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TheatreMajor

The BA Theatre program allows you to explore and customize your education to include a more multidisciplinary approach to theatre studies, including performance, design and technology, dramaturgy and playwriting.

Overview

What is Theatre at WVU like?

Description

The Bachelor of Arts in Theatre degree offers a broad-based program of study combining a liberal arts education with a general theatre curriculum.

Typically, the BA student in Theatre is one who chooses not to specialize in any one area of the art form, but prefers instead to keep as many educational options open as possible. Future educational and career plans often include specialized study in a graduate program or a career in one of the many fields related to the performing arts.

Theatre program highlights:

Living-Learning Communities
Research/Academic Opportunities

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At a Glance

Admission Requirements
Careers and Employers
Cost and Aid
Courses and Plan of Study
Fast Facts
Related Majors and Minors
Related Pathways

College/School:
College of Creative Arts
Division:
School of Theatre and Dance
Department:
Degree Designation:
BA
Degree Program:
Theatre
Program:
Theatre

Next Steps

Interested in this major? Here are some suggested next steps:

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Fast Facts

What makes Theatre at WVU unique?

Academic
Accreditation
Outcomes
Facility
Financial Support
Other

Broad curriculum options.
Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre.
The Creative Consultants program pairs students with successful alums for mentorship.
On-campus facilities include costume and scene shops, drafting studio and the Brown CAD and Rendering Lab.
The Creative Arts Center's five theatres of varied sizes and setups provide diverse atmospheres for learning.
Grants available for educational travel and research opportunities.
By their sophomore year, students can begin stage managing and taking on other leadership roles within the mainstage season.
Students write and direct shows, as well as performing and serving as dramaturgs in other productions.
West Virginia Public Theatre, a professional theatre operated through the College of Creative Arts, uses talents of both equity actors and our students.

Research and Academic Opportunities

The Evansdale Library is just a short walk from the Creative Arts Center and houses a script collection. Students can access industry specific journals and magazines to stay current on what is happening and what is about to happen in the world of theatre.
In their senior year, Theatre students choose an area of their senior level coursework in which they wish to complete a capstone project. Many will direct, stage manage or dramaturg a show within the lab theatre or mainstage season.

Living-Learning Communities (LLCs)

Live, study and pursue outside-the-classroom learning in a residence hall community that shares your interests:

Transfer Articulation Agreements

To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to WVU. Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.

Professional Organizations

Network with professionals in your field as a student member of:

Actors Equity Association

Careers

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

Graduates pursue careers in theatre as directors, producers, dramaturgs, performers and playwrights. Others have pursued graduate level work in any number of areas both in and out of theatre.

Graduates have gone on to be successful theatre performers, producers and educators, and work for Broadway, Off-Broadway and regional theatre companies.

Possible Careers

Wondering what you can do with a degree from WVU's Theatre major? Check out these ideas from WVU Career Services and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is the midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.

Bright Outlook
Green Occupation
Requires a Graduate Degree

Actors

Play parts in stage, television, radio, video, motion picture productions, or other settings for entertainment, information, or instruction. Interpret serious or comic role by speech, gesture, and body movement to entertain or inform audience. May dance and sing.
Possible job titles for this career include: Actor.
NA Median Salary

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Art Directors

Formulate design concepts and presentation approaches for visual communications media, such as print, broadcasting and advertising. Direct workers engaged in art work or layout design.
Possible job titles for this career include: Art Director.
$105,180 Median Salary

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Producers and Directors

Plan and coordinate various aspects of radio, television, stage, or motion picture production, such as selecting script, coordinating writing, directing and editing, and arranging financing.
Possible job titles for this career include: News Producer.
$85,320 Median Salary

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Talent Directors

Audition and interview performers to select most appropriate talent for parts in stage, television, radio, or motion picture productions.
Possible job titles for this career include: Artistic Director.
$85,320 Median Salary

Learn More

This page includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license.

Employers

Graduates from this major have gone to work at:

Courses

What are the courses like in Theatre at WVU?

Plan of Study

Check out a program overview, learning goals, course descriptions and suggested plan of study for WVU's Theatre major.

View the Plan of Study

Popular Courses

THET 170:
World Theatre and Drama

Introduction to theatre and drama traditions in ten world cultures. An intercultural study of theaters, performance and staging practices, the cultural milieu, and dramatic literature.

THET 230:
Text Analysis

For the student theatre practitioner in acting, design, directing, and stage management. Explorations include: anchoring techniques, concept of "pressures," and the parameters of a dramatic event.

THET 302:
Directing

Fundamental theory and practice of directing for live theatre with emphasis on script analysis, director-actor communication, ground plan, and composition.

Cost and Aid

How much does Theatre at WVU cost? And how can you save?

Tuition and Fees

Estimated rates are available on our tuition website. Anyone who is not a current West Virginia resident, including international students, will be charged non-resident rates.

View Tuition and Fees

Scholarships

Estimate your eligibility for merit scholarships at WVU Morgantown.

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Net Price Calculator

Estimate your cost of attendance and eligibility for financial aid and scholarships at any WVU System campus.

Visit the Net Price Calculator

Ways to Save

Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending WVU in addition to university scholarships.

Ohio Tuition Reciprocity

As the result of a special agreement, students from Ohio who are fully admitted to Theatre can enroll at WVU and pay in-state tuition rates. Students must be admitted to both the University and this major.

Transfer Articulation Agreements

To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to WVU.

Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.

Learn How to Transfer Course Credits

Requirements

What are the requirements to apply for Theatre at WVU?

To be admitted to WVU's Theatre major, you must meet WVU's first-time freshman admission requirements for the 2024-25 academic year. Interested in transferring? Review the transfer admission requirements.

Related Majors and Minors

What other options does WVU have?

Theatre Design and Technology
We provide hands-on training through work on the Theatre and Dance mainstage. Working side by side with faculty, you'll develop a variety of theatre environments using the most current technology and tools available.

Learn More

What minors could I consider?

Theatre
Minor
Theatre Production
Minor

Related Pathways

What majors share similar career interests with this major at WVU?

Visual and Performing Arts
Expand your expertise and turn your talent in visual arts, dance, music or theatre into a rewarding career.

Learn More

Next Steps

I like this major. What are the next steps?

Apply Now

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Request Information

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