B.A. in Theatre and Dance

The Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Dance allows students to explore multiple disciplines within the department. The B.A. program includes required coursework tailored to a student’s specific emphasis and concentration while leaving an ample number of elective classes that allows each student to forge their own path. 

The department produces an annual season of six to eight productions encompassing a wide variety of performance experiences that range from classical to contemporary plays, musical theatre and original scripts. In addition, there are more than 20 performance opportunities each year for students majoring in theatre. Many productions are student-produced, providing opportunities to develop new skills as directors, writers, production managers, designers and dramaturgs.

Graduates of the B.A. program leave The University of Texas at Austin with deep knowledge of themselves as artists and scholars and the foundational skills and experience to pursue work in their chosen career.

Areas of study offered through the B.A. in Theatre and Dance include:

Dance

Dance students will experience many of the core elements of the B.F.A. in Dance with added flexibility to pursue other fields of study. It is ideal for artists who want to address multifaceted or interdisciplinary interests within their undergraduate studies. Students who pursue this degree track can focus their dance studies in performance, choreography or a combination of both while also pursuing other majors or minors that broaden their expertise and put dance in conversation with other disciplines. Students also have the option to participate in the B.A. Honors Thesis Program, which allows them the opportunity to develop scholarly creative projects based on their interests.

Theatre

Theatre students will take foundational coursework in the creation, history and practice of theatre, with additional opportunities to select classes and concentrations that fit their specific artistic goals. Students also have the option to participate in the B.A. Honors Thesis Program, which allows them the opportunity to develop scholarly creative projects based on their interests.

Students pursing an emphasis in Theatre can choose from the following concentrations:

Production

Production students have many opportunities to contribute meaningfully to a variety of productions, including theatre, dance concerts, opera, new plays and devised work. Students can fill a variety of roles as stage managers, designers, assistants and collaborators and have the opportunity to take various technical theatre classes, independent studies in their area(s) of interest and specialty project classes. Some students in the production emphasis choose to focus in one area, but there is flexibility for those who prefer to explore lots of areas of interests and goals. Students can expect to be involved early on as part of the development process and will work closely with graduate and guest artist playwrights, choreographers, directors and designers.

Playwriting, Directing and Performance

Playwriting, Directing and Performance students will study the art of storytelling through coursework in directing, playwriting, acting, devised work and voice and movement, among others. Students have the flexibility to choose topics that resonate with their goals as theatre artists. They also have opportunities to perform and collaborate on season productions and develop and present original works through the department’s Studio Series and biennial Cohen New Works Festival.

Performance Studies

Performance Studies students will explore theatre and dance at the intersection of theory, history and practice. Drawing from fields such as performance studies, theatre and dance history and criticism, applied theatre, theatre for youth and communities, among others, this concentration will prepare students for careers beyond and including artistic practice, dramaturgy, teaching artistry and future graduate studies. Students may collaborate on season productions as dramaturgs and performers, participate in Theatre for Young Audiences touring productions and spearhead projects as part of the department’s annual Studio Series.

Self-Directed Study 

A Self-Directed Study option is available for students who have interests in various areas within the field of theatre. In addition to core coursework in performance history, production and practice, students can select other topics of study based on their specific interests and career goals. Students have opportunities to pair their coursework with hands-on experience through the department’s season productions, in addition to student-generated works through the annual Studio Series and biennial Cohen New Works Festival.