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Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts
Explore the collaborative process while nurturing your artistic body, intellect, and spirit with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts degree from the University of Redlands.
Degrees Offered
Bachelor of Arts
Program Types
Undergraduate, Major, Minor
Mode of Study
On Campus
Department
Theatre & DanceSchool / College
College of Arts and Sciences
What is a theatre arts degree?
A theatre degree provides a course of study that investigates the human condition through the social practice of storytelling and performance. With a combination of theory studied in classes and practice through the production process, students express valuable personal, social, and philosophical ideas.
Why should you major in theatre arts at Redlands?
Majoring in theatre arts at Redlands offers you an exciting path to explore your talents. The program combines hands-on experience in acting, directing, and stage production with a deep understanding of theatre’s cultural and historical roots. You will work closely with experienced faculty and collaborate on live performances, gaining both technical skills and artistic confidence. You will be prepared for internships, advanced professional study in graduate school, or professional opportunities in the industry. Additionally, there are opportunities to study abroad to places like the Festival Fringe in Edinburgh, Scotland and the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts (LAMDA).
Classes you'll take
The theatre arts degree is a comprehensive program with a total 44 credit curriculum that equips students for diverse, professional roles in theater. Students will be trained in foundations like stage design, theatre technology, and acting, as well as advanced classes in topics like playwriting, directing, and stage management.
- THA125 - Stage Design Fundamentals
- THA130 - Introduction to Theatre Technology
- THA140 - Acting Fundamentals
- THA210 - Playwriting
- THA230 - Stage Management
- THA310 - Directing for the Stage
- THA424 - Theatre Arts Fall Senior Seminar
- THA425 - Theatre Arts Spring Senior Seminar
- THA 105, 205, 305 Prod Credits are taken for 4 credits total and 4 experiences, includes Actor’s Lab.
Theatre Arts Capstone Requirement:
THA 425 Senior Seminar (offered in spring semester) is the course through which Theatre Arts and Theatre Business majors realize their Capstone Projects as part of a Spring Play Festival. Theatre Arts and Theatre Business seniors will propose a project in their area of interest in the fall of their senior year. Proposals must be approved by faculty. Areas of focus may include - Acting, Design, Directing, Dramaturgy, Marketing, Playwriting, or Stage Management. All capstone projects must include a writing component that demonstrates critical capacity and a formal presentation appropriate to the student’s target audience.
Complete at least 1 of the following history related courses:
- ENGL213 - Drama
- ENGL221 - Shakespeare to 1600
- ENGL222 - Shakespeare After 1600
Earn at least 4 credits from the following:
- THA200 - Voice & Movement for Performers
- THA220 - Musical Theatre Dance
- THA228 - Design Techniques
- THA240 - Acting Techniques
- THA260 - Theatre Topics
- THA310 - Directing for the Stage
- THA340 - Advanced Acting
Minoring in Theatre Arts
Minoring in theatre arts is an option for students who have a love for theatre arts and want to include it in their overall university experience. Developing the skills of organization, communication, and creativity are beneficial to any major.
- THA 105/205/305 (2 sections) Production Credit (2)
- THA 125 Stage Design Fundamentals (4)
- THA 130 Intro to Theatre Technology (4)
- THA 140 Acting Fundamentals (4)
- THA 210 Playwriting (4)
- -or- THA 310 Directing (4)
Plus 12 Credits from:
- THA 200 Voice and Movement
- THA 210 Playwriting
- THA 220 Musical Theatre Dance (2 credits course)
- THA 230 Stage Management
- THA 240 Acting Techniques
- THA 254 Performing Civil Rights
- THA 255 Diversity in American Theatre
- THA 256 Latinx Theatre Lab: Contemporary Latinx Theatre
- THA 260 Special Topics
- THA 228 Scenography
- THA 310 Directing
Total Credits: 30
Minor in Musical Theatre
Minoring in musical theatre at Redlands will engage you in the experience of musical theatre performance, within the context of a well-rounded education. Declaration of the Musical Theatre Minor requires an audition. You will need to prepare 16 bars of an uptempo number and 16 bars of a ballad for the audition. An accompanist will be provided. Please contact brad_andrews@redlands.edu for audition appointments.
