Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre, Emphasis in Theatre Studies

The emphasis in theatre studies offers broad training in many theatre disciplines, including performance, design, production, history, literature and criticism. The BFA in theatre requires:

  • A portfolio review and/or an audition, along with an interview for entrance into the BFA program. Prospective theatre studies students may choose to perform one audition monologue, or present a portfolio for review, or both. A sample of academic writing is also useful in the selection process. The specific elements of a theatre studies audition are left up to the student, but we can consult with you in advance and give advice. BFA theatre studies auditions/portfolio reviews and interviews are held in early December, January and February. In addition, Theatre TCU students participate in the National Unified Auditions in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles, drawing a student body from around the nation.
  • A yearly jury with theatre faculty, but no cuts are made; rather, the jury is a time to assess growth and create a plan for further development.
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View the BFA in theatre with an emphasis in theatre studies degree plan, course offerings and descriptions.

 

BFA theatre studies students have a broad curriculum comprising all areas of theatre. Most theatre classes are composed of an average of 12 students. Theatre studies students may identify one specific area in which they would like to informally focus (directing, stage management, playwriting, etc.), however many majors have varied interests.

An emphasis in theatre studies is ideal for students who are interested in directing, playwriting, stage managing, dramaturgy and literary management, theatre administration and teaching. Theatre studies students have been successful as actors, directors, playwrights, stage managers, designers and production crew members.

The Department of Theatre has three completely different theatre venues (proscenium, thrust, black box) in the same building, affording diverse production experiences for our theatre students. BFA theatre studies students have the opportunity to work in a variety of ways on Theatre TCU productions during the year.

All BFA theatre majors serve on a production crew each semester, rotating between a variety of assignments and training. That means that every student will be hanging lights, painting scenery and creating props. Because we don’t have a graduate program in theatre, all casts and student production staffs are undergraduates.