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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.

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Eric S. Kildow
Associate Professor & Theatre Director
330-675-8829
ekildow@kent.edu

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Bachelor's Degree in Theatre Studies

Kent State University's Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Studies offers students a comprehensive education in the theory, history, and practice of theatre. The program provides a balanced approach, blending academic exploration of theatre with practical, hands-on experiences in performance, production, and stage management. Students engage with a wide range of theatrical styles and genres, from classical works to contemporary theatre, while also developing critical thinking, creativity, and collaborative skills. Through coursework, performances, and internships, students gain a deep understanding of the cultural, social, and historical significance of theatre. Graduates are prepared for careers in theatre production, education, arts administration, and other creative industries, as well as further study in graduate programs.

Program Information for Theatre Studies - B.A.

Program Description

Full Description

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Studies gives students an opportunity for study in all aspects of theatre and its relationship to other liberal arts studies. This program serves students who seek a wider range of possibilities to fulfill individual creative goals, whether as theatre artists, scholars, educators and/or contributors in related fields. Students receive thorough grounding in theatre history and theory and learn imaginative and critical thinking, the process of making theatre and leadership skills.

The Theatre Studies major comprises the following concentrations:

  • Performance
  • Production
  • Theatre Management
  • Theatre and Society
Admissions for Theatre Studies - B.A.

Admission Requirements

The university affirmatively strives to provide educational opportunities and access to students with varied backgrounds, those with special talents and adult students who graduated from high school three or more years ago.

First-Year Students on the Kent Campus: First-year admission policy on the Kent Campus is selective. Admission decisions are based upon cumulative grade point average, strength of high school college preparatory curriculum and grade trends. Students not admissible to the Kent Campus may be administratively referred to one of the seven regional campuses to begin their college coursework. For more information, visit the admissions website for first-year students.

First-Year Students on the Regional Campuses: First-year admission to Kent State’s campuses at Ashtabula, East Liverpool, Geauga, Salem, Stark, Trumbull and Tuscarawas, as well as the Twinsburg Academic Center, is open to anyone with a high school diploma or its equivalent. For more information on admissions, contact the Regional Campuses admissions offices.

International Students: All international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions) by earning a minimum 525 TOEFL score (71 on the Internet-based version), minimum 75 MELAB score, minimum 6.0 IELTS score or minimum 48 PTE Academic score, or by completing the ELS level 112 Intensive Program. For more information, visit the admissions website for international students.

Transfer Students: Students who have attended any other educational institution after graduating from high school must apply as undergraduate transfer students. For more information, visit the admissions website for transfer students.

Former Students: Former Kent State students or graduates who have not attended another college or university since Kent State may complete the reenrollment or reinstatement form on the University Registrar’s website.

Admission policies for undergraduate students may be found in the University Catalog's Academic Policies.

Some programs may require that students meet certain requirements before progressing through the program. For programs with progression requirements, the information is shown on the program's Coursework tab.

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Articulate procedures and approaches to differentiate various theatrical styles and techniques.
  2. Examine playwriting and production processes and the artistic and cultural forces that shape them.
  3. Develop and apply intermediate to advanced skills in one or more theatre specializations in creation, performance or scholarship.
  4. Recognize and evaluate a diverse selection of theatre repertory. 
  5. Describe the basic process involved in mounting a theatre production.
  6. Synthesize research, performance and/or production.
Coursework
On This Page

