundation of theatre studies via required practicum courses. You’ll experience all aspects of theatre production, from operating spotlights to creating marketing materials. Meanwhile, our curriculum reflects current industry needs and trends to best prepare you for careers in theatre arts. Examples include topics in voiceover acting and intimacy issues on stage.

Of course, live performance is key to any theatre arts degree. If you’re majoring in theatre, you’ll participate in Student Repertory Theatre productions, directed, designed and performed by you and your peers.

Click any link below to reveal each program's course detail.

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Program details from 2023-2024 Undergraduate/Graduate Catalog

Programs Related to Theatre Arts

Theatre arts degree students have the opportunity to double major and often choose one of these complementary programs:

Dance, BA
Art, BA
Music, BA
Communications, BA

“The opportunities I had as part of the BSU theatre program allowed me to deepen my knowledge and strengthen my abilities, from conducting undergraduate research and presenting at national theatre conferences to designing professional shows in Boston. I’m so thankful for my years in the program.”
Karly Foster, ’20
Theatre Arts, BA

Careers in Theatre Arts

Careers in theatre arts range from acting to directing to set design. Recent graduates of BSU’s theatre arts degree program are working professionals in the Boston theatre community and beyond. Students with an undergraduate degree in theatre arts from Bridgewater State University also go on to graduate school all over the U.S. and U.K.

Your theatre studies program prepares you for a career in any field, with opportunities to collaborate in ways that any employer values. You’ll develop a wide range of skills from public speaking to management to creative problem solving.

Students majoring in theatre have held job titles including:

  • Theatre educator
  • Performer
  • Owner of dance and performing arts school
  • Theatre technical director
  • Casting director
  • Playwright
  • Designer
  • Stage and production manager

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job market for actors is expected to grow

8%

in the next 10 years.

3 BSU theatre students reading lines from a script

Continue your education beyond your Theatre Arts Major

Your undergraduate theatre arts degree may provide the perfect steppingstone to advanced study.
View BSU Graduate Programs »

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