Theater / Performing Arts
Acting, directing, stagecraft, and performance studies.
Who It's For
You come alive on stage — or behind the scenes creating costumes, sets, or lighting designs. If you are expressive, collaborative, unafraid of vulnerability, and passionate about storytelling through performance, theater builds both your artistic and interpersonal skills. Students who are energetic, creative, and willing to take risks (artistically and personally) thrive.
If you are uncomfortable performing in front of others, receiving physical and emotional feedback, or working long evening rehearsal hours, theater's demanding schedule and vulnerable nature may not suit you. Students seeking financial stability should understand that theater careers are highly competitive.
How Your High School Classes Connect
How much each subject matters in this degree
Common Coursework
Build acting skills through scene study, improvisation, character analysis, and performance exercises.
Train your vocal instrument — breath support, projection, diction, and dialect work for the stage.
Develop physical expressiveness, body awareness, and stage combat skills for performance.
Survey theater from ancient Greek drama through Shakespeare, modern realism, and experimental forms.
Build sets, operate rigging, and learn backstage technical skills for theatrical productions.
Break down plays by analyzing structure, themes, character objectives, and dramatic action.
Stage scenes and one-act plays, making choices about blocking, pacing, and actor collaboration.
Prepare monologues, cold readings, and callbacks to compete effectively for roles.
Direct, perform in, or design a major production as your capstone theater experience.
Design lighting plots that create mood, focus, and visual storytelling for stage productions.
Research, sketch, and construct costumes that define characters and support the production's vision.
Write original plays, developing characters, dialogue, and dramatic structure through workshops.
Common Next Steps
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Is Theater / Performing Arts right for you?
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