CSU Theatre Degree Overview

B.A. in Theatre: Creative life training for the undergraduate by experienced professionals

As educators and mentors, we share our industry expertise as well as model the creative, collaborative, imaginative, and technical power of this art form through concentrations in performance, musical theatre, and a range of design and technology areas.

Your training takes place in our world-class, tech-savvy hub for creativity, the University Center for the Arts.

At CSU, faculty, staff, and professional guest artists – all with extensive experience on stages ranging from Broadway to regional theatres, and worldwide – provide students with an experienced lens through which to study every aspect of theatre, including the theory and practice of acting and directing, musical theatre, theatre history/dramaturgy/playwriting, theatrical design and technical theatre, stage management, and storytelling/devising.

Upon academic admission to CSU and upon acceptance into one of the Bachelor of Arts in Theatre concentrations, students are provided with fundamental skills and experiences in theatre within a liberal arts context, honing vital life skills, and preparing students for graduate study in theatre and potential employment opportunities in a variety of fields related to theatre, film, and other creative endeavors.

Please note: In addition to applying to CSU through the Office of Admissions, a successful audition or portfolio review with CSU Theatre faculty is required to enter the B.A. in Theatre concentrations. Please see our audition/portfolio review page.

Theatre Program Level Learning Objectives:

  • IMAGINATION AND EXPRESSION: Cultivate and articulate a unique vision, focus, and craft as an artist. Sharpen written, verbal, visual/design, embodied and intellectual analysis, storytelling, and expression of creative ideas.
  • CONTEXT AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: Understand texts within their contexts, our place in history as contemporary artists, the potential of art for social transformation, and ourselves as global citizens.
  • COLLABORATION AND PROFESSIONALISM: Develop a holistic understanding of the theatre-making process and industry protocols through hands-on practice, telling compelling, relevant stories through the united labor of our distinct areas of expertise. Conduct ourselves professionally in attitude, approach, and vision to prepare for life after CSU.
  • CREATIVE PROBLEM-SOLVING: Solve abstract and material problems, draw on various resources, strategies, and skills, and embrace creative risk-taking.
  • In addition, each theatre concentration has two learning outcomes unique to that subject.

Student performing artists and designers will find a welcoming place of study in the division of theatre.

Urinetown the Musical 2018 production photo

Why Theatre at CSU?

Well-rounded theatrical education

  • Our B.A. curriculum allows students to develop skills across multiple theatrical areas. It is designed so that students receive training in the fundamental areas of design, performance, musical theatre, and theatre analysis and history.
  • Success at regional and national festivals and internships provide students with the opportunity to build their CVs through summer work and professional placement after graduation.
  • We encourage students to practice global citizenship and expand their theatrical horizons by taking advantage of annual theatre-specific education abroad programs.

Focus on undergraduates

  • Theatre classes are taught by faculty members, not graduate students. Our working professionals teach courses specific to their area, meaning your instruction comes from industry experts.
  • With a sole focus on our undergraduate program, students do not compete with graduate-level performers and designers for opportunities. Performance roles are filled by undergraduates, from first-years to seniors, and productions involve students in all aspects of design and technology.

Theatre family within a large institution

  • CSU Theatre has 150 majors inside of a large Research I institution of 30,000. While you’ll benefit from the variety of resources available at Colorado State University, CSU Theatre is a tight-knit family where you receive one-on-one attention.
  • Core theatre class size is small; with typically fewer than 20 students per course, you'll enjoy a high level of personal interaction not found in other programs.

World-class facility

  • The University Center for the Arts facility is among the finest in the nation, featuring five performance spaces, fully equipped labs and shops, multiple rehearsal studios, and dozens of practice rooms where more than 200 music, theatre, and dance performances are produced each year. You will have many opportunities to explore, work, and perform at CSU.
  • Because the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance is housed under one creative roof, technical and design opportunities across all three areas elevate student experience and increase expertise.

Student-focused learning & support

  • Individualized advising provides students with information to succeed from their first day on campus.
  • CSU Theatre's Mentor Program provides first-year/transfer students with encouragement, agency, and resources.
  • During your first year, whether your interest is performance or design and technology, you can participate in a fully realized production: the First Year Seminar project.
  • Students reapply for theatre scholarships each year, so even if you don’t come to CSU with a theatre scholarship, you can be considered in subsequent years.
  • Opportunities for students to have their voices heard through various committees, including the Theatre Student Advisory Committee, the Theatre Diversity and Inclusion Committee, and the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance Student Advisory Committee.