Theatre Arts Major
Theatre Arts is the study and practice of acting, directing, and stage production. It is a major within Arts & Humanities.
A Theatre Arts major focuses on the study and practice of performing and producing dramatic works for an audience. Students learn acting techniques for bringing characters to life, directing methods for shaping scenes and performances, and stage production skills including lighting, sound, set design, and technical operations. The major asks foundational questions about how stories work, what makes a performance compelling, how to analyze scripts and dramatic text, and how performers and production teams collaborate to communicate meaning through live performance.
Students typically drawn to this major enjoy creative expression, working with others, and the challenge of solving problems in real time. The major usually begins with broad exposure to acting, dramaturgy, and production fundamentals, allowing students to develop foundational skills and discover their interests within theatre. As students progress, coursework becomes more specialized, allowing them to deepen focus in particular areas such as acting, directing, design, or stage management, while also engaging with theatre history and dramatic literature that inform their practical work.
Typical coursework
Course requirements vary by school, but a Theatre Arts program commonly includes topics such as:
- Acting
- Directing
- Stagecraft
- Theatre history
- Playwriting
- Voice and movement
Most programs also include general-education requirements and, in many fields, a capstone project, internship, or research experience.
Degree levels
Theatre Arts is commonly offered at these levels:
- Bachelor's
- Master's
Availability differs by institution, and program names can vary (for example, a Bachelor of Arts versus a Bachelor of Science track).
Common career directions
Graduates with a Theatre Arts background pursue a range of paths. Some roles related to this field of study include:
- Actor
- Stage manager
- Director
- Drama teacher
Many careers require additional steps beyond the major — such as a graduate degree, a license, or a certification — and many graduates work in fields unrelated to their major. What you study is one factor among many in where your career goes.
General career information is drawn from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook. Career paths vary widely by person, school, and region; this is not a list of guaranteed jobs or earnings.
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Find degree programs →Frequently asked questions
What is a Theatre Arts major?
Theatre Arts is the study and practice of acting, directing, and stage production. It is part of arts & humanities, and combines foundational coursework with more focused study as you advance.
What courses do Theatre Arts majors take?
Coursework varies by school, but commonly includes topics such as acting, directing, stagecraft, theatre history, and others, plus general-education requirements.
What can you do with a Theatre Arts major?
Graduates pursue a range of paths, including roles such as actor, stage manager, director. Many roles require additional steps such as a graduate degree, license, or certification. This is general information, not a guarantee of any job or salary.
What degree levels is Theatre Arts offered at?
It is commonly offered at the bachelor's, master's level, though availability varies by institution.