Department of Theatre Arts
The study of theatre is vital to the liberal arts component of a university education. The study of theatre enhances communications skills, creative and critical thinking, cultural awareness, and broadens a student's knowledge of literature and history. Theatre Arts offers two degrees: the Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts and the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Arts with separate concentrations in acting and technical theatre.
Degrees Offered
- The Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree is a four-year comprehensive program designed to prepare students majoring in Theatre Arts for advanced studies in theatre or related fields. An audition or portfolio review is strongly recommended but not necessary for entry into the BA program.
- The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree is a four-year comprehensive program designed to prepare students majoring in Theatre Arts for advanced studies in theatre or professional work in the entertainment industry. The BFA degree is a pre-professional degree allowing students to concentrate in acting or technical theatre. Entrance into the BFA program requires an audition, portfolio review, or letters of recommendation.
- [The Competency-Based Program in Theatre is an accelerated, highly-individualized program for established professionals. The ideal candidate for this program has multiple years of rigorous professional experience. It offers the chance to complete Theatre degree requirements through competency-based documentation and facilitates advanced research and creative exploration with Theatre faculty through independent-study. In most cases, students in the Competency-Based Program will substitute theatre-degree electives with independent studies in theatre to complete research. The admission requirements for students wishing to enroll in the Competency-Based Program are more stringent than traditional undergraduate students, and prospective students should contact the Office of Admissions directly to inquire. NOTE: Students admitted in the competency-based program must complete at least 3 credit hours of THEA 402: Advanced Research in Theatre or THEA 376/476 Independent Study while enrolled. Competency-based students must also adhere to university-degree requirements, which include (at least) the last 30 hours of study to be completed at Jacksonville University.]
Minor Offered
Theatre Auditions, Placement And Scholarships
Prospective theatre students are allowed to audition or have a portfolio review for acceptance as a BA or BFA in Theatre Arts major. Any consideration for eligibility and scholarship recommendation is based upon the audition process. Those who cannot appear in person must submit a video recorded version of the required monologues. Students transferring into the program must audition or have a portfolio review prior to advising to determine placement. Audition appointments may be arranged with the Office of Admissions.