Bachelor of Arts in Theatre
Shine on stage while building knowledge and skills with the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in theatre degree at the University of Mount Union. Whether in the field of performing, designing, or directing, our wide selection of courses offers practical guidance from professors who continue to work professionally in their fields.
With concentrations in design/technology, musical theatre, or performance, you’ll build experience and enhance your marketable skills for the robust opportunities that await after graduation. Our small classes and nurturing faculty allow students to learn and grow in a protective environment. At Mount Union, collaboration and direct connection between our students and faculty are encouraged. This individualized attention prepares and empowers students to make a true impact on the world around them.
Hands-on Learning Across Theatre Disciplines
Embrace many assets of the theatrical experience in Mount Union’s B.A. in theatre. From performing monologues to directing scenes, critiquing shows to building scenery, analyzing historical contexts to auditioning dance styles, and so much more, you will deepen your established talents and develop exciting new skills in the many areas required for successful productions.
As a student in our theatre program, you not only get to work with talented professional faculty but you also benefit from our excellent network of working alumni. Whether you want to work behind the scenes or inspire audiences from the stage, at Mount Union, you will deepen your longstanding talents and develop exciting new skills to help you outshine the competition.
Theatre Quick Facts
- Personalize your training by choosing between three tracks of study that will match coursework with your interests – Performance, Musical Theatre, and Design/Technology.
- 45-56 credit hours within the program, depending on the specific track
- 32 credit hours in the well-rounded Integrative Core
- Four opportunities to hone your craft through department-led theatrical productions
- Opportunities for internships with professional theatre companies.
- Competitive Theatre scholarships are offered and renewable for up to eight semesters.
Performing Arts Auditions
Visual and Performing Arts scholarships are available to students who demonstrate exceptional talent in art, media, music or theatre. Scholarship amounts are based on an audition or portfolio review and interested students should schedule an audition and/or portfolio review or contact the Department of Performing Arts or the Department of Visual Arts and Media.
Learn more about the Degree in Theatre
Take stage—or make your mark behind the curtain—in our Bachelor of Arts in theatre program. Participate in numerous productions throughout the year, both on and off stage, and choose from three tracks of focus to broaden your background and deepen your experience in an invigorating, inspiring artistic specialty that opens doors to a wide variety of careers and opportunities.
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Curriculum
Theatre CurriculumMajoring in theatre is so much more than simply performing on stage. You will gain a solid knowledge of theory, history, literature and criticism, which is critical to the craft. You will also be exposed to the necessary components of the field and get ample opportunities to “practice” what you learn.
Review the Undergraduate Catalog to learn more.
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Learning Objectives
Our degree in theatre prepares you to:- Effectively apply analytical and critical skills to theatre performance and production.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental skills important to each area of theatrical production: acting, directing, design and technical production.
- Develop advanced skills in the practice of at least one of the above areas of theatrical production.
- Recognize and solve problems inherent in ethical theatrical production.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the history of theatre, with particular attention to the evolution of stylistic and aesthetic trends.
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Experiential Learning
Big Time On-Campus OpportunitiesAt Mount Union, experience is at the root of all we do: practical experiences in the classroom and on stage, community-building experiences in student organizations and on field trips, professional experience in internships and networking events, and so much more. You’ll exercise and apply the values of your classroom and studio learning in all kinds of settings, preparing you for many paths to success after you graduate.
InternshipsInternships promote progress in your professional development and grow your ability to apply your learning in real-life settings. You can access internships that align with your career goals in areas like acting, technical production, and management. In recent years, students have interned with The Guthrie Theatre, Ohio Light Opera, Porthouse Theatre, Trumpet in the Land, The North Country Center for the Arts, Cleveland Playhouse, Great Lakes Theatre Festival and Fairmount Theatre of the Deaf.
Student OrganizationsLearn outside the classroom with student-led organizations like Mount Union Players. Student organizations connect you with dozens of opportunities to form a community and build your network in the areas you’re passionate about—in theatre and beyond.
Conferences and TripsConferences and field trips are organized each year, and include attending the Stratford Shakespeare Festival in Ontario, Canada, the Humana Festival for New American Plays in Louisville, Kentucky and other regional community and professional theatres.
