The Best BA Theatre Programs
Over the past twenty years, opportunities for studying theater at the undergraduate level have proliferated. While some applicants seek a more intensive, conservatory-style program, many are more interested in the flexibility of a BA program within a larger liberal arts university.
Let’s explore some of the best undergraduate BA Theatre programs that will support you in honing your craft and growing as an artist.
Northwestern University
Seeking a true college experience at a liberal arts university while also obtaining specialized training in acting and theatre arts? Northwestern could be the place for you.
At Northwestern, students are encouraged to supplement their theater coursework by exploring classes across disciplines. Many students pursue different certificates and modules, such as the Music Theatre Certificate or the Acting for Screen Module.
The university’s proximity to Chicago, a bustling artistic hub, is also a huge plus!
Yale University
Yale’s Theater and Performance Studies (TAPS) major offers students a rigorous and interdisciplinary study of theater arts in theory and practice.
This means that students will have the opportunity to take courses in subjects such as History, Philosophy, and Political Science-- there’s even a specialized major called Computing and the Arts, which examines intersections of theater and technology.
All of this and the influence of Yale’s world-renowned MFA in Drama program make TAPS a stellar program for undergraduate theater studies.
University of Southern California
Interested in being a Los Angeles-based actor? Have an interest in TV, Film, or Comedy? USC could be a great choice for you.
While USC offers auditioned BFA degrees in areas such as Musical Theatre, Acting, and Design, the university’s BA in Theatre supports students with a liberal arts core while still providing opportunities for specialization.
BA Theatre students can choose to pursue an emphasis in Acting, Comedy, or Design. Additionally, BA students are encouraged to minor or double major in another field; the program offers much flexibility to students with multiple interests!
Ithaca College
Ithaca’s BA in Theatre Studies is a great program for those yearning to achieve a holistic understanding of theater arts.
Ithaca’s Theatre department is robust, with impressive resources supporting its extensive BA, BS, and BFA programming. Theatre BAs can take advantage of these resources and learn from professionals while still maintaining the flexibility that a Bachelor of Arts has to offer.
Additionally, “Ithaca is Gorges!” Enjoy the natural beauty of the school, and the welcoming nature of its student body.
Vassar College
Vassar offers students a small, liberal arts college experience with a focus on a well-rounded, interdisciplinary, and global approach to drama.
The program balances this theoretical understanding of theater arts with hands-on, applied courses in acting, directing, and design.
Vassar alumni go on to pursue varied and impressive endeavors in the worlds of Theater, Film, and TV. Alumni include Meryl Streep, Noah Baumbach, and Ethan Slater.
Skidmore College
Actually a Bachelor of Science degree, Skidmore’s program is known for its focus on innovative, intercultural, and experimental approaches to theater.
Skidmore’s Theater courses put a heavy focus on writing, as well as the many facets of theater-making, whether it be directing, acting, or technical theater.
This program seamlessly combines a pre-professional training experience with a true liberal arts approach to the function of theater in society.
Unsure what you want?
Check out this article on BA vs BFA degrees, or schedule a free consultation with us to talk through each and every exciting option out there. There is a program out there for everyone!