concentration in

Theatre Arts

Humanities

Become a multiskilled, well-rounded theatre artist with McNeese's bachelor's degree in humanities with a concentration in theatre arts. In this program, you'll learn everything from the art of performing on stage to operating theater technology to stage management.

Program Highlights

Theatre Arts Concentration Highlights

McNeese’s bachelor’s degree program in humanities with a concentration in theatre arts gives students with the unique and versatile skills needed to thrive in any professional career field. Our special, practice-based curriculum fosters knowledge and experience outside of the traditional classroom setting.

Beginning on day one, theatre students begin working on productions. Students act, stage manage, run lights and sound boards, build sets and work run crew on every production at McNeese. This approach gives students the tools they need to succeed and start work upon graduation while helping them build a resume while training. 

While many theatre majors go on to pursue careers on or behind the stage, these skills prepare graduates to succeed in a wide range of employment areas including business management, political science, law, education, public relations and more.

Work with Guest Artists

Real world, working professionals from Broadway, Chicago, Houston, New Orleans and other major markets will visit to work one on one with students and lead master classes. Guest directors from major markets are invited to direct McNeese productions to give students access to the professional world and that allows them to begin building their professional network while still in training.  

At a Glance

Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

Degree Program: Humanities

Program Length: 4 years (120 credit hours)

Availability: in person

Program overview

Explore More for Theatre Arts Majors

With small class sizes, one-on-one advising and faculty well-versed in all aspects of academic and professional theatre, the McNeese humanities bachelor's degree with a concentration in theatre arts provides students with an exceptional educational experience. Other highlights in this program include:

Financial Aid and Scholarships:

A number of scholarships are available for theatre arts majors, including the Rosa Hart scholarship, the Anita and Joe Tritico Theatre scholarship, the Friends of the Theatre scholarship and the Theatre Service Award. Scholarships are awarded based on auditions, GPA and other criteria. Contact the W.A. and Dorothy Hanna Department of Performing Arts to find out more.

Hands-on Experience:

Theatre students can apply their technical skills to real-life settings through the university’s work study program. Participating students use what they’ve learned in the classroom by working the light and sound equipment for theatre productions, concerts, recitals, Banners events and other university events held off-campus.

Tony Winners and Classics

Students engage with hands-on projects and coursework designed to prepare them for professional success. The well-rounded curriculum gives them access to the contemporary Tony and Pulitzer winners, and the classics that everyone loves. Students will graduate with experience working on edgy contemporary dramas and musicals and have a mastery of the language of Shakespeare. 

Professional Networking Opportunities:

McNeese theatre students attend the regional Kennedy Center for American College Theatre conference every year. The conference offers opportunities to see theatre performances by students from other intuitions, participate in theatre workshops and master classes and network with peers. Students can audition for scholarships and for over 120 theatre companies from across the country. 

Take the Next Step!

Careers and Opportunities

What Can You Do with a Theatre Arts Degree?

Majoring in theatre arts provides a strong foundational degree for pursuing careers in theatre, business, management, public relations, marketing, law and more. Or, pursue a master of fine arts degree to specialize your skill set.

Graduate Schools or Programs

  • Master of Fine Arts in Acting
  • Master of Fine Arts in Arts Administration
  • Master of Arts in Communication, Media and Theatre
  • Master of Fine Arts in Lighting Design
  • Master of Fine Arts in Playwriting
  • Master of Fine Arts in Scene Design
  • Master of Fine Arts in Sound Design
  • Master of Fine Arts in Stage Management

Job Titles or Employers

  • Actor
  • Arts Administrator
  • Costume Designer
  • Director
  • Lighting Designer
  • Playwright
  • Production Manager
  • Props Master
  • Set Designer
  • Sound Designer
  • Special Events Technician
  • Stage Manager

Theatre Arts

Programs Related to the Concentration in Theatre Arts

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Program Contact

Joshua Stenvick
jstenvick@mcneese.edu