Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts
Train in the crafts of performance and production.
“There are many opportunities to create and perform, to step out of your comfort zone. We are a very close-knit community; it’s like going to school with a family supporting you.”
Nicole Fava (BFA Theatre Arts ‘19)
Freelance Actor, NYC
About this Program
The Department of Theatre and Film in the College of Liberal Arts offers the B.A. in Theatre Arts. Students can create the art they are passionate about, learn artistry, professionalism, and critical thinking, and discover their place in our society through culturally relevant works in the Department of Theatre & Film.
The department offers great performance, management, and design opportunities for all students, including freshmen, who can be cast in main-stage shows.
- The integration of theatre and film in our program ensures that students have opportunities to learn skills for work on stage and on screen.
- Students not only gain a diverse resume of experiences, but also to have a well-rounded education in many facets of the entertainment industry.
Theatre majors can take advantage of yearly trips to New York to network with UM alumni working in the field.
The film production program has a new complex with multiple sound stages, foley studio for sound recording, editing suites, and other collaborative spaces. Acting and design students will be able to work with stage theatre productions as well as many different film projects.
B.A. vs B.F.A.
The Department of Theatre and Film offers two undergraduate degree options to study theatre arts: the Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts and the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Arts.
- The Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts focuses on critical thinking, production, and scholarship. It has a deeper and wider general education foundation and requires a minor field of study (or double major). Students can tailor the academic program to their own interests and skills.
- The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Arts degree provides focused, hands-on training with emphases in Acting for Stage and Screen as well as Design and Theatre Production. Admission to the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree requires separate, competitive application into the program prior to the freshman year.
The Value of a Theatre Arts Degree
Theatre Arts majors gain key skills in communication, problem-solving, and working with a diverse group of people. Through the study of theatre, students become skilled in creative expression, critical thinking, research, design, direction, and technology. Whether you are an artist, an entrepreneur, a scholar, or a producer, we will increase your potential and help you reach the goals you set for your life and work.
Related careers include:
- Acting
- Playwriting
- Stage management
- Theatre management
- Education
- Direction
- Advertising
- Public relations
- Radio/television
- Law
- Marketing
- Human resources
- Non-profit management
The department is accredited by National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST), which ensures a high quality education.
On this Page…
Program Information
Program Type
Major
Minor
Area of Study
Arts
School
Duration
4 Years
Degree
B.A. in Theatre Arts
Program Location
Emphases
N.A.
Required Credit Hours
120
Degree Requirements
See the information below on the theatre arts major and minor. For a full description, visit the online catalog.
Students in the B.A. in Theatre Arts complete 40 hours of theatre arts courses.
- Thea 120: Intro to Theatre, Film, and Dance
- Thea 121: Creative Thinking
- Thea 321: Theatre History I
- Thea 322: Theatre History II
- Thea 326: Dramatic Literature I
- Thea 327: Dramatic Literature II
- Thea 338: Technology Lab I
- Thea 339: Technology Lab II
- Thea 499: Senior Seminar
Two of the following technology/design courses:
- Thea 270: Basic Lighting and Sound Technology
- Thea 271: Stagecraft
- Thea 272: Introduction to Costumes for the Stage
10 credit hours of Thea electives
A minor in Theatre Arts provides students with a solid knowledge base in theatre practice and theatre studies. The minor consists of 18 credit hours of theatre courses with at least 6 credit hours at the 300 level or higher.
What is Theatre?
Connect with a Theatre Arts Major
Caiden Craddock
- Service and Community Engagement
What do you hope to do after you graduate?
See Caiden’s Answer
Alyssa Sheppard
- Greek Life
- Service and Community Engagement
Why is your department a special place?
See Alyssa’s AnswerWhat can I do with a theatre degree?
- President/Founder, Magnolia Hill Productions
- Co-Founder, Deer Run Media
- Director, New Stage Theatre
- Videographer/Editor, MS Public Broadcasting
- Department Head, CBS
- Voice Actress: Morla E. Gorrondona
- Actor/Writer/Producer, Kennedy Center
- Stage Manager, Blue Man Group
- Actor: James Tate Ellington
- Comedian: Jay Jurden
- Senior Associate, Warner Brothers
- Costume Coordinator, Disney Cruise Line
- Faculty, Savannah College of Art and Design
- Drama Teacher, Boca Raton High School
- Automation Supervisor "O," Cirque du Soleil
Next Steps
Explore Affordability
We have a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help make college more affordable for you and your family.
Apply to the University of Mississippi
Are you ready to take the next step toward building your legacy?