Two students performing in Almost Maine on stage in the UAlbany Performing Arts Center.

Bachelor of Arts

Theatre

Program of Study

programofstudy

Section 1: Core Courses

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


Section 2: Practicum

Choose 3 credits from:

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

Each production practicum provides an opportunity for you to get involved in the practical, hands-on, aspects of theatre. This experiential learning provides resume credits, whether applying for summer theatre work or moving into a career after graduation. Practicums afford you chance to try something new, learn a different skill, improve upon existing abilities, or enjoy being an integral part of creating theatre.


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

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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. See the Undergraduate Bulletin for details

Theatre Minors

There are four theatre minors available:

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

See the Undergraduate Bulletin for more details and requirements on minors.
 

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Living-Learning Community

Living-Learning Communities provide you with an opportunity to live and take classes with other incoming freshmen who share your personal interests and passions. The World of Theatre is for students from all intended majors who are interested in acting, production, musical theatre, plays, directing and all aspects of making theatre happen. As a member of this L-LC, you’ll take classes with other students who are also interested in the collaborative process of bringing literature, science, technology and art to the stage.

Student in a theatre production
Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Option

You can save time and money by beginning your 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 you’ll complete your combined program in only 5 years and spend less than you would if you completed each program separately. 

Combine your 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.

UAlbany graduate at Commencement
combined
Career Outcomes

Whether you see yourself working behind the scenes or under the lights, a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre provides you with a wide array of career opportunities beyond the stage and across industries.

Potential jobs titles for a BA in Theatre include:

  • Actor
  • Designer
  • Engineer
  • Writer
  • Film Producer
Two students performing in a theatre production
career
Student Learning Objectives

Learning objectives that UAlbany students are expected to attain through their course of study within their academic program.

Bachelor of Arts
  • 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.
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What Makes The University at Albany Great

student move in day

Living-Learning Communities

Live and take classes with other incoming freshmen who share your personal interests, passions or intended academic major.

student abroad visiting a monument

Study Abroad

Become a global citizen: international experience is crucial to success in business, education, research, and public policy.

Student conducting undergraduate research

Undergraduate Research

Research, scholarship, and creative activities at the University at Albany is an option for all students, across all academic disciplines. You will be able to learn more about a specific academic field or career path all while building a long-lasting mentoring relationship with a faculty member or principal investigator.

Explore Minors

Build competency in a passion or strengthen your resume.

A minor consists of 18–24 graduation credits which must include a minimum of 9 graduation credits of advanced coursework at or above the 300 level. Most undergraduate degrees require completing a minor and it has to have a different title from your major.

Full List of Minors
  • Acting
  • Africana Studies
  • Anthropology
  • Art
  • Art History
  • Atmospheric Science
  • Bioethics
  • Biology
  • Broadcast Meteorology
  • Business
  • Chemistry
  • Chinese Studies
  • Cognitive Science
  • Communication
  • Computer Science
  • Creative Writing
  • Criminal Justice Studies
  • Cybersecurity
  • Documentary Studies
  • East Asian Studies
  • Economics
  • Educational Studies
  • Electrical and Computer Engineering
  • Electronics
  • Film Studies
  • Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity
  • English
  • Forensic Science
  • French
  • Game Design and Development
  • Geographic Information Science
  • Geography
  • Globalization Studies
  • Hebrew
  • History
  • Informatics
  • Instrumental Performance
  • International Studies
  • Italian
  • Japanese Studies
  • Journalism (Fully Online Option)
  • Judaic Studies
  • Korean Studies
  • Latin American and Caribbean Studies
  • Law and Philosophy
  • Leadership
  • Legal Studies
  • LGBTQ Studies
  • Library and Information Science
  • Linguistics
  • Machine Learning
  • Mathematics
  • Medical Anthropology
  • Music
  • Musical Performance
  • Musical Theatre
  • Philosophy
  • Physics
  • Political Science
  • Portuguese
  • Pre-Education
  • Psychology
  • Public Health
  • Public Policy
  • Religious Studies
  • Russian
  • Russian and Eastern European Studies
  • Social Welfare Studies
  • Sociology
  • Spanish
  • Statistics
  • Sustainability
  • Theatre
  • Theatrical Design/Technology
  • Urban Studies and Planning
  • U.S. Latino Studies
  • Vocal Performance
  • Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies