Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre Arts

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Program Highlights

Theatre Arts Concentration Highlights

McNeese’s bachelor’s degree program in liberal studies with a concentration in theatre arts gives provides students with the unique and versatile skills needed to thrive in any professional theatre career field by fostering knowledge and experience outside of the traditional classroom setting. Practical theatre skills such as performance are taught alongside interdisciplinary skills like improvisation, creative thinking, effective communication, collaborating and coordinating with diverse teams, and public speaking. Students also receive hands-on training in technical skills like set 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

In McNeese’s theatre arts program, students receive experience in all areas of theatre design, management, production and performance in a special practice-based curriculum. As a Bayou Player, you will have opportunities to perform, 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 versatile and well-rounded experience to enhance your acting, technical and writing skills by experiencing the theater holistically, it also gives you a competitive advantage after graduation when 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:

Program Overview

Program overview

Explore More for Theatre Arts Majors

With small class sizes, one-on-one advising, and professors well-versed in all aspects of both 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:

Scholarships and financial aid

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 through work study

Theatre students have the ability to apply their technical skills to real-life settings with through the university’s work study program. Participating students use what they’ve learned in the classroom beyond the theatre stage by working the light and sound equipment for other university productions, concerts, recitals, Banners events in McNeese’s performance venues, as well as other Presidential and university events held off-campus in the city of Lake Charles.

Close ties to community theatre

McNeese’s Bayou Players are members of the Lake Area Theatre Alliance, which includes local community theatre companies Lake Charles Little Theatre and ACTS Theatre and professional theatre companiesBlack 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 to receive a one-of-a-kind handmade ceramic memento to celebrate this achievement.

Professional networking opportunities

Every year, theatre arts majors attend The Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival Region VI and have the chance to see performances by students from other institutions, participate in 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.

Careers and Opportunities

What Can You Do with a Threatre Arts Degree?

While a bachelor's degree in theatre arts provides a strong foundational degree for pursuing careers in business, management, public relations, marketing, law, and other careers, there are also a variety of careers available in the rapidly-growing field of theatre arts for graduates. Or, pursue a master of fine arts degree to specialize your skillset.

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
Choreographer
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

Not sure if the concentration in theatre arts is right for you? Check out these other undergraduate degree programs at McNeese and talk about your options with a recruiter.

Bachelor of Music - Vocal Performance

Bachelor of Art in Liberal Studies - Humanities

Bachelor of Art in English - Writing

Bachelor of Art in Art - Painting

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