B.F.A. in Theatre Arts
Create the art that you are passionate about by learning artistry, professionalism, and critical thinking.
There are two paths to study theatre at the University of Mississippi. Choose between the generalist Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts or the more specialized, competitive-entry, and pre-professional Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with emphasis areas in acting for stage and screen, and theatre design and production.
Key Benefits
The study of theatre and film encompasses all aspects of these industries, and students become skilled in creative expression, critical thinking, research, design, direction, and technology. The department, which is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre, integrates theatre and film to ensure students learn skills for work on stage and on screen, providing a well-rounded education in many facets of the entertainment industry.
Graduate Outcomes
A liberal arts education prepares graduates to deal with complexity and change. They gain key skills in communication, problem-solving, and working with diverse groups. Related careers in theatre and film include acting, make-up design, playwriting, costume design, education, lighting design, advertising, public relations, radio/television, law, marketing, human resources, sound design, set design, stage management, and theatre management.
Experiences Offered
The Department of Theatre & Film offers great performance, management and design opportunities for all students, including freshmen, who can be cast in main-stage shows. The department produces 4-5 shows a year representing a variety of forms and eras with at least one production each season being a major musical. Theatre majors can also take advantage of yearly trips to New York to network with University of Mississippi alumni working in the field.
B.F.A. in Theatre Arts Faculty
Students enjoy a very low student to teacher ratio in the Department of Theatre and Film at the University of Mississippi. We have core faculty in acting; cinema production and cinema acting; costume, scenic, and sound design; dance; musical theatre; dance; and theatre history.
Course Requirements
A major in theatre arts for the B.F.A. degree requires 129 semester hours. Students are required to choose one of three emphases: acting, design/theatre technology, or musical theatre.
Admissions Requirements
Admission to the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Arts degree is by competitive entry. Students have a portfolio review for admission to the design emphasis prior to enrollment at the University of Mississippi. Students audition for admission to the acting for stage and screen emphasis prior to their first year.
Tate Ellington
Tate (2001), with 56 film and TV credits on IMDb, has worked on Broadway (The Philanthropist), off-Broadway, film, and TV. Now living in Los Angeles, Tate stars in the new NBC fall drama series "The Brave." He is in the Showtime series "Shameless." Other TV credits include "The Blacklist," "Parenthood," "Quantico," "The Mindy Project," "The Walking Dead," "The Big Bang Theory," and more. Ellington's film roles include "Remember Me," "Straight Outta Compton," "The Endless," The Invention of Lying," and "The Elephant King," which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival and garnered him a Best Actor Award at the 2006 Brooklyn International Film Festival.
Why Study Theatre at UM? "I got a great education and loved every minute of it. I definitely attribute a lot of my success to that foundation."
Student Organizations
Join Alpha Psi Omega honor society, the student-run Ghostlight Repertory Theatre, or the Ole Miss Student Dance organization.