Theatre Majors

As a student in University Theatre, you’ll be inspired to explore all aspects of the theatre arts. You’ll study with exceptional faculty who will challenge you to grow as both an artist and individual, enjoy extensive performance opportunities and real-world experiences, work in state-of-the-art studios, and perform in extraordinary venues. We’ll prepare you to fulfill your unique goals.

Our dynamic degrees are designed for students, like you, who wish to pursue a career in the theatre and entertainment industries. University Theatre offers 10 undergraduate programs and minors and provides opportunities for students to broaden their field of study with multiple professional experiences. You’ll receive a significant amount of individual attention, gain important resume-building skills, and make important contacts that prepare you for a professional career. No matter the path you choose, our community of mentors and colleagues are dedicated to your success.

On Stage

As a University Theatre student, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the world of professional theatre from multiple perspectives, behind the scenes or on the stage. Each year, University Theatre stages many shows that allow students to utilize the skills they’re learning in our classrooms. Annual shows include fully produced mainstage straight theatre and Musical Theatre productions, numerous shows that feature student actors and directors, fully produced Cabaret performances, and more. We offer many opportunities for all university students, including those in other academic programs. There are multiple ways for you to express yourself in the theatre arts at YSU!

Our Alumni Are Everywhere

Our highly accomplished graduates may be seen nationally and internationally across the entertainment industries. You’ll find our alumni on Broadway and on the small screen. And they're receiving nominations and awards from The Tony’s to The Grammys®. Our exceptional program also empowers our graduates to become successful directors, designers, choreographers, academic faculty, and more. We will prepare you for success in the theatre arts and beyond—whether behind the scenes or in the spotlight.

Discover the Possibilities

To learn more about our degree programs and scholarships or to schedule a campus visit, contact Cliffe College Program Coordinator of Admissions and Recruitment at sawaltman@ysu.edu or 330.941.2346. We would love to hear about your interests, introduce you to our outstanding faculty and students, show you our exceptional facilities, and become an important part of your future.

Undergraduate Programs

• Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Theatre Studies

  YSU’s Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Theatre Studies is a professional and flexible course of study that combines a major emphasis in theatre grounded in theory and practice with a traditional liberal arts education. The comprehensive curriculum offers courses such as acting, directing, stage management, and design technology and allows students to explore the world of professional theatre from multiple perspectives.

• Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Film/Video

  The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Theatre Studies, Film/Video Concentration combines extensive practical training in the techniques of theatre, film, and video production with an array of liberal arts coursework. Students pursuing this degree program select one of three areas on which to focus: Production, Visual Media and Design, or Critical Studies.

• Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.), Musical Theatre

  The Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.), Musical Theatre is a professional degree for students who are interested in pursuing a career as an actor and singer. Students graduate from this program prepared for careers as broadly employable theatre professionals.

• Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.), Theatre

  The Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Theatre is a professional degree for students interested in pursuing a career as an actor, director, and/or theatre technician/designer. The program is defined by an experiential, collaborative curricular model, and the result is refined skill sets that prepare students to be successful theatre professionals across all areas of the entertainment industry.

Minors

• Minor in Dance

  The Minor in Dance provides a broad understanding of the field of dance from the perspective of the performer and choreographer. 

• Minor in Film Studies

  The Minor in Film Studies - Info soon

• Minor in Musical Theatre

  The Minor in Musical Theatre is comprised of interdisciplinary coursework and is designed to provide a broad overview of the field. It provides a unique opportunity for students from all majors who are interested in music and theatre to concentrate on both areas while earning one minor.  Students pursuing a Minor in Musical Theatre should contact Natalie A. Kiriazis at nakiriazis@ysu.edu for audition information.

• Minor in Puppetry for Non-Theatre Majors

  The Minor in Puppetry for Non-Theatre Majors provides a broad understanding of the field of puppetry in terms of puppet design, build, and manipulation, script-writing/adaptation, and puppet performance. 

• Minor in Puppetry for Theatre Majors

  The Minor in Puppetry for Theatre Majors provides a broad understanding of the field of puppetry in terms of puppet design, build, and manipulation, script-writing/adaptation, and puppet performance. The Puppetry Minor for Theatre Majors pairs well with both the B.A. in Theatre Studies and the B.F.A. in Theatre curricula.

• Minor in Theatre Studies

  The Minor in Theatre Studies provides a broad understanding of the field of theatre from the perspective of the actor and designer. University Theatre offers the Theatre Studies minor as a way for YSU students in other colleges to explore their interest in the theatre.