Shakespeare at the Castle
Discover how you can get involved with a unique opportunity right in our backyard. Perform alongside professional actors or design sets and costumes seen by hundreds through this paid summer experience.
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Careers and Graduate School
Careers in TheatreA BA in Theatre opens many avenues for success in the diverse entertainment and media industries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for roles like producers and directors, actors, and broadcast, sound, and video technicians is growing faster than average, meaning you will graduate into a dynamic and high-energy environment that is eager to secure and develop new talent.
Our theatre major equips you for many aspects of theatre, film, TV, commercial, music video, and other types of productions, from on-screen or on-stage talent to the almost-uncountable technical, creative, and managerial roles required to keep a production alive.
Common CareersActing and directing
Costume design
Theatre management
Scenic designRecent Employers
The Cleveland Playhouse
Missoula Children's Theatre
Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Utah Shakespeare Festival
Prime Stage Theatre
Cedar Point Live EntertainmentPursuing Graduate Education in Theatre
Through graduate study, you can hone your craft or develop specialized skills for a career path like teaching or art therapy. Many Mount Union graduates go on to thrive at outstanding theatre programs—and programs in other specializations—across the country.
Recent Graduate SchoolsUniversity of South Carolina
Northern Illinois University
Texas Tech University
Indiana University
University of Wisconsin-Madison
University of Arkansas
Michigan State University
Florida State University
Kent State University
Case Western Reserve University -
Direct Admission
Requirements for direct admission to theatre majorTo be considered for direct admission to the theatre major, an audition will be required. Please visit Visual and Performing Arts Audition and fill out the reservation form. The Visual and Performing Arts Scholarship audition dates for incoming students are held each spring. To schedule an audition, please choose from the designated audition dates listed on the form. Scholarship preference will be given to those who attend one of the designated audition dates, but late auditions are still considered.
Theatre auditions and portfolio reviews serve two purposes:
- Theatre Majors: For students who wish to major in theatre and are thus applying for direct admission to the theatre degree programs, auditions and portfolio reviews are an evaluation of skill and potential for success. For these students, auditions and portfolio reviews are part of the admission process into the theatre degree programs and evaluations of theatrical ability to earn a scholarship award. Students intending to major in theatre should clearly state their intent to do so in the application process. There is also a blended scholarship available for students double majoring in both theatre and music.
- Non-Theatre Majors: For students who do not wish to major in theatre, the theatre audition serves only as an evaluation of theatrical ability for the purposes of earning a Theatre Scholarship Award.
To compete for these scholarships, performers will present an audition, and designers and technicians will present their portfolios for review. Students with multiple areas of interest may compete as performers and designers/technicians.
Students who are unavailable on the audition days, or would like to schedule a virtual audition should reach out to the department by emailing francije@mountunion.edu
During the interview, students should be prepared to discuss their theatre experience, training, and future career plans. This will be an opportunity for students to get acquainted with our Theatre faculty and ask questions. For questions or concerns, please contact us at the above email.
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Facilities and Equipment
Giese Center for the Performing ArtsThe vibrant Giese Center, named in honor of Dr. Richard F. and Sandra L. Giese, houses our music and theatre programs in a community-oriented hub for the arts. This is your space to exercise your learning—to display, connect, and perform.
Brush Performance Hall
The proscenium-style Brush Performance Hall offers seating for 450 on its lower level and on its balcony. The acoustically significant, state-of-the-art space can host events of varied natures including vocal, instrumental, and theatrical performances.
Gallaher Theatre
The Gallaher Theatre, a black box multipurpose space can host an array of events including improv theatre, theatre in the round, small music ensemble recitals, dance performances, and other entertainment events as well as banquets and receptions.
Cope Music Hall
Cope Music Hall is named in memory of the late Kenneth B. Cope ’20, alumnus, trustee, and churchman and includes Presser Recital Hall, which is dedicated to Theodore Presser, a former Mount Union student and professor.
Sally Otto Art Gallery
The Sally Otto Art Gallery features exhibitions of work by students, faculty, and professionals throughout the academic year.
