Under the guidance of faculty and guest artists, students study both the theory and practice of acting, theatrical design and technology, dramaturgy, dramatic criticism, storytelling, and playwriting.
During their first two years in the 120-credit Bachelor of Arts in Theatre, students enroll in a core of courses that provide a solid foundation as they pursue excellence in their discipline. Then they focus their study in one of the areas of concentration. Upon admission to CSU and declaration of theatre as their major, students are directed into one of three concentrations: Performance, Design and Technology, or Theatre Studies (coming Fall 2024). No matter which concentration is selected, students receive comprehensive training, both on and off-stage, in our classrooms, rehearsal studios, as well as during theatrical productions. Or shows are produced by a company of student actors, directors, designers, and technicians.
We mount four main-stage productions — including one musical —annually in the University Theatre (a 300-seat thrust theatre) and the Studio Theatre (a flexible black box seating 100). Two opera-theatre productions in the 550-seat Griffin Concert Hall, and four dance concerts in the 200-seat University Dance Theatre round out the production schedule. Students also perform in mid-term and end-of-term Showcases in Acting, Directing, Musical Theatre, Lighting, and First Year Seminar classes.