Program Overview
The BA in Theatre at the University of Utah provides a strong foundation in theatre while offering four pathways for focused exploration:
As a BA student you will take core courses in acting, design, theatre history, and script analysis, then choose electives that align with your interests.
The pathways allow you to shape your studies while maintaining the structure of a liberal arts degree. Whether your focus is directing, creating original work, performing, designing productions, or combining theatre with another area of study, the BA offers the flexibility to pursue your goals while keeping a broad perspective.
This program is designed for those of you who want a balance of structured training and academic flexibility, preparing you for careers in theatre and related fields, or for graduate study in the arts.
Design & Technology Pathway
Visual Storytelling. Theatre Design. Creative Exploration.
The Design & Technology pathway introduces students to the art of visual storytelling while engaging directly in the process of theatre-making. Students may explore scenic, costume, lighting, sound, and prop design through coursework and production opportunities, while also broadening their skills with electives across visual arts, film, architecture, and media. This pathway emphasizes both practical theatre experience and the analytical skills to apply design thinking across industries.
What You’ll Do
- Learn from world-class faculty mentors who bring professional expertise in all areas of theatre design and production.
- Take courses in scenic, costume, lighting, sound 1 & 2, props design and construction to understand how design supports storytelling.
- Gain hands-on skills through work-study opportunities in the scene, costume, and prop shops—developing practical experience valued by employers.
- Collaborate on departmental productions and benefit from professional partnerships like Pioneer Theatre Company.
- Expand your training with electives in CAD, Photoshop, and visual communication that connect theatre with broader creative fields.
Why Choose the BA in Theatre (Design & Technology Pathway)?
- Balanced Training – Experience design in theatre productions while also exploring visual storytelling in related fields.
- Practical Skills – Build transferable technical and collaborative abilities through shop work and production experiences.
- Faculty Mentorship – Learn from University of Utah’s faculty and guest artists with national and international experience.
- Career Versatility – Graduates are prepared for opportunities in: scenic, costume, lighting, sound, and props assistance roles; product branding and visual consulting; event planning and retail display design; and commercial and nonprofit entertainment internships.
- Pathways Forward – Continue your studies with advanced degrees in education, communications, architecture, film, theatre, or business.
Performance Pathway
Perform. Explore. Expand.
The Performance Pathway is for students who want to act while also pursuing other academic or creative interests. Unlike the BFA Acting program, the BA pathway provides you with the flexibility to double major, minor, or study across disciplines.
What You’ll Do
- Learn from Experts – Train with faculty who are renowned, active theatre professionals.
- Act in Productions – Audition for departmental shows and student projects.
- Take Core Acting Classes – Train in acting, movement, and voice; audition for select BFA-level courses.
- Collaborate Across Pathways – Work with peers in Design, New Works, and D
- Shape Your Own Journey – Combine acting with film, gaming, business, psychology, or education.
Why Choose the BA in Theatre: Performance?
- Flexible Performance Training – Acting instruction with room to explore.
- Interdisciplinary Edge – Double major or minor in other fields while performing.
- Graduate Prepared – Prepare for careers in theatre, film, teaching, or arts administration.
New Works Pathway
Write. Direct. Dramaturg. Devise.
The New Works Pathway is designed for students who want to create original theatre or re-examine existing text—as playwrights, directors, dramaturgs, or devisers. You will study storytelling, develop scripts, and collaborate on performances that bring new voices and perspectives to the stage.
What You’ll Do
- Learn from Experts – Mentorship from faculty playwrights, directors, and dramaturgs.
- Take Playwriting & Directing Courses – Build a foundation in new work creation and leadership.
- Develop and Stage Scripts – Present work in our Studio Season and New Plays Workshop.
- Learn Dramaturgy & Script Analysis – Gain tools to shape and refine stories.
- Collaborate in Development – Partner with actors and designers to bring new works to life.
Why Choose the BA in Theatre: New Works?
- Be a Creator – Focus on generating original scripts and productions.
- Collaborative Training – Learn how playwrights, directors, and designers work together.
- Launch Your Work – Graduate with original plays and dramaturgical credits in your portfolio.
Self-Determined Pathway
Your Theatre Degree, Your Way.
The Self-Determined Pathway is for students who want to design a degree as unique as their goals. With guidance from faculty mentors, you will combine courses across acting, design, directing, new works, and beyond — while connecting theatre to other fields of interest.
What You’ll Do
- Learn from Experts – Mentorship from faculty working across multiple disciplines.
- Build a Unique Focus – Choose electives across Performance, Design/Tech, New Works, or Theatre Studies.
- Work on Productions – Apply your skills in acting, backstage work, design support, or directing.
- Collaborate Across Pathways – Partner with peers to explore multiple roles in theatre-making.
- Shape Your Future – Graduate prepared for careers in producing, arts entrepreneurship, or hybrid creative roles.
Why Choose the BA in Theatre: Self-Determined?
- Customize First – Craft a degree around your unique interests.
- Interdisciplinary Training – Connect theatre with business, media, or education.
- Career Versatility – Graduate ready for arts administration, producing, or hybrid careers.
The World’s Your Stage
Our six-week summer London Study Abroad Program immerses you in world-class theatre, life as a Londoner, counts for elective coursework, and satisfies general education requirements. Scholarships and financial aid are available.
Read about Maggie Goble's and Lauren Carn's experiences learning abroad.
Earn While You Learn
Abundant work study opportunities exist for you to do paid, professional work in your area of interest while earning your degree.
