Theatre Arts (BA)

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Theatre is a diverse curriculum that prepares theatre students to become leaders and innovators in theatre, film, and entertainment industries.  

Please see the UNLV College of Fine Arts, Department of Theatre web page for information about department programs, faculty and facilities. Degree worksheets and 4/5 year plan for the major are available on the UNLV Degrees Directory.

Available Options

Concentration in Design/Technology

The design/technology concentration offers specialized training in costume, lighting, scenic design, and theater technology for the student pursuing a career as a professional designer or technician or conservatory training beyond the bachelor’s level. In addition to the core of theater classes required of all majors, design/technology requires extended coursework in the chosen area(s) of design and technology. Students also take computer-assisted drafting, dramatic literature, and numerous interdisciplinary classes to broaden and enhance their training. These classes are chosen from the art, film, music, and dance. Students have the opportunity to complete numerous production assignments including design opportunities.

Concentration in Stage and Screen Acting

This new undergraduate program of study is designed for students interested in pursuing a professional career on the stage and screen. It offers conservatory-style training for the serious acting student in all aspects of performance including professional actor training, camera training for film and television as well as voice, movement and speech training with a special emphasis on all styles of acting. Admission is by audition only. The program is lead by UNLV’s distinguished faculty with professional careers in the acting industry.

Concentration in Theatre Studies

The theatre studies concentration offers generalized study in all aspects of theater for students seeking a professional career in teaching, performance, design/ technology, and/or continued practical, artistic, or scholarly study beyond the bachelor’s level. In addition to the general core and theatre core, theatre studies students choose from a broad range of courses that blend the best of both design/technology and performance. The concentration requires fewer credits specific to the major and is a good choice for students enrolled in the Honors College or students pursuing a double major or a minor in another department. Theatre studies is often the best choice for transfer students as it allows easier integration of classes taken elsewhere.

Learning Objectives

1. Communication Techniques- visual communication techniques.
2. Production Skills- responsibility for a production aspect.
3. Academic Skills- writing, research, discussion.
4. Professional preparation- self marketing as is timely and appropriate in their program.
5. The ability to study and analyze plays; an understanding of genre, style, and direction.
6. An understanding of the contextual importance of theatre in the humanities, in the fine arts and part of the human experience.
7. Research- Gather, interpret and communicate historic, interpretive, and conceptual ideas within the theatrical framework.
8. Collaboration- Build verbal and written communication skills with all members of the collaborative design and production team.