Programs

The Department of Theatre offers six majors, one minor, and one certificate program.

Theatre BFA: Acting (Acting)

As a BFA Acting major with a concentration in Acting, you'll receive top-flight, professional training at a nationally-accredited institution. Theatre at SRU features a rigorous, hands-on actor training program, known for its cutting-edge repertoire-a mix of challenging new work and audacious adaptations of the classics-and a smaller, student-centered program means more performance opportunities for you! Please note that entry into this program requires an audition. Go to Auditions for more information.

Theatre BFA: Acting (Musical Theatre)

As a BFA Acting major with a concentration in Musical Theatre, you'll receive top-flight, professional training at a nationally-accredited institution. Musical Theatre at SRU focuses on the most exciting and groundbreaking musical works from Broadway and Off-Broadway, combining our sterling actor training with vocal instruction in contemporary styles such as hard rock, indie rock, pop, jazz and hip-hop, as well as work with movement instructors and choreographers drawn from our nationally-ranked Dance Department. Please note that entry into this program requires an audition. Go to Auditions for more information.

Theatre BA: Acting

Theatre: Acting students at SRU receive rigorous, pre-professional training. In addition to foundational courses in acting, voice, and movement, students receive regular opportunities to put their skills into practice by auditioning for mainstage and student productions, participating in the national college theatre conference, KCACTF, as well as working on touring and international productions. Our graduates receive intensive training in contemporary methodologies, while also equipping themselves with the skills to perform Shakespeare and the classics.

Theatre BA: Theatre Arts Management

Theatre: Theatre Arts Management students develop skills and gain knowledge related to the management, administration and support of nonprofit cultural agencies, institutions, and performing arts organizations. Classroom learning is enhanced by hands-on experiences, such as working as a stage manager, box office staff, and on the social media committee within the Theatre Department, and gaining field experience by completing an internship within a professional arts and cultural organization.

Theatre BA: Design & Technology

Theatre: Design and Technology students gain skills that enable them to make, justify and execute production and design choices. Through an intensive course of study in all areas of design, students are able to develop skills in multiple disciplines and diversify themselves as theatre artists. Through regular, hands-on experiences in the scene and costume shops, students gain the confidence to work in professional settings. Students also receive regular opportunities to design productions within the Theatre Department, enabling them to graduate with expansive portfolios.

Theatre BA: Theatre Studies

Theatre BA: Theatre Studies allows students with another primary major/minor or career path to complement those studies with a breadth of study in Theatre. Rather than focusing on one specific area of theatre training or on a career in theatre, this program is designed primarily for students who have career aspirations in other fields such as primary/secondary education, communications, psychology/drama therapy, art, English, dance, history, etc. and who see theatre training as complementary to their primary studies. It is also designed for students who wish to pursue theatrical studies recreationally or as an avocation.

Minor in Theatre

As a student within the Theatre: Minor, you will gain foundational and advanced skills in the various elements within the theatre arts. In addition to your studies, which will enhance your experiences within your chosen major, you are also eligible for all of the production, enhancement and performance opportunities that are extended to our Theatre majors.

Certificate in Theatre Arts Management

This 12-credit certificate offers a foundational overview of nonprofit cultural organizations and performing arts institutions. Students gain classroom instruction in management alongside hands-on experience in theatre production. Ideal for performers seeking industry insight and business students interested in the creative economy.

Why Choose Theatre Arts Management?

Generating over $100 billion in annual economic activity and supporting approximately 2.6 million jobs in the U.S. alone, the arts are a driving force in the creative economy. This certificate program offers a solid foundation in theatre arts and nonprofit management, complemented with hands-on courses. Students personalize their experience by selecting a concentration in theatre arts management—such as rehearsal and production, stage management, or audience development—and a complementary business focus area, including accounting, leadership, communications, or management. Real-world opportunities through department productions and internships further enrich learning, helping students build essential skills and professional networks in a thriving field.

What you will learn:

Stage management
Front of house & box office management
Audience development
Fundraising
Grant writing
Nonprofit leadership
Production

Theatre

Programs

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