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Major Requirements (courses count in major GPA)
THEA 11100MAKING THEATRE: CULTURE AND PRACTICE 2
THEA 11303THE ART OF ACTING 3
THEA 11722FUNDAMENTALS OF PRODUCTION I: SCENERY, STAGECRAFT AND SOUND 2
THEA 11723FUNDAMENTALS OF PRODUCTION LABORATORY I: SCENERY 1
THEA 11724FUNDAMENTALS OF PRODUCTION LABORATORY II: PROPS AND SCENIC ART 1
THEA 11732FUNDAMENTALS OF PRODUCTION II: COSTUMES, LIGHTING AND PROJECTIONS 2
THEA 11733FUNDAMENTALS OF PRODUCTION LABORATORY III: COSTUMES 1
THEA 11734FUNDAMENTALS OF PRODUCTION LABORATORY IV: LIGHTING, SOUND AND PROJECTIONS 1
THEA 21111SCRIPT ANALYSIS 3
THEA 22092PRACTICUM: DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY (ELR) 16
or THEA 42092 PRACTICUM II: DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY (ELR)
THEA 31110HISTORY OF THEATRE AND DRAMA I 3
THEA 31111HISTORY OF THEATRE AND DRAMA II 3
THEA 41999CAPSTONE PROJECT (ELR) 3
Concentration Elective (not from students' declared concentration)3
Writing-Intensive Elective, choose from the following:3
DAN 47163
DANCE HISTORY II (WIC) 2
THEA 41026
PLAYWRITING (WIC) 1, 2
THEA 41140
AMERICAN MUSICAL THEATRE HISTORY (WIC) 2
THEA 41620
HISTORY OF PERIOD STYLES FOR THEATRE DESIGNERS (WIC) 2
Theatre Electives, choose from the following:6
DAN 47163
DANCE HISTORY II (WIC) 2
THEA 41010
THEATRE AND SOCIAL CHANGE
THEA 41026
PLAYWRITING (WIC) 1, 2
THEA 41113
THEATRE IN A MULTICULTURAL AMERICA (DIVD)
THEA 41115
LGBTQ THEATRE (DIVD)
THEA 41130
THEATRE AND DRAMA IN AMERICA
THEA 41140
AMERICAN MUSICAL THEATRE HISTORY (WIC) 2
THEA 41191
VARIABLE CONTENT SEMINAR: THEATRE HISTORY, LITERATURE AND THEORY 1
THEA 41620
HISTORY OF PERIOD STYLES FOR THEATRE DESIGNERS (WIC) 2
Additional Requirements (courses do not count in major GPA)
UC 10001FLASHES 101 1
Kent Core Composition6
Kent Core Mathematics and Critical Reasoning3
Kent Core Humanities and Fine Arts (minimum one course from each)9
Kent Core Social Sciences (must be from two disciplines)6
Kent Core Basic Sciences (must include one laboratory)6-7
Kent Core Additional6
General Electives (total credit hours depends on earning 120 credit hours, including 39 upper-division credit hours)19
Concentrations
Choose from the following:21
Performance
Production
Theatre Management
Theatre and Society
Minimum Total Credit Hours:120
1

Course is repeatable for credit.

2

A minimum C grade must be earned to fulfill the writing-intensive requirement.

Performance Concentration Requirements

Concentration Requirements (courses count in major GPA)
THEA 21303ACTING PROCESS 3
THEA 31303CHARACTER AND SCENE STUDY I 3
THEA 31304CHARACTER AND SCENE STUDY II 3
Concentration Electives, choose from the following:12
THEA 21016
MAKEUP FOR STAGE AND SCREEN
THEA 21700
MOVEMENT I
THEA 21800
VOICE I
THEA 22192
PRACTICUM I: PERFORMANCE (ELR) 1
THEA 31401
DIRECTING
THEA 31701
MOVEMENT II
THEA 31801
VOICE II
THEA 41095
SPECIAL TOPICS IN THEATRE 2
THEA 41301
ACTING FOR THE CAMERA I
THEA 41302
ACTING FOR THE CAMERA II
THEA 41305
PROFESSIONAL ASPECTS: PERFORMANCE
THEA 41308
MUSICAL THEATRE AUDITION
THEA 41529
ADVANCED WIG AND MAKEUP TECHNIQUES-STAGE AND SCREEN
THEA 41702
MOVEMENT AND DANCE FOR ACTORS
THEA 42192
PRACTICUM II: PERFORMANCE (ELR)
Minimum Total Credit Hours:21
1

Course is repeatable for credit.

2

THEA 41095 should be taken in variable performance seminars.

