Program Overview

Introduction to the Theatre Program

The Department of Theatre and Film at Bowling Green State University is a distinguished institution that cultivates the next generation of theatrical visionaries, exceptional performers, and industry innovators. Students seeking the best theatre programs in the U.S. choose BGSU for its active production schedule, thriving arts community, and many pathways to professional success.

Program Overview

The university offers a Bachelor of Arts in theatre and a theatre BAC, with concentrations in:

• Acting/directing
• Design/technical theatre
• Musical theatre Earning a theatre arts degree at BGSU is a journey of self-discovery and creative growth, preparing students for great careers and providing them with the skills to make a big impact on stage, on screen, in the classroom, in the boardroom, or wherever their path leads.

Why Study Theatre at BGSU

The program is recognized for its excellence, with accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Theatre, guaranteeing educational quality and ensuring that the bachelor's degree in theatre will be recognized and respected by graduate schools, employers, and industry professionals nationwide. The theatre program produces 8-10 productions annually, providing students with extensive hands-on experience in every aspect of theatrical creation.

Student Organizations and Opportunities

Active theatre student organizations include:

• Alpha Psi Omega
• BG on Screen
• BG Reel
• Film Appreciation Club
• Musical Theatre Students (MuTS)
• Student Technicians, Artisans and Designers (STAD)
• University Dance Alliance (UDA) Students can also take part in exciting travel opportunities, such as the biennial London Theatre Experience workshop and the annual Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival in Washington, D.C.

Career Paths

The skills developed through intensive theatre study, including communication, collaboration, creative problem-solving, and leadership, are highly valued across virtually all industries. Many theatre degree graduates discover rewarding careers in:

• Arts administration
• Entertainment marketing
• Talent management
• Corporate training
• Nonprofit leadership
• Education
• Media production Specific career paths include:
• Actor (stage, screen, voice, etc.)
• Content creator (digital media)
• Communications specialist
• Drama teacher (with additional certification)
• Event planner
• Producer (theatre, film, television, radio, etc.)
• Public relations specialist
• Set designer
• Social media marketing
• Stage manager
• Theatre director
• Theatre education specialist
• Theatre manager
• Theatre technician
• Youth theatre director

Program Requirements

The BGSU undergraduate theatre degree programs are designed to prepare students for careers in performance, production, education, and beyond. The curriculum includes a strong liberal arts foundation and core theatre coursework in areas such as acting, directing, script analysis, theatre history, and production experience. All theatre majors engage in a three-part professional development seminar series to discover a range of theatre-related career paths and shape clear goals along with practical strategies to achieve them.

Specializations

Undergraduate theatre majors can select specializations in:

• Acting/Directing: Advance performance skills to a professional level and learn to guide others in bringing characters and stories to life.
• Design/Technical theatre: Explore the artistry behind the scenes in set design, lighting, and costume creation.
• Musical theatre: Develop the triple-threat skills of singing, dancing, and acting through an intensive, audition-based program.

Required Courses

Required courses for the B.A. in theatre include:

• Acting: Principles
• Directing
• Performance in Life and on Stage
• Period, Style and Form
• Production Participation (Tech and Acting)
• Script Analysis
• Theatre Studies in Practice I and II

Accreditation

The Bowling Green State University Bachelor of Communication in Theatre, Bachelor of Arts in Theatre, Master of Arts in Theatre, and Ph.D. in Theatre are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre since 1974 and are in good standing. Bowling Green State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.