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Theatre Studies - B.A.

The Theatre Studies program offers a well-rounded theatre education, including a broad range of topics, from theatre history to dramatic literature. Access experienced faculty, real-world opportunities and state-of-the-art facilities. Enroll now and take the first step toward a fulfilling career in theatre.

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Eric S. Kildow
Associate Professor & Theatre Director
330-675-8829
ekildow@kent.edu

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Bachelor's Degree in Theatre Studies

Kent State University's Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Studies offers students a comprehensive education in the theory, history, and practice of theatre. The program provides a balanced approach, blending academic exploration of theatre with practical, hands-on experiences in performance, production, and stage management. Students engage with a wide range of theatrical styles and genres, from classical works to contemporary theatre, while also developing critical thinking, creativity, and collaborative skills. Through coursework, performances, and internships, students gain a deep understanding of the cultural, social, and historical significance of theatre. Graduates are prepared for careers in theatre production, education, arts administration, and other creative industries, as well as further study in graduate programs.

Program Information for Theatre Studies - B.A.

Program Description

Program Description

Full Description

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Studies gives students an opportunity for study in all aspects of theatre and its relationship to other liberal arts studies. This program serves students who seek a wider range of possibilities to fulfill individual creative goals, whether as theatre artists, scholars, educators and/or contributors in related fields. Students receive thorough grounding in theatre history and theory and learn imaginative and critical thinking, the process of making theatre and leadership skills.

The Theatre Studies major comprises the following concentrations:

  • The General Studies concentration combines the study of dramatic literature, production and performance work.
  • The Performance concentration offers in-depth training in acting. Through a series of acting courses, students learn a variety of acting styles and techniques applicable to both stage and screen.
  • The Production concentration offers specified training in one or more design, technology and production specializations.

In addition, students in the Theatre Studies major must declare another major or a minor at Kent State.

Admissions for Theatre Studies - B.A.

Admissions

Admission Requirements

The university affirmatively strives to provide educational opportunities and access to students with varied backgrounds, those with special talents and adult students.

First-Year Students on the Kent Campus: First-year admission policy on the Kent Campus is selective. Admission decisions are based upon cumulative grade point average, strength of high school college preparatory curriculum and grade trends. Students not admissible to the Kent Campus may be administratively referred to one of the seven regional campuses to begin their college coursework. For more information, visit the admissions website for first-year students.

First-Year Students on the Regional Campuses: First-year admission to Kent State’s campuses at Ashtabula, East Liverpool, Geauga, Salem, Stark, Trumbull and Tuscarawas, as well as the Twinsburg Academic Center, is open to anyone with a high school diploma or its equivalent. For more information on admissions, contact the Regional Campuses admissions offices.

International Students: All international students must provide proof of proficiency of the English language (unless they meet specific exceptions) through the submission of an English language proficiency test score or by completing English language classes at Kent State’s English as a Second Language Center before entering their program. For more information, visit the admissions website for international students.

Former Students: Former Kent State students who have not attended another institution since Kent State and were not academically dismissed will complete the re-enrollment process through the Financial, Billing and Enrollment Center. Former students who attended another college or university since leaving Kent State must apply for admissions as a transfer or post-undergraduate student.

Transfer Students: Students who attended an educational institution after graduating from high school or earning their GED must apply as transfer students. For more information, visit the admissions website for transfer students.

Admission policies for undergraduate students may be found in the University Catalog's Academic Policies.

Students may be required to meet certain criteria to progress in their program. Any progression requirements will be listed on the program's Coursework tab

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Articulate procedures and approaches to differentiate various theatrical styles and techniques.
  2. Examine playwriting and production processes and the artistic and cultural forces that shape them.
  3. Apply intermediate to advanced skills in one or more theatre specializations in creation, performance or scholarship.
  4. Evaluate a diverse selection of theatre repertory.
  5. Describe the basic process involved in mounting a theatre production.
  6. Synthesize research, performance and/or production.

