concentration in

Theatre Arts

Liberal Studies

Become a multiskilled, well-rounded theatre artist with McNeese's bachelor's degree in liberal studies 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 liberal studies 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. Stage management, playwriting and the art of acting are taught alongside interdisciplinary skills like improvisation, creative thinking, effective communication, collaboration and coordination and public speaking. Students also receive hands-on training in technical theatre training in design and construction, marketing and promotion, event planning, budgeting and project management, making this degree a valuable investment.

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.

Become a Bayou Player

As a Bayou Player, you will have opportunities to perform in non-musical and musical theatre, serve as stage manager, work in set, light, sound, costume, and makeup design and write scripts and plays for the stage. Not only does this give you extensive, well-rounded experience in acting, technical and writing skills, it also gives you a competitive advantage after graduation when you’re looking to start your career.

At a Glance

Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

Degree Program: Liberal Studies

Program Length: 4 years (120 credit hours)

Availability: in person

Program Overview

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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 liberal studies 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.

Close Ties to Community Theatre:

McNeese’s Bayou Players are members of the Lake Area Theatre Alliance, which includes community and professional companies like the Lake Charles Little Theatre, ACTS Theatre, Black Market Theatre and Itinerant Theater. Students are encouraged to explore opportunities to get involved with these off-campus organizations through performance, technical work, management and more. Every May, a special awards ceremony is held for those graduating students who have participated in community, university and professional theater.

Professional Networking Opportunities:

Every year, theatre arts majors attend the Region IV Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival and have the chance to see theatre performances by students from other institutions, participate in theatre workshops and network with their peers and over 120 theatre companies. Graduating seniors also attend the Southeastern Theatre Conference to connect with theatre companies from all over the United States, attend a theatre job fair and have the chance to audition for professional theatre positions.

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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.

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