Pioneers Steal the Show
Students pursuing a BFA in Theatre are immersed in a hands-on education that prepares them to work professionally after graduation. Talented faculty help students sharpen their skills and push them to explore and develop new talents.
As part of our close-knit community, students in the program take foundational theatre courses and complete one of five tracks: Design & Technology, Directing, Playwrighting, Performance, and Musical Theatre. For more information on the musical theatre track, please visit the BFA Musical Theatre page. For other tracks, see requirements below.
The BFA Theatre program is a “select-admission” program. Prospective students must complete this application process.
The Theatre BFA Major
At Marietta College
Beginning their freshman year, students apply their growing skills to productions to create dynamic theatre experiences. Those involved in productions earn academic credit hours through our practicum courses. Each track requires specific practicum courses providing significant hands-on experience in theatre productions. Students complete a theatre internship to practice their expertise professionally and culminate their Marietta College education with a capstone project to demonstrate mastery of theatrical skills.
Because each track includes classes across multiple disciplines, this program is exempt from the general education secondary concentration requirement.
A strong foundation: the Theatre Core
In addition to completing a liberal arts core curriculum, BFA Theatre majors prepare for success in the entertainment industry by completing a rigorous course load that begins with the Theatre Core, classes required of all Theatre majors.
The Theatre Core courses provide the solid foundation on which each track stands. By experiencing each main area of theatre and exploring plays from historical and analytical perspectives, students gain skills necessary for better collaboration and artistic creation.
Ready to Apply?
In addition to applying to Marietta College, the BFA Theatre program requires acceptance to the program through an application process. For more information, go to Theatre Application Requirements.
- Behind the scenes: Design and Technology Track
The Design and Technology track examines the behind-the-scenes artistry of theatre through advanced stagecraft and design courses. Future designers and theatre technicians choose one of the following emphases: Costume, Digital Media and Projection, Lighting, Scenic, or Sound.
- The whole picture: Directing Track
Don’t let the name fool you… the Directing track is not just for directors! This track takes a wider view by examining how the various theatrical arts combine, making it a great choice for future stage managers, playwrights, directors, and artistic directors. Students in this track choose an emphasis: Artistic Direction and Management, Playwriting, or Communication.
- Take the stage: Performance Track
Students in the Performance track develop various techniques to analyze scripts, collaborate with fellow theatre artists, create believable characters, and consistently deliver evocative performances.
- Create your own script: Playwrighting Track
Gain an in-depth understanding of playwriting through courses such as Backstage Experience, Script Analysis, Theatre History and an array of writing classes.
- Recent Productions
- Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley
- The Thanksgiving Play
- Medea
- Twelfth Night
- The Revolutionists
- Doubt
- Macbeth
- Well
- The Laramie Project
FAQs
- Can I be a part of a Theatre production even if I'm not a Theatre major?
Yes! Students can audition for roles in productions and also work behind the scenes.
- Does this major require an internship?
Theatre majors pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts complete an internship related to their academic track, as well as a Capstone project that reflects their knowledge and growth within the major.