Program Overview

Theatre, BA

The Theatre, BA program at the University of Alabama is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in the field of theatre. A background in theatre, music, or art is most helpful but not required to be a successful theatre major. Performance experience can come from a variety of areas, including high school theatre and musical performances, church plays, community theatres, etc.

Admission into the Major

Students are expected to formally declare a major no later than the fourth semester of full-time enrollment (or at 61 semester hours for transfer students). Students can declare a major by completing the Change of Major/Minor Application.

Special Opportunities

The Department of Theatre and Dance offers various areas of study leading to the BA degree in theatre. These areas include:

• Acting
• Musical theatre
• Arts management and administration
• Design and technical production
• Costume design and production Please see the principal advisor in each of these areas for suggested courses.

BA Program Requirements

Students earning the bachelor of arts (BA) degree with a major in theatre must complete all University, College, and departmental degree requirements. These include the general education requirements, the following major requirements, all requirements for an approved minor, and other sufficient credits to total a minimum of 120 applicable semester hours.

Production Participation

In order to participate in department-produced productions, enrollment at The University of Alabama is required, and the student must enroll in an approved course. Typically, students enroll in one of the Practicum courses or another approved Department course.

Curriculum Requirements

The following courses are required for the Theatre, BA program:

• TH 114: Intro To The Theatre (3 hours)
• TH 141: Acting I (3 hours)
• TH 191: Practicum I (1 hour)
• TH 220 or TH 231: Fundamentals of Stagecraft or Beginning Costume Construction (3 hours)
• TH 291: Practicum II (1 hour)
• TH 361 or TH 470: Beginning Directing or Arts Management (3 hours)
• TH 391: Practicum III (1 hour)
• TH 451: Hist Of The Theatre I (3 hours)
• TH 452: History Of The Theatre II (3 hours)
• Electives:
  • Select at least two hours of TH electives 300-400 level (2 hours)
  • Select 14 hours of TH electives (13 hours) Credit Hours Subtotal: 36 Total Hours: 36

Grade Point Average

A 2.0 grade point average in the major is required for completion of the degree.

Upper-level Residency

A minimum of 12 hours of 300- and 400-level courses in the major must be earned on this campus.

Ancillary Courses

The theatre major does not require ancillary courses.

Additional Major Requirements

Students are responsible for ensuring that they have met all University, College, major, and minor requirements. However, each student must meet with an adviser in the major department for academic planning and to be approved for registration each semester.

Career Opportunities

The Theatre, BA program prepares students for a variety of career opportunities, including:

• Commercial theatre in NY, Chicago, and LA
• Regional theatre
• Film and television
• Education
• Theme parks
• Cruise ships
• Scenery and costume studios
• Technical production companies

Types of Jobs Accepted

Graduates of the Theatre, BA program have accepted jobs in:

• Film and television performance
• Production personnel in regional theatre
• Sales and technical personnel in production companies
• High school educators
• Business and performance management
• Graduate school

Jobs of Experienced Alumni

Experienced alumni of the Theatre, BA program have gone on to work as:

• Executive director
• NYC (Broadway Theatre)
• National Broadway tours
• Television and film acting
• Cruise ships
• Production and design positions at major regional theatres
• Production and design positions at major regional theme parks
• University and high school educators
• Management at all levels in the entertainment industry