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Theatre Arts and Performance Studies
The Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts and Performance Studies at Brown University provides a rigorous four-year education in the theoretical, practical, and historical aspects of drama and performance. The program explores classical and contemporary theatre, experimental performance, and global traditions while integrating acting, directing, and stage design with scholarly analysis. Students gain foundational experience in the performing arts through coursework, studio work, and live performance, supported by a curriculum that bridges artistic practice with academic inquiry. The department emphasizes collaboration, critical thinking, and cross-disciplinary engagement, enabling students to explore diverse performance contexts and styles.
Brown’s open curriculum encourages students to shape their studies through electives in fields like literature, visual arts, gender studies, and digital media. Faculty members, who are active artists and scholars, mentor students through research projects, productions, and internships. The program’s production season, featuring student-led performances and guest artist workshops, provides hands-on learning in a professional context. Students benefit from Brown’s vibrant arts ecosystem, including partnerships with local theatres, access to modern performance spaces, and opportunities to create original work that reflects personal voice, cultural insight, and global awareness.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Theatre Arts and Performance Studies
- Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts
- Duration: 4 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 05 January 2026
- Location: Brown University, United States
- Field of Study: Drama
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1 – Foundations in Performance and Theory
- Introduction to Theatre and Performance
- Stagecraft and Design Fundamentals
- Theatre History: Antiquity to 1800
- Voice and Movement for Performers
Year 2 – Core Practice and Interpretation
- Acting Techniques I & II
- Performance Studies: Theory and Method
- Modern and Postmodern Theatre
- Collaborative Creation Workshop
Year 3 – Advanced Topics and Global Perspectives
- Directing: Concepts and Practice
- World Performance Traditions
- Dramaturgy and Script Analysis
- Elective: Media and Performance
Year 4 – Capstone and Specialization
- Senior Seminar in Theatre and Society
- Independent Project or Thesis
- Advanced Performance Workshop
- Elective: Performance and Politics
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program find careers in a wide range of creative and academic fields where performance, communication, and cultural analysis are central. Alumni work as stage actors, directors, playwrights, and theatre producers, while others enter media, film, or arts administration. The program also prepares students for roles in education, arts advocacy, and cultural programming, or for pursuing graduate study in theatre, literature, or performance studies. Brown’s emphasis on research and critical engagement supports paths in journalism, public humanities, and nonprofit leadership, where storytelling and analytical thinking play key roles. The program's interdisciplinary approach equips students to thrive in dynamic, collaborative, and socially engaged careers across the creative industries.
Why Choose This Program
Brown’s Theatre Arts and Performance Studies program is known for its balance of academic rigor and artistic exploration, offering students the chance to develop their voice both on stage and through critical scholarship. The department values innovation, diversity of expression, and global context, creating a space where students can experiment with form, engage deeply with theory, and participate in meaningful performance. The university’s open curriculum fosters interdisciplinary learning, allowing students to draw connections between performance and other fields like anthropology, visual culture, and technology. With faculty support, professional mentorship, and numerous production opportunities, this program offers a comprehensive and empowering education for students committed to exploring how performance shapes culture and community.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 401 863 1000
Email: admissions@brown.edu
Address: University of Brown, Providence, RI 02912, United States
