college majors

Theater Major

What is Theater?

The study of theater offers a valuable insight into the human condition. The practice of theater affords a unique opportunity to embody and express social reality. The experience of theater allows for the possibility of public reflection on community and identity. This major considers the art of theater in all its aspects. Its history and its

writers, actors and directors influence are also studied. Students in the program gain expertise in all the fundamental areas of theatrical art to bring into focus imaginative expression in performance and design, rigorous critical thinking, and precise methods of research. In addition to class work, students also participate in undergraduate formal productions and informal productions, serving at various times as actors, designers, directors and dramaturges.

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What are Some Specializations Within this Broad Major?

MyMajors.com cannot pinpoint your interests beyond recommending this general major. Various specializations related to this major may be offered by colleges and universities. These specializations may be of greater or lesser interest to you. A few of the specializations related to this field include, but are not limited to:

Acting and Directing
Drama and Dance Teacher Education
Drama Arts
Theater Arts
Drama History and Criticism
Theater Arts and Stagecraft
Make-up Artist
Playwriting and Screenwriting

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What Kinds of Students Major in Theater?

Theater is an art. The theater students have a love for drama, acting, and the production of theater in general. Not all majors need to be drawn toward acting, however. There are many other aspects of theater in which to specialize: lighting, staging, writing, for instance. Here, they will learn of every aspect about the theater industry as well as specific aspects of it such as what goes on behind the scenes, how actors become proficient in their craft, and in general how everything works together in a quality theatrical production.

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What Courses Do Theater Majors Take?

The required and elective courses you would take for majors vary considerably among institutions. Courses are listed here that are illustrative of the breadth of topics you are likely to experience were you to major in this field.

Dance
Oral Interpretation
Acting
Stagecraft
Survey of Dramatic Literature
History of the Theater
Survey of Film History
Physical Expression: Voice and Movement

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What Types of Positions do Theater Majors Take After College?

These professions and professional organizations illustrate the types of positions you might qualify for if you complete this major. Some majors are more directly related to employment than others, however. You should consider the likelihood of employment after graduation carefully, if you do not plan to go on for graduate work in a field. Even with the completion of graduate work in some fields, however, employment is difficult, so you should determine what the prospects are for this or any major. Employment possibilities are often enhanced by the selecting employment-related courses and by the enrollment in second major or in a minor.

Producer
Make-up Artist
Actor/Actress
Scene Designer
Screenwriter
Stage Manager

Are you interested in detailed information about the forecasted demand for a particular profession? Are you interested in the estimated salaries such positions are likely to pay? This government Web site allows you to search on a particular job, whether listed here or not, to give you this information.

Bureau of Labor Statistics

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Related Links

If you are interested in learning more about what professionals in this field do and what kinds of activities they engage in, you might want to begin with the following web sites. Also check the departmental web sites of colleges and universities, which offer this major.

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University Departments to Consider

The following institutions are the featured institutions on MyMajors because they support MyMajors and you in your search for the best major available. They offer excellent curriculums in well-rounded programs for you to consider.


Averett UniversityAverett University (VA) - Theatre Program

•Actor of Actress
•Costume Design
•Set Designer
•Lighting Designer
•Theatre Manager
•Director Educator


Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota (MN)
Theatre
  Arcadia University (PA)
BFA in Acting
BA in Theatre Arts and English
Centenary College (NJ)
Theatre Arts
  University of Colorado Denver (CO)
Dept. of Film, Cinematography and Video
Evangel University (MO)
Theatre
 

Averette University (VA)
Theatre

Other fine institutions offering this major offer excellent programs to consider.

Brandeis University (MA)
Theatre Arts

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Two-Year College Curriculums to Consider

Johnson County Community College
Theatre Arts

For information on options available to campuses wishing to see their majors listed on MyMajors, contact: admin@mymajors.com for details.

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Want More Information? Look at major descriptions prepared by university academic advisement staffs.

Theater Major
cyber graduate
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