Theatre

At Bowling Green State University, our distinguished Department of Theatre and Film doesn’t just teach theatre. We cultivate the next generation of theatrical visionaries, exceptional performers and industry innovators.

Students looking for the best theatre programs in the U.S. choose BGSU for its active production schedule, thriving arts community and many pathways to professional success. Choose a Bachelor of Arts in theatre or the theatre BAC.

Further fine-tune your skillsets with concentrations in:

Acting/directing
Design/technical theatre
Musical theatre

At BGSU, earning a theatre arts degree is a journey of self-discovery and creative growth. We prepare students for great careers. Along the way, you’ll find your voice, form lasting artistic connections and gain the skills to make a big impact – on stage, on screen, in the classroom, in the boardroom or wherever your path leads.

Why study theatre at BGSU in Ohio?

Recognized excellence. Accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Theatre is a guarantee of educational quality that ensures your bachelor’s degree in theatre will be recognized and respected by graduate schools, employers and industry professionals nationwide.
So many chances to shine. Our theatre program produces 8-10 productions annually. It provides students extensive hands-on experience in every aspect of theatrical creation from intimate studio productions to grand mainstage musicals. Work alongside professional faculty and guest artists as you build the skills and professional networks essential for success.
Active theatre student organizations. Find a welcome theatre community in student organizations such as Alpha Psi Omega, BG on Screen, BG Reel, Film Appreciation Club, Musical Theatre Students (MuTS), Student Technicians, Artisans and Designers (STAD) and the University Dance Alliance (UDA).
Take it to the next level. Take on more advanced study in the discipline with an M.A. in theatre or Ph.D. in theatre from BGSU.

Exciting travel opportunities include the biennial, 10-day London Theatre Experience workshop and the annual Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival in Washington, D.C.

#1 public university in Ohio for career prep

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Career – what can you do with a theatre degree?

The question isn’t, “What jobs can you get with a theatre arts degree?” Rather, it’s, “Which of the many exciting possibilities will you choose to pursue?”

Many BGSU theatre alumni have launched successful careers as professional actors, directors and designers. Yet the possibilities extend far beyond traditional stage roles.

The skills developed through intensive theatre study – communication, collaboration, creative problem-solving and leadership – are highly valued across virtually all industries. Many theatre degree graduates discover rewarding careers in arts administration, entertainment marketing, talent management, corporate training, nonprofit leadership, education, media production and countless other fields.

Career paths

Actor (stage, screen, voice, etc.)
Content creator (digital media)
Communications specialist
Drama teacher (with additional certification)
Event planner
Producer (theatre, film, television, radio, etc.)
Public relations specialist
Set designer
Social media marketing
Stage manager
Theatre director
Theatre education specialist
Theatre manager
Theatre technician
Youth theatre director

Quick Facts from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

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Curriculum

The BGSU undergraduate theatre degree programs are designed to prepare students for careers in performance, production, education and beyond.

Expect a strong liberal arts foundation (general education, foreign language, culture studies, etc.) and core theatre coursework in areas such as acting, directing, script analysis, theatre history and production experience.

All theatre majors engage in a three-part professional development seminar series. The seminars help them discover a range of theatre-related career paths and begin shaping clear goals – along with practical strategies to achieve them.

Required production participation classes in Acting I and II and Tech I and II provide you with hands-on experience that deepens your understanding of performance and technical production. The courses help you grow as a confident performer and collaborative, well-rounded theatre artist.

Specializations

Undergraduate theatre majors on certain tracks may select specializations in:

Acting/Directing: Advance your performance skills to a professional level and learn to guide others in bringing characters and stories to life. Gain practical experience in theatre in:
Mainstage shows in the Donnell Theatre and Eva Marie Saint Theatre (both within the Wolfe Center for the Arts)
Acting/directing in Elsewhere productions
Design/Technical theatre: Explore the artistry behind the scenes in set design, lighting and costume creation. Take courses in Arts Management, Theatrical Makeup, Drawing and Drafting for Theatre – and more.
Musical theatre: Develop the triple-threat skills of singing, dancing and acting through an intensive, audition-based program. The Musical Theatre Students (MuTS) organization facilitates additional connections and hosts a Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS charity event annually.

You also can choose from a wide range of complementary minors and/or flexible elective options. BGSU offers a theatre minor, film minor, arts management minor and dance minor. Each of these help sharpen skills in communication, collaboration and creative thinking – invaluable in any profession.

Required courses B.A.

Required courses BAC

Sample courses

Acting: Principles
Directing
Performance in Life and on Stage
Period, Style and Form
Production Participation (Tech and Acting)
Script Analysis
Theatre Studies in Practice I and II

#1 university in Ohio – big or small, public or private – students would choose again

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The Bachelor of Arts in theatre and Bachelor of Communication in theatre are part of the Department of Theatre and Film in the BGSU College of Arts and Sciences.

Accreditation | Professional Licensure

Updated: 12/04/2025 02:11PM