Theatre, B.A.

An Education for Artists 

We are committed to preparing you as a theatre major for a career in the entertainment industry. We prioritize the training, support, and mentorship of each student on their artistic journey.

From live theatre to film and television, from voice-acting to dance, and from new work creation to the application of theatre history, you will receive strong foundations from world-class industry professionals.  

Performance

Train as an actor with practical experience in vocal, movement, and expressive techniques. In this concentration, you will receive studio-based instruction that center industry-forward training in preparation for a wide range of professional employment in theatre, film and television, future advanced or graduate study, or work in allied performance fields.

Are you interested in a holistic approach to acting training? Are you looking for a program that prioritizes strong mentorship opportunities, professional development, and hands-on opportunities to grow in additional areas like directing or devising? This concentration might be for you.  

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Design and Technology

Focus on every aspect of production design and technical execution, from the first sketch to the final curtain call. In this concentration, you will develop working knowledge and practical experience as designers and technologists, ready for the professional world.

Do you dream of bringing your artistic visions to life on the stage in ways that add dimension in sound, light, color, and texture? Have you always wanted to work behind the scenes, in a design studio, or programming lighting or sound systems? Do you frequently notice the costuming details on your favorite television show, or the lighting palette used in a touring musical?

Do you ever wish you could be part of making that theatre magic really seem magical for an audience? This concentration might be for you.   

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Theatre Studies

Choose your own adventure in the wide field of arts and entertainment. Select your coursework to customize your educational experience with maximum flexibility. This concentration offers you an enormous menu of courses to support you in becoming a well-rounded theatre artist. Interested in acting and designing? Want to pursue playwriting, directing, or theatre management?

Maybe you’d like to start your own theatre company or become an arts educator. Perhaps you plan to attend graduate school in the future or to run a non-profit. Are you considering a double major? This concentration might be for you.  

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The Early Majors program allows students to begin theatre training and to audition for productions in their first semester. Application to the Early Majors Program in the Department of Theatre may be scheduled prior to application to UNCW. Acceptance to the Early Majors program does not guarantee admission to UNCW.

Early major applicants are required to audition/interview. Audition/interview applications should be submitted two weeks prior to the requested audition date.

Current UNCW students and transfer students may declare a theatre major by visiting MySeaport. Audition/interview prior to declaration of a theatre major is highly recommend, but not required. All students are encouraged to reach out to the Department of Theatre office for more information, to meet with a faculty member about choosing a theatre major, or to sit in on a theatre class.