College of the Arts
School of Theatre and Dance - Theatre Division
www.kent.edu/theatredance

About This Program

The Theatre Studies program offers a well-rounded theatre education, including a broad range of topics, from theatre history to dramatic literature. Access experienced faculty, real-world opportunities and state-of-the-art facilities. Enroll now and take the first step toward a fulfilling career in theatre. Read more...

Contact Information

• Paul Hurley | phurley1@kent.edu
• Speak with an Advisor
  • Kent Campus
  • Trumbull Campus
• Chat with an Admissions Counselor: Kent Campus | Regional Campuses

Program Delivery

• Delivery:
  • In person
• Location:
  • Kent Campus
  • Trumbull Campus (General Studies concentration only)

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries*

Accreditation

The B.A. degree in Theatre Studies is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST).

^{* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.}

Admission Requirements

The university affirmatively strives to provide educational opportunities and access to students with varied backgrounds, those with special talents and adult students who graduated from high school three or more years ago.

First-Year Students on the Kent Campus: First-year admission policy on the Kent Campus is selective. Admission decisions are based upon cumulative grade point average, strength of high school college preparatory curriculum and grade trends. Students not admissible to the Kent Campus may be administratively referred to one of the seven regional campuses to begin their college coursework. For more information, visit the admissions website for first-year students.

First-Year Students on the Regional Campuses: First-year admission to Kent State’s campuses at Ashtabula, East Liverpool, Geauga, Salem, Stark, Trumbull and Tuscarawas, as well as the Twinsburg Academic Center, is open to anyone with a high school diploma or its equivalent. For more information on admissions, contact the Regional Campuses admissions offices.

International Students: All international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning a minimum 71 TOEFL iBT score, minimum 6.0 IELTS score, minimum 47 PTE score or minimum 100 DET score, or by completing the ELS level 112 Intensive English Program. For more information, visit the admissions website for international students.

Former Students: Former Kent State students or graduates who have not attended another college or university since Kent State may complete the reenrollment or reinstatement form on the University Registrar’s website.

Transfer Students: Students who have attended any other educational institution after graduating from high school must apply as undergraduate transfer students. For more information, visit the admissions website for transfer students.

Admission policies for undergraduate students may be found in the University Catalog's Academic Policies.

Students may be required to meet certain criteria to progress in their program. Any progression requirements will be listed on the program's Coursework tab

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

¹

A minimum C grade must be earned to fulfill the writing-intensive requirement.

²

Course is repeatable for credit.

General Studies Concentration Requirements

¹

A minimum C grade must be earned to fulfill the writing-intensive requirement.

²

Course is repeatable for credit. THEA 41308 may be taken a maximum two times (maximum 6 credit hours) toward the program.

³

THEA 41095 can be taken in variable seminars.

Performance Concentration Requirements

¹

THEA 41095 should be taken in variable performance seminars.

Production Concentration Requirements

¹

Course is repeatable for credit.

²

A minimum C grade must be earned to fulfill the writing-intensive requirement.

³

THEA 41095 should be taken in variable production seminars.

Graduation Requirements

• Students must declare and graduate with a minor or another major (double major or dual degree) to earn the B.A. degree in Theatre Studies.
• Students on academic probation may not participate in School of Theatre and Dance productions.
• Students may be dropped from the program for failure to maintain a 2.500 GPA.

Roadmap

This roadmap is a recommended semester-by-semester plan of study for this major. However, courses designated as critical (!) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation.

University Requirements

All students in a bachelor's degree program at Kent State University must complete the following university requirements for graduation.

NOTE: University requirements may be fulfilled in this program by specific course requirements. Please see Program Requirements for details.

Kent Core Requirements

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Articulate procedures and approaches to differentiate various theatrical styles and techniques.
2. Examine playwriting and production processes and the artistic and cultural forces that shape them.
3. Apply intermediate to advanced skills in one or more theatre specializations in creation, performance or scholarship.
4. Evaluate a diverse selection of theatre repertory.
5. Describe the basic process involved in mounting a theatre production.
6. Synthesize research, performance and/or production.

Policies

Physical Activity and ROTC Courses

No more than 4 credit hours of Physical Activity, Wellness and Sport (PWS) courses or the first 16 credit hours of ROTC courses—Aerospace Studies (ASTU) and Military Studies (MSCI)—may apply to the 120 credit hours required for graduation.

Veterans who have completed a minimum of one year of active duty may receive PWS credit for military basic training according to branch of service, as follows:

• Army and Marine Corps, 3 credit hours;
• Navy and Coast Guard, 2 credit hours;
• Air Force, 1 credit hour.

Requirement Audit

Upon completion of 60 credit hours, each student is required to contact the College of the Arts Advising office to obtain a current evaluation of progress toward completion of the student’s chosen degree program. Requirement evaluations are not a substitute for meeting with a faculty advisor. Students may access GPS (Graduation Planning System) audit through their FlashLine account which provides them with information about their academic progress. Questions about GPS audits are answered in the College of the Arts Advising office.

Full Description

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Studies gives students an opportunity for study in all aspects of theatre and its relationship to other liberal arts studies. This program serves students who seek a wider range of possibilities to fulfill individual creative goals, whether as theatre artists, scholars, educators and/or contributors in related fields. Students receive thorough grounding in theatre history and theory and learn imaginative and critical thinking, the process of making theatre and leadership skills.

The Theatre Studies major comprises the following concentrations:

• The General Studies concentration combines the study of dramatic literature, production and performance work.
• The Performance concentration offers in-depth training in acting. Through a series of acting courses, students learn a variety of acting styles and techniques applicable to both stage and screen.
• The Production concentration offers specified training in one or more design, technology and production specializations.

In addition, students in the Theatre Studies major must declare another major or a minor at Kent State.