Theatre Arts
The Theatre Arts Bachelor of Arts program at Pennsylvania University is a four-year, full-time undergraduate program designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in the performing arts. The curriculum integrates acting, directing, stage design, dramatic theory, and performance studies, enabling students to develop both creative expression and technical expertise. Students participate in performances, workshops, and collaborative projects, learning to interpret scripts, embody characters, and design productions that communicate artistic vision effectively to diverse audiences.
Throughout the program, students work closely with experienced faculty mentors and industry professionals, gaining practical experience in live performance, production management, and stagecraft. The program emphasizes critical analysis, creative problem-solving, and interdisciplinary collaboration, preparing graduates to navigate the professional performing arts landscape. Students leave the program with creative skills, technical proficiency, collaborative experience, and performance expertise, fully equipped to pursue careers in theatre, film, education, or further study in the arts.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Theatre Arts
- Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts
- Duration: 4 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 05 January 2026
- Location: University of Pennsylvania, United States
- Field of Study: Visual Arts
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1 – Foundations in Theatre Arts
- Introduction to Theatre and Performance
- Acting and Voice Fundamentals
- Stagecraft and Design Basics
- Theatre History and Dramatic Literature
Year 2 – Intermediate Performance and Production
- Acting for Stage and Screen
- Lighting, Sound, and Set Design
- Directing and Ensemble Work
- Theatre Studies and Analysis
Year 3 – Advanced Theatre Practice
- Advanced Acting Techniques
- Production Management and Technical Theatre
- Dramatic Theory and Criticism
- Electives: Playwriting, Costume Design, or Multimedia Theatre
Year 4 – Capstone and Professional Integration
- Senior Performance or Directing Project
- Advanced Seminar in Contemporary Theatre
- Professional Portfolio and Career Preparation
- Internship or Collaborative Production
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Theatre Arts program are prepared for careers in theatre performance, directing, film and television, stage management, design and production, and arts education. Alumni may work as actors, directors, designers, educators, or pursue graduate study in theatre, performing arts, or related disciplines. The program equips graduates with strong creative, technical, and collaborative skills, enabling them to develop, manage, and execute artistic projects. Graduates are also well-prepared to work in emerging fields such as digital performance, multimedia production, and arts administration, applying both artistic vision and professional expertise in diverse creative settings.
Why Choose This Program
This program is distinguished by its integration of performance training, production skills, dramatic theory, and professional experience within a four-year curriculum. Students benefit from faculty mentorship, hands-on workshops, and opportunities to participate in live productions, fostering both artistic growth and technical proficiency. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and collaboration, preparing graduates to lead and innovate in theatre, film, and performance-based industries. For students passionate about expressing ideas through performance, designing immersive experiences, and pursuing careers in the performing arts, this program offers a rigorous, immersive, and career-focused pathway to professional and academic success.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 215 898 5000
Email: admissions@upenn.edu
Address: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
