Theatre (BA, minor)

Program Overview

Binghamton offers a BA in theatre, providing students with the opportunity to take courses in areas such as: acting, directing, dance, and design/technical theatre. In addition, students can also take courses in musical theater, performance theory, history or criticism.

Degrees Offered

• BA in Theatre
• BA in Theatre: Acting/Directing
• BA in Theatre: Dance
• BA in Theatre: Design/Technical

Minors

• Theatre

Internships, Research Opportunities and More

Students may participate in department productions which include plays, musicals and dance productions each year. Learn more about the casting and audition process and what shows are coming up next.

To learn about opportunities for student internships, research and support, visit these links:

• Awards and Scholarships
• Summer Scholars and Artists Program
• SOAR Scholarship and Funding

Coursework

Some courses to consider in your first year:

• THEA 101 - Intro To Musical Theater

  An introduction to the world of musical theatre in order to broaden and deepen the student's understanding and appreciation of this art form. This class explores the various aspects of musical theatre and also analyzes the construction of representative musicals from the earliest operettas to modern day. Students will study how all the different elements of a musical, the music, the lyrics, the book, the direction, the choreography, and all design elements come together to transform source material into something both musical and magical. Throughout this course, we will explore the "workings" of the craft of musical theatre through the following methods: reading lyrics and librettos, listening to musicals in class and outside of class; watching clips from films in class and filmed productions online out of class; attending one live production, and studying a textbook. THIS COURSE IS APPROPRIATE FOR FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS. 4 credits. Levels: Undergraduate

• THEA 102 - Introduction To Theater

  Designed for non-majors, this course introduces the student to the various aspects of Theatre arts. Through textbook and play readings, guest artists, class discussions and viewing/critiquing live performances, the student develops a basic Theatre vocabulary and appreciation for this most collaborative of art forms. Required for majors. 4 credits. Offered Fall and Spring semester Levels: Undergraduate

• THEA 203 - Technical Production

  Lectures and discussions on the technical elements that make a theater production. Class delves into introductory material on designers and their functions; scenic and costume construction techniques; stage rigging, hardware and material; sound; stage procedures and safety. Simple drafting projects and the ability to read floor plans and stage elevations are stressed. Corequisite: THEP 213 or 214 or 215 or 216. Required for majors. 4 credits Offered Fall and Spring semester Levels: Undergraduate

• THEA 207 - Actor Trng I - Basic Processes

  Development of student's awareness of self and the means of focusing that awareness into stage characterizations. Special attention given to finding the character in the play. The nomenclature of acting, physical characterization, the playing of objectives and character relationships to people and things. Includes rehearsal and performance of exercises and scenes. Notes: THIS COURSE IS APPROPRIATE FOR FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS. Offered in Fall and Spring. 4 credits Levels: Undergraduate

• THEA 208 - Acting I

  THEA 208 is the advanced section of THEA 207, Acting 1. Therefore, it is intended for students who have had previous acting experience. Development of student's awareness of self and the means of focusing that awareness on stage characterizations. Special attention given to finding the character in the play. Involves text analysis, determining and playing objectives, exploring physical characterization, and developing relationships to people and things. Includes performance of exercises and scenes. Must be prepared for extensive rehearsal outside of class time. Admission by instructor's permission. Audition/interview held first week of classes. Notes: THIS COURSE IS APPROPRIATE FOR FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS. 4 credits Offered Fall semester Levels: Undergraduate

After You Graduate

Binghamton's theatre major teaches students performance and technical skills and also encourages skills in leadership, teamwork, professionalism and self-direction. It also develops life skills such as problem solving, self-presentation and communication.

Career paths could include:

• actor
• arts administration
• Broadway professional
• casting director
• children’s theater production
• choreography
• costume design
• cruise/amusement park entertainment
• dance company or studio founder/manager/fundraiser
• dance teacher
• dancer
• director
• drama or dance therapy
• film/TV professional
• lighting design
• lighting/scenery or costume technical professional
• make-up artist
• marketing for the arts
• musical theater professional
• playwright
• scene design
• secondary education theater teacher
• stage/production management
• stunt person
• wedding consultant
• yoga instructor

Accelerated/4+1 Degrees

You may also be interested in our accelerated/4+1 degree programs which allow students to complete their bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in just 5 years!

For more information, visit the Theatre website.