Coursework

On This Page

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Major Requirements (courses count in major GPA)
THEA 11100MAKING THEATRE: CULTURE AND PRACTICE 2
THEA 11303THE ART OF ACTING 3
or THEA 21303 ACTING PROCESS
THEA 11725FUNDAMENTALS OF THEATRE DESIGN AND PRODUCTION 3
THEA 31030GLOBAL THEATRE HISTORIES 3
THEA 41115LGBTQ THEATRE (DIVD) 3
or THEA 41130 THEATRE AND DRAMA IN AMERICA
THEA 41999CAPSTONE PROJECT (ELR) 3
THEA 42092PRACTICUM: DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY (ELR) 3
Design Elective, choose from the following:3
THEA 21522
LIGHTING DESIGN
THEA 21524
COSTUME DESIGN
THEA 21528
SOUND AND PROJECTION DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY
THEA 21622
SCENE DESIGN
THEA 21736
STAGE MANAGEMENT
Design and Management Elective, choose from the following:3
THEA 21522
LIGHTING DESIGN
THEA 21524
COSTUME DESIGN
THEA 21528
SOUND AND PROJECTION DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY
THEA 21622
SCENE DESIGN
THEA 21736
STAGE MANAGEMENT
THEA 41522
DESIGN STUDIO: LIGHTING
THEA 41523
SOUND DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY I
THEA 41524
DESIGN STUDIO: COSTUME
THEA 41528
THEATRE SOUND REINFORCEMENT
THEA 41622
DESIGN STUDIO: SCENERY
THEA 41726
THEATRE MANAGEMENT
THEA 41736
PRODUCTION AND STAGE MANAGEMENT
THEA 42040
SHOP MANAGEMENT
Theatre Elective, choose from the following:3
DAN 47163
DANCE HISTORY II (WIC) 1
THEA 41010
THEATRE AND SOCIAL CHANGE
THEA 41026
PLAYWRITING (WIC) 1, 2
THEA 41113
THEATRE IN A MULTICULTURAL AMERICA (DIVD)
THEA 41115
LGBTQ THEATRE (DIVD)
THEA 41130
THEATRE AND DRAMA IN AMERICA
THEA 41140
AMERICAN MUSICAL THEATRE HISTORY (WIC) 1
THEA 41191
VARIABLE CONTENT SEMINAR: THEATRE HISTORY, LITERATURE AND THEORY 2
THEA 41620
HISTORY OF PERIOD STYLES FOR THEATRE DESIGNERS (WIC) 1
Writing-Intensive Elective, choose from the following:3
DAN 47163
DANCE HISTORY II (WIC) 1
THEA 41026
PLAYWRITING (WIC) 1, 2
THEA 41140
AMERICAN MUSICAL THEATRE HISTORY (WIC) 1
THEA 41620
HISTORY OF PERIOD STYLES FOR THEATRE DESIGNERS (WIC) 1
Additional Requirements (courses do not count in major GPA)
UC 10001FLASHES 101 1
Kent Core Composition6
Kent Core Mathematics and Critical Reasoning3
Kent Core Humanities and Fine Arts (minimum one course from each)9
Kent Core Social Sciences (must be from two disciplines)6
Kent Core Basic Sciences (must include one laboratory)6-7
Kent Core Additional6
Minor or Another Major Requirement and General Electives (total credit hours depends on earning 120 credit hours, including 39 upper-division credit hours)30
Concentrations
Choose from the following:21
General Studies
Performance
Production
Minimum Total Credit Hours:120
1

A minimum C grade must be earned to fulfill the writing-intensive requirement.

2

Course is repeatable for credit.

