BA – Theatre Studies

The BA in Theatre Studies is for students who have passion for theatre and wide-ranging curiosity. With a small common core of courses and flexible electives, students can chart an individualized path through particular areas of theatre or establish a general expertise in the field.

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Theatre Studies provides students with a broad-based knowledge of the theatre field and underscores the relationship between what happens on stage and what takes place in the world around us. A small common core of courses in dramatic literature, history and interdisciplinary performance emphasizes the link between page and stage, and theater and society. Core courses are designed to provide students with a firm yet flexible basis from which to explore wide-ranging electives in areas including acting, directing, playwriting, dramaturgy and production. The Theatre Studies major is situated within Montclair State’s broad and meaningful liberal arts curriculum. Majors are encouraged to explore interdisciplinary offerings and the program places particular focus on artists as citizens.

Learning from a distinguished faculty who are also accomplished professionals in the field, students develop the critical and collaborative skills that are vital to succeeding in theatre, the arts, and a cross-spectrum of related careers. The program’s proximity to Manhattan allows us to attract an outstanding full-time faculty and prominent guest artists who work closely with students each semester. And with Manhattan just 12 miles away, you will be able to connect with on- and off-Broadway productions as well as numerous internship opportunities. Montclair State is also home to the renowned Alexander Kasser Theatre and Peak Performances, where students have the opportunity to connect with the work of internationally renowned artists and companies such as Robert Wilson and The Abbey Theatre.

Students create productions in courses such as Theatre for Community Impact and Site-Specific Performance. Student-staged works are also developed and presented at FAST: Friday Afternoon Student Theatre, a program where majors bring original work or published pieces to life, working with peer actors and directors. Students also participate in reading series such as Acts of Resistance and initiate collaborative projects with programs outside the Department of Theatre and Dance and beyond the University gates. As members of an active Theatre and Dance community, Theatre Studies students participate in the departmental season as Assistant Directors, Dramaturgs and technicians and have the opportunity to audition for plays produced by the Acting and Musical Theatre programs. Students are also encouraged to participate in off-campus events such as the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, where they engage in playwriting and workshop intensives and compete for awards and recognition. The program is flexible enough to allow for study abroad opportunities. Advanced undergraduates with a strong academic record are eligible to take courses in the MA Theatre Studies Program.

The BA in Theatre Studies curriculum consists of 120 credits which include general education requirements, major requirements, and Theatre and interdisciplinary electives. Montclair State has articulation agreements with a number of colleges in New Jersey and the metro area and the BA program welcomes transfer students, who can expect to complete their degrees in a timely manner.

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Theatre Studies offers a comprehensive and individualized theatre education, supported by a broad and meaningful liberal arts curriculum.  As a Theatre Studies major, you will have the opportunity to explore all aspects of the business and practice of theatre, including playwriting for stage and screen, dramaturgy and script analysis, stage management, play direction and all aspects of production operations.‌

What’s more, the individualized curriculum will allow you to sculpt an individualized focus, choosing from a range of courses that comprise areas of specialization, including:

• Playwriting-Screenwriting/Dramaturgy-Criticism
• Commercial and Non-Profit Arts Management
• Theatre Studies (Theatrical Elements On- and Off-Stage)

Learning from a distinguished faculty who are also accomplished industry professionals, students develop the analytical, leadership and collaborative skills that are vital to succeeding in theatre, the arts and a cross-spectrum of related careers.  The program’s proximity to Manhattan allows us to attract an outstanding full-time faculty and prominent guest artists who work closely with students each semester. And with Manhattan just 30 minutes away, you will be able to connect with on- and off-Broadway productions as well as numerous internship opportunities.

The BA in Theatre Studies curriculum consists of 120 credits which include core course requirements, general education courses, as well as department-supported and free electives.

As members of an active Theatre and Dance community, Theatre Studies students have the opportunity to audition for plays produced by the Acting and Musical Theatre programs. Moreover, student-staged works are developed and presented at FAST: Friday Afternoon Student Theatre, a program where majors bring original work or published pieces to life, working with peer actors and directors.  Students will participate in play reading festivals, the New Plays Festival, and initiate collaborative projects with programs outside the Department of Theatre and Dance.  Students are also encouraged to participate in off-campus events such as the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, where they engage in playwriting and workshop intensives and compete for awards and recognition.

The Theatre Studies major also offers a concentration in Teacher Education.

More than 75 permanent faculty members and visiting artists mentor our Theatre and Dance students each semester.  Collectively, they share their wealth of experience and expose students to opportunities beyond the classroom.

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Graduates of the Theatre Studies major enter into in a wide range of professions.  Because of the program’s rigorous and cross-disciplinary emphasis on analytical and critical thinking, leadership and collaboration, applicable careers are virtually limitless.

Related Careers:

Graduates of the Theatre Studies major enter into in a wide range of professions.  Because of the program’s rigorous and cross-disciplinary emphasis on critical thinking, citizenship and collaboration, applicable careers are virtually limitless. Students with BAs in Theatre pursue a wide variety of paths within the industry and in related fields such as education, journalism, public service or law. Many pursue graduate study in MA, MFA, or PhD programs in the field. To learn more about careers in Theatre, go to:

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To apply to the BA in Theatre Studies program, go to Department Admissions.

For an on-campus experience, please come to Arts Days and Open Houses.