Production Concentration Requirements

Concentration Requirements (courses count in major GPA)
Concentration Electives, choose from the following:21
THEA 21016
MAKEUP FOR STAGE AND SCREEN
THEA 21521
THEATRICAL DRAFTING
THEA 21522
LIGHTING DESIGN
THEA 21523
COSTUME TECHNOLOGY
THEA 21524
COSTUME DESIGN
THEA 21526
BASIC COSTUME CONSTRUCTION
THEA 21528
SOUND AND PROJECTION DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY
THEA 21621
SCENE PAINTING
THEA 21622
SCENE DESIGN
THEA 21736
STAGE MANAGEMENT
THEA 22092
PRACTICUM: DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY (ELR) 1
THEA 22192
PRACTICUM I: PERFORMANCE (ELR) 1
THEA 22292
PRACTICUM I:THEATRE MANAGEMENT (ELR) 1
THEA 31526
FLAT PATTERNING FOR THEATRE
THEA 41026
PLAYWRITING (WIC) 1, 2
THEA 41027
ADVANCED PLAYWRITING 1
THEA 41095
SPECIAL TOPICS IN THEATRE 1, 3
THEA 41130
THEATRE AND DRAMA IN AMERICA
THEA 41140
AMERICAN MUSICAL THEATRE HISTORY (WIC) 2
THEA 41191
VARIABLE CONTENT SEMINAR: THEATRE HISTORY, LITERATURE AND THEORY 1
THEA 41306
PROFESSIONAL ASPECTS: DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY
THEA 41531
THEATRICAL RIGGING
THEA 41540
DRAPING FOR THE THEATRE I
THEA 41560
THEATRE FABRICATION TECHNOLOGY
THEA 41736
PRODUCTION AND STAGE MANAGEMENT
THEA 42092
PRACTICUM II: DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY (ELR) 1
THEA 42192
PRACTICUM II: PERFORMANCE (ELR) 1
THEA 42292
PRACTICUM II: THEATRE MANAGEMENT (ELR) 1
Minimum Total Credit Hours:21
1

Course is repeatable for credit.

2

A minimum C grade must be earned to fulfill the writing-intensive requirement.

3

THEA 41095 should be taken in variable production seminars.

Theatre Management Concentration Requirements

Concentration Requirements (courses count in major GPA)
Concentration Electives, choose from the following:21
DAN 47156
DANCE PRODUCTION
THEA 20202
MUSIC THEORY FOR MUSICAL THEATRE I
THEA 20203
MUSIC THEORY FOR MUSICAL THEATRE II
THEA 21521
THEATRICAL DRAFTING
THEA 21522
LIGHTING DESIGN
THEA 21523
COSTUME TECHNOLOGY
THEA 21528
SOUND AND PROJECTION DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY
THEA 21736
STAGE MANAGEMENT
THEA 22092
PRACTICUM: DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY (ELR) 1
THEA 22292
PRACTICUM I:THEATRE MANAGEMENT (ELR) 1
THEA 31401
DIRECTING
THEA 41095
SPECIAL TOPICS IN THEATRE 2
THEA 41096
INDEPENDENT STUDY IN THEATRE
THEA 41191
VARIABLE CONTENT SEMINAR: THEATRE HISTORY, LITERATURE AND THEORY 1
THEA 41306
PROFESSIONAL ASPECTS: DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY
THEA 41420
THEATRICAL DRAFTING II
THEA 41440
SHOP MANAGEMENT
THEA 41523
SOUND DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY I
THEA 41525
PROPS AND CRAFTS
THEA 41527
SOUND DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY II
THEA 41528
THEATRE SOUND REINFORCEMENT
THEA 41726
THEATRE MANAGEMENT
THEA 41734
COSTUME PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT
THEA 41736
PRODUCTION AND STAGE MANAGEMENT
THEA 42092
PRACTICUM II: DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY (ELR) 1
THEA 42292
PRACTICUM II: THEATRE MANAGEMENT (ELR) 1
Minimum Total Credit Hours:21
1

Course is repeatable for credit.

2

THEA 41095 should be taken in variable management seminars.

