A Bachelor of Arts in Theatre with a concentration in Acting and Directing allows students to focus on a single area of study, or combine their passions to develop a desired skill set.
Acting
The acting sequence offers a series of techniques and ideas that allow students to customize their craft to fit their objectives and roles. This training is combined with course work in critical and historical studies, stagecraft, technical theatre, scenic design, costume and lighting.
All undergraduate students in the department (from any sequence) are able to audition for all departmental productions in our main stage season. In addition, each semester there are casting opportunities in student directing projects, as well as in student created independent projects in our Underground Season.
Directing
Our directing students learn to analyze texts, make conceptual choices and guide actors in the rehearsal process. Experiences as assistant directors for faculty and student directed productions offer the opportunity to learn and gain practical knowledge.
Most importantly, our student directors discover an artistic voice through direct work with actors not only in the classroom, but also in ten-minute and one act directing projects presented each semester in our studio theatre spaces as part of the directing curriculum, and through the student directed Underground Season.
Productions
Our main stage season produces seven shows a year in a variety of spaces featuring a mix of classical and contemporary shows. In addition, we have a complete student directed second season called Underground, which features contemporary plays chosen by students, which can speak to topics of interest.
Students also have the opportunity to act or direct in the Ten-Minute Play Festival every fall and the One Act Play Festival each spring.
Internships
Students can work on internships during the semester with local theatre companies. Many students also use their summer break to complete internships with regional professional theatres. Some recent internships include:
The Prizery, Virginia • Flat Rock Playhouse, North Carolina • Barter Theatre, Virginia •Telsey & Co., New York • Lexington Children’s Theatre, Kentucky• Charleston Stage• Orlando Shakespeare Festival
Career Opportunities
Our students go on to work professionally in theatre as actors, directors, designers, stage managers and technicians at all levels from Broadway to regional theatre, children’s theatre, and in film and television. In addition, graduates also pursue careers as teachers, coaches, producers, and critics.
In addition, many graduates continue their studies at prestigious at schools such as New York University, Columbia University, Louisiana State University, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, University of Georgia and University of North Carolina at Greensboro.