Bachelor of Arts in Theatre

Faculty: Professor L. Chaney (coordinator) and Assistant Professor Page

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre is inherently interdisciplinary, and courses in the major incorporate the threads of women’s leadership, social responsibility, and global awareness.

Earning a degree in theatre can pave the way to a wide array of careers, both onstage and off. At Cottey College, a degree will provide the student a balanced mix of professional training, technical theatre skills, and liberal arts knowledge that will prepare you for success — whether you are pursuing performance or you want to work behind the scenes. With degree courses that span everything from stagecraft to voice training to directing, Cottey theatre majors graduate ready to excel in both the professional field and further studies.

Theatre majors may choose a concentration in theatre as an agent of social change or a general focus. Students who opt to pursue the social change track will be required to declare a minor from another program.

The Bachelor of Arts in Theatre General concentration track seeks to provide students with the foundation needed to pursue careers in acting, design, stage management, directing, the entertainment industry, and graduate study. This more closely matches the standard theatre degree offered at other institutions. The student will gain knowledge of theatre history and dramatic literature, as well as practical experience in production and performance.

A bachelor’s level program in Theatre as an Agent of Social Change allows students to explore the history, potential, and skills necessary for the art of theatre to incite social change. It incorporates the unique aspects of a Cottey College Education (specifically the emphasis on women’s leadership, social responsibility, and global awareness). Young women will develop skills necessary for leadership in this dynamic application of theatre. Students would choose an area of concern that could be pursued as a minor or they could identify an “interest focus.”

All Theatre majors complete a shared core of theatre courses and complete a capstone project. Theatre is an experiential program of study. Students will work on realized performance projects and participate in The American College Theater Festival excursion and opportunities for internships.

Bachelor of Arts - Theatre Program Goals

Theatre Majors will learn to:

• Communicate and collaborate effectively in the interactive and creative process of theatre.
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of the historical, cultural, and stylistic dimensions of theatre.
• Demonstrate technical proficiency in the areas of acting, design and technology. 
• Form, communicate, and defend value judgments about quality and aesthetics in works of theatre.