General Studies Concentration Requirements

Concentration Requirements (courses count in major GPA)
Concentration Electives, choose from the following:21
THEA 21522
LIGHTING DESIGN
THEA 21523
COSTUME TECHNOLOGY
THEA 21524
COSTUME DESIGN
THEA 21528
SOUND AND PROJECTION DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY
THEA 21621
SCENE PAINTING
THEA 21622
SCENE DESIGN
THEA 21700
MOVEMENT I
THEA 21736
STAGE MANAGEMENT
THEA 21800
VOICE I
THEA 31303
CHARACTER AND SCENE STUDY I
THEA 31304
CHARACTER AND SCENE STUDY II
THEA 31401
DIRECTING
THEA 31526
FLAT PATTERNING FOR THEATRE
THEA 41010
THEATRE AND SOCIAL CHANGE
THEA 41026
PLAYWRITING (WIC) 1, 2
THEA 41027
ADVANCED PLAYWRITING 2
THEA 41095
SPECIAL TOPICS IN THEATRE 2, 3
THEA 41096
INDEPENDENT STUDY IN THEATRE 2
THEA 41115
LGBTQ THEATRE (DIVD)
THEA 41130
THEATRE AND DRAMA IN AMERICA
THEA 41140
AMERICAN MUSICAL THEATRE HISTORY (WIC) 1
THEA 41301
ACTING FOR THE CAMERA I
THEA 41302
ACTING FOR THE CAMERA II
THEA 41305
PROFESSIONAL ASPECTS: PERFORMANCE
THEA 41306
PROFESSIONAL ASPECTS: DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY
THEA 41308
MUSICAL THEATRE AUDITION 2
THEA 41521
ADVANCED LIGHTING TECHNOLOGY I
THEA 41522
DESIGN STUDIO: LIGHTING
THEA 41523
SOUND DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY I
THEA 41524
DESIGN STUDIO: COSTUME
THEA 41525
PROPS AND CRAFTS
THEA 41528
THEATRE SOUND REINFORCEMENT
THEA 41540
DRAPING FOR THE THEATRE I
THEA 41560
THEATRE FABRICATION TECHNOLOGY
THEA 41620
HISTORY OF PERIOD STYLES FOR THEATRE DESIGNERS (WIC) 1
THEA 41622
DESIGN STUDIO: SCENERY
THEA 41625
HISTORY OF COSTUME AND TEXTILES FOR THEATRE
THEA 41703
STAGE COMBAT 2
THEA 41726
THEATRE MANAGEMENT
THEA 41736
PRODUCTION AND STAGE MANAGEMENT
THEA 42040
SHOP MANAGEMENT
THEA 42092
PRACTICUM: DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY (ELR) 2
Minimum Total Credit Hours:21
1

A minimum C grade must be earned to fulfill the writing-intensive requirement.

2

Course is repeatable for credit. THEA 41308 may be taken a maximum two times (maximum 6 credit hours) toward the program.

3

THEA 41095 can be taken in variable seminars.

Performance Concentration Requirements

Concentration Requirements (courses count in major GPA)
THEA 21700MOVEMENT I 3
or THEA 21800 VOICE I
THEA 31303CHARACTER AND SCENE STUDY I 3
THEA 31304CHARACTER AND SCENE STUDY II 3
THEA 41301ACTING FOR THE CAMERA I 3
Concentration Electives, choose from the following:9
THEA 21700
MOVEMENT I
THEA 21800
VOICE I
THEA 31401
DIRECTING
THEA 41095
SPECIAL TOPICS IN THEATRE 1,2
THEA 41302
ACTING FOR THE CAMERA II
THEA 41305
PROFESSIONAL ASPECTS: PERFORMANCE
THEA 41308
MUSICAL THEATRE AUDITION 2
THEA 41703
STAGE COMBAT 2
Minimum Total Credit Hours:21
1

THEA 41095 should be taken in variable performance seminars.

2

Course is repeatable for credit. THEA 41308 may be taken a maximum two times (maximum 6 credit hours) toward the program.

Production Concentration Requirements

Concentration Requirements (courses count in major GPA)
Concentration Electives, choose from the following:21
THEA 11521
GRAPHICS FOR THE THEATRE
THEA 21522
LIGHTING DESIGN
THEA 21523
COSTUME TECHNOLOGY
THEA 21524
COSTUME DESIGN
THEA 21526
BASIC COSTUME CONSTRUCTION
THEA 21528
SOUND AND PROJECTION DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY
THEA 21621
SCENE PAINTING
THEA 21622
SCENE DESIGN
THEA 21736
STAGE MANAGEMENT
THEA 22192
PRACTICUM I: PERFORMANCE (ELR) 1
THEA 22292
PRACTICUM I:THEATRE MANAGEMENT (ELR) 1
THEA 31526
FLAT PATTERNING FOR THEATRE
THEA 41026
PLAYWRITING (WIC) 1, 2
THEA 41027
ADVANCED PLAYWRITING 1
THEA 41095
SPECIAL TOPICS IN THEATRE 1, 3
THEA 41130
THEATRE AND DRAMA IN AMERICA
THEA 41140
AMERICAN MUSICAL THEATRE HISTORY (WIC) 2
THEA 41191
VARIABLE CONTENT SEMINAR: THEATRE HISTORY, LITERATURE AND THEORY 1
THEA 41306
PROFESSIONAL ASPECTS: DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY
THEA 41521
ADVANCED LIGHTING TECHNOLOGY I
THEA 41522
DESIGN STUDIO: LIGHTING
THEA 41524
DESIGN STUDIO: COSTUME
THEA 41525
PROPS AND CRAFTS
THEA 41528
THEATRE SOUND REINFORCEMENT
THEA 41540
DRAPING FOR THE THEATRE I
THEA 41560
THEATRE FABRICATION TECHNOLOGY
THEA 41622
DESIGN STUDIO: SCENERY
THEA 41625
HISTORY OF COSTUME AND TEXTILES FOR THEATRE
THEA 41726
THEATRE MANAGEMENT
THEA 41736
PRODUCTION AND STAGE MANAGEMENT
THEA 42040
SHOP MANAGEMENT
THEA 42062
PRESENTATION MEDIA
THEA 42092
PRACTICUM: DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY (ELR) 1
THEA 42192
PRACTICUM II: PERFORMANCE (ELR) 1
THEA 42292
PRACTICUM II: THEATRE MANAGEMENT (ELR) 1
Minimum Total Credit Hours:21
1

