Undergraduate Degrees

Photo from 2018 production of Hedda Gabler

The School of Theatre and Dance prepares students for careers in the performing arts as artists, scholars and educators.

The school’s production season serves as the primary laboratory for the development of student artistic expression and technique. As performing arts, theatre and dance reflect and communicate cultural values and identities intrinsic to human existence.

At the undergraduate level, the School of Theatre and Dance at Kent State University offers comprehensive programs in theatre and dance leading to Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees. Students may also pair their studies with other majors by pursuing a minor in dance or a minor in theatre.

The breadth of the School of Theatre and Dance's programs is suggested by its course offerings, which cover the areas of acting, directing, musical theatre, theatre history, script analysis, playwriting, technical production, scenery, lighting, costume design, make-up, sound and projection design, theatre management, modern dance, ballet, jazz, dance composition, and dance history.

UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS

two actors on stage inspecting an animal cage

Theatre Studies - B.A.

The Theatre Studies program offers a well-rounded theatre education, including a broad range of topics, from theatre history to dramatic literature. Access experienced faculty, real-world opportunities and state-of-the-art facilities. Enroll now and take the first step toward a fulfilling career in theatre.

Student painting stairs of a theatre set

Theatre Design, Technology and Production - B.F.A.

With a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience, this program prepares you for a career in theatre production. Access industry-standard tools, experienced faculty and real-world opportunities. Enroll now and take the first step towards a career in theatre production.

Musical Theatre - B.F.A.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Musical Theatre prepares students for life as working artists in the musical theatre field. Practical training and creative experiences are coupled with an interdisciplinary liberal arts curriculum and a foundation in theatre history, analysis and criticism.

Dance - B.A.

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance Studies allows students who have previous dance experience and a strong interest in another subject area, within or outside of the arts, the opportunity to combine the two into one plan of study. The curriculum provides students with a solid foundation in dance techniques and dance academics while allowing flexibility to incorporate another area or minor.

The B.A. degree program encourages exploration of areas that can be combined with dance to enhance opportunities for future employment.

Dance Performance - B.F.A.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Dance develops technically sound, intellectually diverse and creatively expressive dance artists who can contribute significantly to the art form and society. The curriculum provides students with opportunities for strong and varied technical preparation in contemporary dance forms, including modern, ballet, jazz and improvisation. Opportunities for performance and choreography, along with dance theory courses, complete a degree focused on the artist/scholar.

Minor in Theatre

The School of Theatre and Dance offers several minors in theatre for students interested in supplementing their major program with studies in theatre. All students pursuing a minor in theatre complete general theatre coursework and select one area of specialization. Students do course work in acting, script analysis and design and technology and select one of several areas of concentration.