Theatre Arts Program | Fredonia.edu

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Create, Perform, and Lead—Your Theatre Journey Starts Here

Fredonia’s Theatre BA program offers a dynamic, multidisciplinary education for students passionate about the performing arts—no audition required. Whether your interests lie in acting, directing, technical production, or theatre history, this flexible program allows you to shape your path while gaining hands-on experience. With the ability to combine your Theatre BA with other majors, you’ll be prepared for careers in film, education, creative writing, and beyond.

What You’ll Gain:

Versatile Training – Build skills in acting, directing, technical production, and theatre management.
Hands-On Experience – Gain real-world production experience on and off the stage.
Collaboration & Leadership – Work with diverse teams and develop leadership skills essential in the industry.
Critical Thinking – Analyze dramatic literature and theatre theory to deepen your artistic perspective.
Community Engagement – Explore theatre’s role in society through outreach and education.
Graduate School Preparation – Develop a strong foundation for advanced study in theatre and related fields.

Career Opportunities for Theatre Arts

Actor
Creative Research and Development
Playwright
Outreach and Community Engagement
Theatre Manager

Arts Therapist
Director
Producer
Stage Manager
Theatre Professor

What does a 4-year degree look like?

First Year

Fall Semester

Course	Title	Credits
THEA 100	Theatre Majors Seminar	1
THEA 103	Fund. of Theatre Technology	1
THEA 114	Introduction to Performing Arts	3
THEA 117	Script Analysis	3
FF	Course	3
FF	Course	3
	TOTAL	14

Fall Semester

Course	Title	Credits
THEA 121	Introduction to Technical Theatre	3
THEA 133	Introduction to Acting	3
FF	Course	3
FF	Course	3
FF	Course	3

	TOTAL	15

Second Year

Fall Semester

Course	Title	Credits
THEA 201	Theatre and Dance Productions	1
THEA 270	Theatre for Social Change	3
	Minor or Second Major Course	3
FF	Course	3
FF	Course	3

	TOTAL	13

Spring Semester

Course	Title	Credits
THEA 202	Theatre and Dance Productions	1
	Area of Focus Course	3
	Area of Focus Course	3
FF	Course	3
	Minor or Second Major Course	3
	General Elective (non-THEA)	3
	TOTAL	16

Third Year

Fall Semester

Course	Title	Credits
THEA 301	Theatre and Dance Productions	1
	Area of Focus Course	3
	Minor or Second Major Course	3
	Minor or Second Major Course	3
	General Elective (non-THEA)	3
	General Elective (non-THEA)	3
	TOTAL	16

Spring Semester

Course	Title	Credits
THEA 302	Theatre and Dance Productions	1
THEA 220	Makeup	1
	Area of Focus Course	3
	Minor or Second Major Course	3
	Minor or Second Major Course	3
	Minor or Second Major Course	3
	TOTAL	14

Fourth Year

Fall Semester

Course	Title	Credits
THEA 441	Directing I: Principles of Directing	3
THEA 451	World Theatre in Context I	3
THEA 460	Performing Arts Organization & Management	3
THEA 371	Fredonia Young Company I	1
THEA 481	Senior Project Seminar	1
	Minor or Second Major Course	3
	TOTAL	14

Spring Semester

Course	Title	Credits
THEA 452	World Theatre in Context II	3
THEA 498	Senior Project	3
THEA 372	Fredonia Young Company II	3
	Minor or Second Major Course	3
	General Elective (non-THEA)	3
	General Elective (non-THEA)	3
	TOTAL	18

GRAND TOTAL:

This Sample Degree Map is based on the requirements published in the University Catalog.

What are all the required and elective courses offered to obtain this degree?

View Full Curriculum

THEA 133 Introduction to Acting

Basic craft skills of acting with emphasis on improvisation, character study, analysis and scene work.

THEA 121 Introduction to Technical Theatre

Covers terminology and processes of stage production including stagecraft, materials, lighting, sound, properties, costumes, etc.

THEA 441 Directing I

Director's functions and responsibilities including play selection, auditioning/casting, staging techniques and script analysis using the motivational unit as a basis of approach.

It's Different Here

Jump In, Take the Stage

With five mainstage productions each year and numerous student-led performances, you’ll gain real-world experience in acting, directing, production, and design from year one.

All Are Welcome—Just Bring Your Love for Theatre

The BA in Theatre Arts is open to all students without an audition. Dive into acting, directing, design, or theatre management without auditioning for the program.

Diversity, Creativity, and Collaboration

With dedicated faculty mentors and a culture of collaboration, creativity, and inclusivity, you’ll find a place to develop your craft and your confidence.

Why Theatre Arts at Fredonia?

Designed for Theatre, Built for Artists

The Rockefeller Arts Center features professional-caliber venues including concert halls, theaters, and galleries for student training.

Theatre Arts students in a production of Anything Goes

Accredited for Your Future Success

NAST-accredited training ensures Fredonia's Theatre program meets elite industry standards.

Hands-On Theatre Education

Five annual Mainstage productions provide hands-on experience in performance, direction, and technical theater.

Students in a production of Peter and the Star catcher

A Versatile, Well-Rounded Education

Act, Direct, Design—Build a Diverse Skillset

Fredonia’s Theatre BA offers training in acting, directing, technical production, stage management, theatre history, and community engagement. You’ll graduate not only as a performer but as a well-rounded theatre artist ready for a variety of careers in the arts.

Student Stories

Fredonia gave me an independent work ethic to find work where my skills and consistency paid off. I work with Fredonia alumni in the theater community and we are known to have 'that Fredonia work ethic.' We show up, we do the work, and we excel wherever we go. We keep working, it’s a great network.

— Marisa Caruso