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Bachelor of Arts in
Theatre Arts

Callouts

LEVEL

Undergraduate

DEGREE

Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts (BA)

COLLEGE

College of Visual and Performing Arts

LOCATION

On Campus, Hybrid

Bachelor of Arts in Theatre

Are you fascinated by the lure of the stage? Do you dream of starring in award-winning plays, directing a cast of talented actors or designing the sets and costumes that bring life to performances?

Earning your bachelor’s degree in theatre from Alabama State University is your ticket to an exciting career on the stage and behind the scenes. ASU is considered one of the most respected colleges for theatre in the region for its commitment to providing a well-rounded theatre degree focused on developing the entire human being — creatively, emotionally, culturally and psychologically

Why Alabama State University is One of the Best Theatre Schools

The world of theatre is vast and offers diverse opportunities. That’s why we’ve created a theatre degree that’s tailored to your professional dreams. Interested in acting and directing? Our performance concentration will prepare you to take center stage and lead productions. Want to work behind the curtain as a set designer, lighting expert or sound engineer? We make it easy to focus on the technical side of theatre. See yourself managing and preparing performances? Our generalist emphasis will provide you with the experience and skills to run the show. Join one of the most flexible colleges for theatre in the nation and reach your red-carpet dreams.

Explore Courses for the Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre at ASU

Thanks to our balanced and practical theatre degree program, our theatre majors have found success on Broadway, in television and film, and in education.

Beyond careers in theatre and performance-related fields, you’ll also be well-prepared to continue your education at advanced theatre schools or in exploring other fields. You’ll master fundamental skills like creative problem-solving, leadership and team-building —skills that are essential to nearly every industry.

When you graduate with a bachelor’s degree in theatre from ASU, you’ll be ready for a huge variety of careers, including:

  • Actor
  • Director
  • Producer
  • Set designer
  • Costume designer
  • Stage manager
  • Educator
  • Writer
  • Critic

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for actors is predicted to grow 32% over the next decade, more than triple the average for other occupations. Jobs for producers and directors are projected to grow 24% over the same amount of time.

Places Alumni Work

 

Why Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre from ASU?

Hands-on learning is at the core of our theatre degree program, and one reason we believe Alabama State is one of the best colleges for theater. When you choose ASU, you’ll be immersed in the world of theatre and surround yourself with faculty and other theatre majors who share your passion for the stage.

Some of the features that help us stand out from other theatre schools include:

Practical experience performing.

In addition to the time that you’ll spend in classes perfecting your craft, you’ll also get to participate in mainstage productions, our annual One Act Play Festival and various special events throughout the year — allowing you to build a robust resume while making lasting connections.

Caring, enthusiastic faculty.

Our committed theatre degree program faculty make us one of the most respected colleges for theatre in the country. Thanks to small class sizes, you’ll get individual attention and support from a faculty with more than 80 years of combined teaching experience.

National recognition.

Our bachelor’s degree in theatre is accredited by the National Association of School of Theatre. That means you can be sure that your theatre degree is from one of the top theatre schools in the nation.

Program Callouts

85%

Percentage of ASU theatre majors working in theatre and theatre-related fields after graduation

80

Theatre degree faculty have 80+ years of professional and teaching experience.

24–32%

Percentage of job growth for actors, directors and producers

3

The bachelor’s degree in theatre program offers three unique concentrations.

What Our Theatre Degree Alumni Say

 

“I’ve been a part of ‘The Lion King’ cast since its opening on Broadway. But my journey started at Alabama State University in the Theatre Department with Dr. Tommie Stewart! The training we received has without a doubt been my staying power for all the years I’ve been working professionally — acting, voiceover work, dance, all of it — I got my training right there in Leila Barlow Theatre. Any student who’s thinking about studying Theatre: ASU is the place to be!”

Bonita H.-C.
’00, Theatre
 

Related Programs and Additional Resources

Connect with ASU

Department of Theatre Arts

The many successes of our theatre majors make us one of the best colleges for theatre in the country. That’s why ASU is dedicated to helping aspiring performers and stage technicians develop as well-rounded citizens committed to ensuring equity and social justice both on and off the stage. If you want to learn more about why we’re considered among the top theatre schools, please reach out to us.