Course is repeatable for credit.

2

A minimum C grade must be earned to fulfill the writing-intensive requirement.

3

THEA 41095 should be taken in variable production seminars.

Graduation Requirements
Minimum Major GPA Minimum Overall GPA
2.500 2.000
  • Students must declare and graduate with a minor or another major (double major or dual degree) to earn the B.A. degree in Theatre Studies.
  • Students on academic probation may not participate in School of Theatre and Dance productions.
  • Students may be dropped from the program for failure to maintain a 2.500 GPA.
Roadmap

Roadmap

Roadmap

This roadmap is a recommended semester-by-semester plan of study for this program. Students will work with their advisor to develop a sequence based on their academic goals and history. Courses designated as critical (!) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation.

Plan of Study Grid
Semester OneCredits
THEA 11100 MAKING THEATRE: CULTURE AND PRACTICE 2
THEA 11303
or THEA 21303
 THE ART OF ACTING
or ACTING PROCESS
3
UC 10001 FLASHES 101 1
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
 Credit Hours15
Semester Two
THEA 11725 FUNDAMENTALS OF THEATRE DESIGN AND PRODUCTION 3
Concentration Requirement or Elective 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
 Credit Hours15
Semester Three
Design Elective 3
Concentration Requirement or Elective 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
Minor or Another Major Requirement or General Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Semester Four
Design and Management Elective 3
Concentration Requirement or Elective 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
Minor or Another Major Requirement or General Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Semester Five
THEA 31030
or THEA 41130
 GLOBAL THEATRE HISTORIES
or THEATRE AND DRAMA IN AMERICA
3
THEA 42092 PRACTICUM: DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY (ELR) 3
Concentration Requirement or Elective 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
Minor or Another Major Requirement or General Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Semester Six
THEA 31030
or THEA 41115
 GLOBAL THEATRE HISTORIES
or LGBTQ THEATRE (DIVD)
3
Concentration Requirement or Elective 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
Minor or Another Major Requirement or General Electives 6
 Credit Hours15
Semester Seven
Writing-Intensive Elective 3
Concentration Requirement or Elective 3
Minor or Another Major Requirement or General Electives 9
 Credit Hours15
Semester Eight
THEA 41999 CAPSTONE PROJECT (ELR) 3
Theatre Elective 3
Concentration Requirement or Elective 3
Minor or Another Major Requirement or General Electives 6
 Credit Hours15
 Minimum Total Credit Hours:120

Program Delivery

Program Delivery

  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus
    • Trumbull Campus (General Studies concentration only)

Accreditation for Theatre Studies - B.A.

Accreditation

The B.A. degree in Theatre Studies is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST).

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries for Theatre Studies - B.A.

Graduates of Kent State’s B.A. Degree in Theatre Studies are well-prepared for careers in performance, directing, production, and arts management. The program’s comprehensive curriculum emphasizes the study of theatre history, theory, and practice, equipping students with the skills to analyze, create, and critique theatrical works. Graduates often pursue roles as actors, directors, stage managers, and theatre educators, contributing to the performing arts, cultural organizations, and educational institutions.

Actors

3.1%

about as fast as the average

70,100

number of jobs

$N/A

potential earnings

Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary

5.6%

faster than the average

116,300

number of jobs

$69,690

potential earnings

Miscellaneous entertainers and performers, sports and related workers

4.2%

about as fast as the average

33,300

number of jobs

$N/A

potential earnings

Producers and directors

10.0%

much faster than the average

159,500

number of jobs

$76,400

potential earnings

Notice: Career Information Source
* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.
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