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Theatre, B.A.

Training Artists and Scholars for Tomorrow
  • 90%

    Alumni Employed or in Graduate School Within One Year of Graduation

  • Train

    Pre-Professional Training in Stage & Film Prepares Students For Employment in Theatre, Film or TV, & Future Advanced Study

  • 109

    Among Public National Universities, U.S. News & World Report

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.  

Our Alumni Work In Many Fields. Where will your UNCW journey take you?

Express and evoke character and story on stage and television, in film, and in voiceover, engaging performance techniques from across the field.

Bring live stage shows to life through the design of sets, costumes, sound, lighting, media, props, and make-up, creating dimension and specificity in storytelling.  

Lead a creative team in the staging of live production through your artistic vision and collaboration.  

Build, install, maintain, and run all practical elements across live production including stage carpentry, scene painting, wardrobe construction, wigs and makeup, special effects, sound and lighting system programming, media projection, stage rigging, and much more.  

Teach and mentor the next generation of students in the performing arts through the literature, history, and practice of theatre. From K-12 education to after-school programming to non-profit art centers and museums, bring accessible theatre arts to your community.  

Be a new voice in the industry: write new plays, devise polyvocal collaborations, market your artistic vision, start your own theatre company.  

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Learn TO

Study and practice theatre production in a hands-on environment

Practice collaboration and creative problem-solving in the arts

Apply technique to real-world challenges on and off stage

Develop a professional profile and skillset for a career in the industry

“ My time at UNCW has been invaluable in providing me with tools I needed as both an artist & educator. ”
Corey Mitchell '93 Tony Award winner for Excellence in Theatre Education
Theatre, B.A. Program Overview

Three Concentrations to Choose From

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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See the Full Curriculum
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Extraordinary Facilities

The Cultural Arts Building houses two beautiful theaters, fully-equipped shops, and first-rate studio spaces.

 

Sample Courses In Theatre

Table lists sample courses for the Theatre B.A.
THR 328 Puppetry Design and Fabrication
THR 335 Acting for the Camera
THR 336 Shakespeare and Autism
THR 373 Women in Theatre
THR 412 Production Design for Film
See Full Curriculum

How Do I Major In Theatre?

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. 

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Department

Contact Us

UNCW Department of Theatre

Phone: (910) 962-2061

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