Program Overview

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Bachelor of Arts in Theatre

The Bachelor of Arts in Theatre program at the University at Albany provides students with a comprehensive education in theatre, combining traditional courses with production work. This hybrid learning experience enables students to develop a core set of skills in theory, knowledge, and practice, while learning self-discipline and work ethic.

Program of Study

Core Courses

• Play Analysis
• Introduction to Technical Theatre
• Contemporary Theatre
• Theatre History I and II
• Fundamentals of Theatrical Design
• Acting I
• Plays in Process

Practicum

Choose 3 credits from:

• Production Practicum I
• Production Practicum II
• Production Practicum III

Each production practicum provides an opportunity for students to get involved in the practical, hands-on aspects of theatre, offering resume credits and experiential learning.

Section 3

Choose one course from each of the following subsections:

Subsection A

• Playwriting I
• Movement I
• Acting II
• Voice for the Actor

Subsection B

• Stage Management
• Theatrical Drafting
• Scenic Technology
• Lighting Technology
• Costume Technology

Subsection C

• Studies in Theatre History
• History of Clothing Styles
• Dramaturgy
• Seminar in Dramatic Literature

Section 4

Choose one course from:

• Playwriting II
• Directing
• Set Design I
• Technical Design I
• Lighting Design I
• Costume Design I

Elective Course

• One course at the 300- or 400-level

Honors Program

The Honors Program in theatre gives exceptional theatre majors the opportunity to take advanced classes in theatre studies and to work more closely with faculty on independent projects and research. Admission into the program requires an overall GPA of at least 3.25 and minimum 3.5 GPA in all theatre courses.

Theatre Minors

There are four theatre minors available:

• Acting
• Musical Theatre
• Theatre
• Theatrical Design/Technology

Living-Learning Community

Living-Learning Communities provide students with an opportunity to live and take classes with other incoming freshmen who share their personal interests and passions.

Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Option

Students can save time and money by beginning their graduate degree coursework while still enrolled as an undergraduate student. Up to 12 academic credits, billed at the undergraduate rate, will count towards both degrees – so students will complete their combined program in only 5 years and spend less than they would if they completed each program separately.

Combine the Theatre degree with the MS in Information Science program. This ALA-accredited master's program covers a broad range of interdisciplinary topics related to library science, information processing, information management, and data analysis.

Career Outcomes

A Bachelor of Arts in Theatre provides students with a wide array of career opportunities beyond the stage and across industries. Potential job titles for a BA in Theatre include:

• Actor
• Designer
• Engineer
• Writer
• Film Producer

Student Learning Objectives

• Exhibit proficiency in written, oral, visual, technological, and physical modes of theatre communication.
• Apply an understanding of all aspects of theatre’s collaborative processes.
• Exhibit knowledge of theatre history and dramatic literature within cultural and social contexts.
• Demonstrate proficiency in a variety of skills developed in theatre laboratory practice.
• Employ analytical and creative thought processes for the tasks of research, production, concept development, problem-solving, and self-evaluation.