Theatre Degrees

Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre, the Theatre program at Bowling Green State University is a liberal arts program committed to instilling in students the values of studying live theatre in the classroom and on the stage. With a focus both on academic rigor and artistic excellence, the Theatre program offers classes and opportunities which will help to develop an appreciation for the necessary relationship between artistry and understanding.

There are two degree programs offered to the undergraduate theatre major: a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre, and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication in Theatre. Each program is academically flexible, allowing students to tailor a course of study to fit individual interests and goals. Each is academically and artistically challenging, with the goal of stretching students to grow creatively both in their intellect and in their art.

Classes are offered in all areas of theatre, including acting, directing, performance studies, theatre history, dramatic literature, design, technical theatre, creative drama, theatre for young audiences, and musical theatre.

An extensive and varied production program complements classroom work. A typical theatre season consists of four or five Mainstage productions.  We also offer dance productions.  Additionally, students have the opportunity to create productions in our Elsewhere season. We produce approximately six to eight Elsewhere shows per year.  Our productions are presented either in the 400-seat Thomas B. and Kathleen M. Donnell proscenium Theatre or the 100-seat flexible black box Eva Marie Saint Theatre. Our shows are chosen to present our students with the opportunity to work on a broad range of dramatic genres and styles.  Our auditions are open to all BGSU students and we employ a race conscious casting.  We seek to offer seasons with diverse views and opportunities for actors across diverse races, ethnicities, genders, and embodiments.  We aim to achieve a balanced season of classics, musicals, and newer works.

Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of the baccalaureate degree, students will be able to:

• Critically evaluate theatre as an aesthetic form and cultural text.
• Evaluate production and performance processes, aesthetic properties of style, and the way they shape and are shaped by artistic and cultural forces.
• Justify informed judgments about performance and production.
• Evaluate the social, economic, and technological factors that shape theatre from different historical periods, historically marginalized perspectives, and domestic and international cultural contexts. 
• Make aesthetic judgment through interpretation and critical thinking about a variety of theatrical genres, performance broadly defined, and performances of everyday life.
• Demonstrate a sense of professionalism and independence through creative and intellectual engagement.
• Collaborate on specific theatrical production requirements as part of a production team.
  

Scholarship and Financial Aid:

In addition to other BGSU scholarships and financial aid, the department annually awards a number of competitive scholarships to qualified undergraduate students, whether they are theatre majors or not. The Eva Marie Saint Scholarship, an endowed award for a talented entering freshman theatre major, was established in 1985. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of auditions/interviews, applications and recommendations. Qualified students may be employed in the scene or costume shops or in the theatre box office. 

More information regarding available scholarships can be found at: https://bgsu.academicworks.com.

In addition to the course requirements for the major, all undergraduate degrees offered at BGSU include General Education course requirements and Writing Proficiency course requirements. Please follow the link below for more information:

General Education Requirements