Theatre and Society Concentration Requirements

Concentration Requirements (courses count in major GPA)
THEA 40091VARIABLE TOPICS SEMINAR: DEVISING THEATRE 3
THEA 41010THEATRE AND SOCIAL CHANGE 3
Concentration Electives, choose from the following:15
DAN 47063
DANCE HISTORY I
DAN 47163
DANCE HISTORY II (WIC) 1
THEA 22092
PRACTICUM: DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY (ELR)
THEA 22192
PRACTICUM I: PERFORMANCE (ELR) 2
THEA 22292
PRACTICUM I:THEATRE MANAGEMENT (ELR)
THEA 31401
DIRECTING
THEA 41026
PLAYWRITING (WIC) 1, 2
THEA 41027
ADVANCED PLAYWRITING 2
THEA 41095
SPECIAL TOPICS IN THEATRE 2
THEA 41113
THEATRE IN A MULTICULTURAL AMERICA (DIVD)
THEA 41115
LGBTQ THEATRE (DIVD)
THEA 41140
AMERICAN MUSICAL THEATRE HISTORY (WIC) 1
THEA 41191
VARIABLE CONTENT SEMINAR: THEATRE HISTORY, LITERATURE AND THEORY
THEA 41401
ADVANCED DIRECTING
THEA 41620
HISTORY OF PERIOD STYLES FOR THEATRE DESIGNERS (WIC) 1
THEA 42092
PRACTICUM II: DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY (ELR)
THEA 42192
PRACTICUM II: PERFORMANCE (ELR) 2
THEA 42292
PRACTICUM II: THEATRE MANAGEMENT (ELR)
Minimum Total Credit Hours:21
1

A minimum C grade must be earned to fulfill the writing-intensive requirement.

2

Course is repeatable for credit.

Graduation Requirements

Minimum Major GPA Minimum Overall GPA
2.500 2.000
  • Students on academic probation may not participate in School of Theatre and Dance productions.
  • Students may be dropped from the program for failure to maintain a 2.500 GPA.
Roadmap

Roadmap

This roadmap is a recommended semester-by-semester plan of study for this major. However, courses designated as critical (!) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation.

Plan of Study Grid
Semester OneCredits
THEA 11100 MAKING THEATRE: CULTURE AND PRACTICE 2
THEA 11303 THE ART OF ACTING 3
UC 10001 FLASHES 101 1
Fundamentals of Production Elective 2
Fundamentals of Production Laboratories 2
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
 Credit Hours16
Semester Two
THEA 22092
or THEA 42092
 PRACTICUM: DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY (ELR)
or PRACTICUM II: DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY (ELR)
3
Fundamentals of Production Elective 2
Fundamentals of Production Laboratories 2
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
General Elective 2
 Credit Hours15
Semester Three
THEA 21111 SCRIPT ANALYSIS 3
THEA 22092
or THEA 42092
 PRACTICUM: DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY (ELR)
or PRACTICUM II: DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY (ELR)
3
Concentration Elective 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
General Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Semester Four
Concentration Elective/Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
General Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Semester Five
!THEA 31110 HISTORY OF THEATRE AND DRAMA I 3
Concentration Elective/Requirement 3
Concentration Elective (not from students' declared concentration) 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
General Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Semester Six
!THEA 31111 HISTORY OF THEATRE AND DRAMA II 3
Concentration Elective/Requirement 3
Theatre Elective 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
 Credit Hours15
Semester Seven
THEA 41999 CAPSTONE PROJECT (ELR) 3
or Kent Core Requirement
 
Concentration Elective 3
Theatre Elective 3
General Electives 6
 Credit Hours15
Semester Eight
THEA 41999 CAPSTONE PROJECT (ELR) 3
or Kent Core Requirement
 
Concentration Electives 6
Writing-Intensive Elective 3
General Elective 2
 Credit Hours14
 Minimum Total Credit Hours:120
Program Delivery
  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus
    • Trumbull Campus (Theatre and Society concentration only)
Accreditation for Theatre Studies - B.A.

The B.A. degree in Theatre Studies is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST).

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries for Theatre Studies - B.A.

Graduates of Kent State’s B.A. Degree in Theatre Studies are well-prepared for careers in performance, directing, production, and arts management. The program’s comprehensive curriculum emphasizes the study of theatre history, theory, and practice, equipping students with the skills to analyze, create, and critique theatrical works. Graduates often pursue roles as actors, directors, stage managers, and theatre educators, contributing to the performing arts, cultural organizations, and educational institutions.

Actors

3.1%

about as fast as the average

70,100

number of jobs

$N/A

potential earnings

Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary

5.6%

faster than the average

116,300

number of jobs

$69,690

potential earnings

Miscellaneous entertainers and performers, sports and related workers

4.2%

about as fast as the average

33,300

number of jobs

$N/A

potential earnings

Producers and directors

10.0%

much faster than the average

159,500

number of jobs

$76,400

potential earnings

Notice: Career Information Source
* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.
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