Requirements: 28-32 credits
- MUS 116 - Musicianship Skills I (2 credits)
- MUS 117 - Musicianship Skills II (2 credits)
- MUAP 108 - Applied Voice (4-6 credits)
- MUS 220 - Musical Theatre Performance (2 credits)
- THA 105/205/305 - Production Credits (2 credits)
- 2 experiences: acting, stage management, design assistant, crew (cannot be in same category)
- THA 140 - Acting Fundamentals (4 credits)
- THA 200 - Voice & Mvmt for Performers (4 credits)
- THA 220 - Musical Theatre Dance (2 credits)
- THA 240 - Acting Techniques or THA 340 – Advanced Acting (4 credits)
- MUS/THA/DNCE - Electives (2-4 credits)
Undergraduate application deadlines
Fall Term - First Year
Early Action 1: November 1
Early Action 2: December 1
Regular Decision: January 15*
Spring Term - First Year
Deadline: November 1*
Fall Term - Transfer
Priority Deadline: March 1*
Spring Term - Transfer
Priority Deadline: November 1*
Note
*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis after the deadline based on capacity.
Why Redlands
Performance
Performances are the laboratory where we practice what we learn in the classroom. Students will have plentiful opportunities to be a part of our production season, which consists of three to four main stage plays, musicals, opera, and numerous smaller projects. Students can act, direct, design, work backstage crew, and build scenery and costumes in our professionally staffed shops.
Why Redlands
Portfolio
Because opportunities are plentiful, students can graduate with portfolios of their work including videos, photographs, and design work that can help unlock opportunities after graduation. Students can go on to prestigious Master's programs or go directly to work in theatre, film, television, gaming, theme parks or any other creative arts industries. The program combines hands-on experience in acting, directing, and stage production.
Why Redlands
Beyond Theatre and Dance
Some students graduate with a theatre degree and go into other fields. Majoring in Theatre is a great start to work in virtually any industry. We teach creative thinking, collaboration, and how to get a job done on-time and within budget. These are all sought-after traits in any field.
What you'll learn
You will work with a range of faculty, staff and students on projects geared toward practical outcomes and high artistic achievement.
By engaging in productions, students learn important aspects of resource allocation and time management.
You will hone communication skills through the craft of acting, as well as effective communication learned through the process of production.
You will expand your creative abilities by engaging in courses, projects, and shows that challenge and inspire you.
What you'll learn
Graduates pursue careers as
Graduates pursue careers as
As an actor or performer, you will utilize acting skills to portray diverse characters on stage or screen, engaging audiences through emotional and physical expression.
As an educator, you can teach students from first grade through college. You could teach theatre, or any other area you pursue.
In technical theatre you may go on to be a production manager, stage manager, set builder, or theatre manager.
As a designer, you can work in regional and professional theatres, theme parks, industrial shows, as well as film and television.
Theatre & Dance
In the Theatre and Dance department, our goal is to help each student achieve their potential to become a well-rounded performer. Our faculty are accomplished performers, scholars, and educators dedicated to inspiring the next generation of artists. Explore all our programs, upcoming performances, featured events, and production opportunities.
Redlands' Signature Experiences
The Core Four Framework
At Redlands, our students’ success is at the heart of everything we do. We offer experiential learning opportunities, but our CORE Four initiative takes that commitment to a deeper, intentional level. More than a set of experiences, the CORE Four is a framework for transformation. Learn more about how students can prepare for their academic journey.
Featured faculty
Every Redlands faculty member is an active practitioner in their field. The classes they teach emerge from their unique research and practices, and they’re passionate about what they’re sharing. At Redlands, faculty are invested in and committed to your success.
Gregory Ramos
Department Chair
Trevor Norton
Director of Production
Brady Greer Huffman
Visiting Lecturer
Want to know more?
Get in touch with our admissions team.
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