Theatre Arts Degree (B.A.), Performance Track

Group of students in costume performing in a scene from the production Into the Woods.

Step Into the Spotlight with the Performance Track in Theatre Arts

Westfield State University’s Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts – Performance Track offers an immersive, hands-on education for students passionate about acting and directing. Through small studio classes, collaborative workshops, and one-on-one faculty mentoring, students gain the leadership, communication, collaboration, analytical, and creative problem-solving skills essential for careers in professional theatre or advanced graduate study.

This focused theatre degree emphasizes performance and directing techniques, design techniques, theatre history, script analysis, and emerging theatre technologies. From your first semester, you'll engage in high-quality productions and creative projects that develop your craft on stage and behind the scenes—preparing you to thrive in today’s dynamic performing arts industry.

Program Highlights

  • Small studio classes for more personal mentoring from faculty
  • Individualized, guided educational experience
  • Faculty involvement with student clubs
  • Faculty actively working as artists in New York City and across New England
  • Exposure to professional theatre productions

Follow Your Passion to the Stage

Start building your future in acting, directing, and live performance today.

Prepare, Perform, and Launch Your Theatre Journey

  • Two students acting in William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night.

    Career Preparation for the Professional Stage and Beyond

    Prepare for a successful future in acting, directing, design, and theatre education. Our program offers personalized faculty support for graduate school applications, resumes, audition prep, and portfolio development. Students have gone on to prestigious graduate programs, including M.A./Ph.D. in Theatre, MFA in Acting, MFA in Design, and MFA in Theatre for Youth. Guest speakers and workshops connect students with working professionals across the performing arts, helping you build a strong foundation for a lifelong career in theatre.

  • KCACTF Festival Participants

    Practical Experience Through Quality Productions

    Develop your skills by participating in professional theatrical productions and performance projects throughout your time in the program. Students gain valuable experience both on stage and behind the scenes, fostering teamwork and creative growth. Many also have the opportunity to present their work at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, a prestigious event for emerging theatre artists.

  • Student wearing pirate costume in production Peter and the Star Catcher.

    Theatre Internships That Shape Careers

    Access exceptional internship opportunities at some of the most respected theatre companies in the region and beyond. Our students have interned with Actors Theatre of Louisville, Berkshire Theatre Group, Westport Country Playhouse, Hartford Stage Company, Barrington Stage Company, Chester Theatre Company, Circus Smirkus, Bay Street Theatre Company, and St. Michael’s Playhouse. These hands-on experiences give students valuable insight, professional connections, and a competitive edge in the theatre industry.

Program Details

Learning Outcomes
  • Hone skills in oral, written, physical, and visual communication
  • Develop personal creative expressiveness
  • Team building and collaboration
  • Critical thinking and problem solving
  • Engaging with complex philosophical and social issues that explore the nature of humanity in a community setting

Upcoming & Past Productions

The Theatre Arts Program at Westfield State University gave me the creative space to discover my passion for acting, the tools I needed to take my craft to the next level, and the hunger to continue pursuing opportunities on stage, on film, and in a classroom after graduation.

Rachel Cofsky, '17

What Can You Do With a Theatre Arts, Performance Track, B.A.?

A Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts with a Performance Track opens doors to a wide range of creative and professional opportunities. Graduates are prepared for careers as actors, directors, stage managers, and theatre educators, working in professional theatre companies, film and television, community arts organizations, and educational institutions.

The degree also provides a strong foundation for advanced study, with many graduates pursuing Master of Fine Arts (MFA) programs in Acting, Directing, Theatre Education, or Design. Additionally, skills gained in communication, collaboration, and creative problem-solving translate well to careers in public speaking, arts administration, event production, and media.

Whether you dream of performing on stage, directing productions, or contributing behind the scenes, this degree equips you with the practical experience and theoretical knowledge to succeed in the dynamic world of theatre and the performing arts.

Student performing in costume for the production Into the Woods.

Ready to learn more?

Course Requirements

Requirements for the Theatre Arts Major - 42 Credits

The major in Theatre Arts is designed to provide students with a fundamentally sound and well-rounded bachelor of arts education and training in theatre and in its related arts of performance and design. It is the objective of the Theatre Arts Program to instill in students an abiding respect for theatre as an historical and cultural institution; to enhance their appreciation of theatre's significant role in a society's social, political, and cultural life; and to prepare students for the world of professional theatre and for graduate study. The bachelor of arts in Theatre Arts degree requires 40 credit hours of study, which includes 12 credit hours in one of three tracks of study: Performance, Design/Technology, or Theatre Studies. Students will be automatically enrolled in the Theatre Studies track of the major, with placement in the Performance or Design/Tech tracks granted at the discretion of the Theatre Arts Faculty following an audition or interview process.

Theatre Arts Core Curriculum - 30 Credits

The following courses are required of all Theatre Arts majors (27 credits):

Diversity in Drama

Select one course (to reach 30 credits total):

Performance Track - 12 Credits

Select four of the following:

Additional Graduation Requirements

All students must meet the University Graduation Requirements and complete a general education or common core of studies, distributed among the different academic areas as detailed in General Education: WISE or Common Core.

Get Big School Features With Small School Advantages

We offer high-quality academics, unique learning opportunities, and a gorgeous campus—and we have small classes, accessible faculty, and one-on-one support. 

You'll join fellow motivated students ready to make the most of the college experience through active participation. Become part of a caring and committed community that understands and embraces the bridge between academic study and civic responsibility.

  • 17:1

    student-faculty ratio

  • 87%

    of students receive financial aid 

  • 700+

    Internship opportunities

Connect With the Theatre Scene Throughout the Region

You’ll learn from professors and faculty who are active and successful members of the theatre community in New York City and throughout New England. You’ll benefit from focused mentorship, internship support, and academic guidance, preparing you for a successful transition into your career of interest. 

You’ll also have regular exposure to professional theatre productions and industry professionals through guest speakers, class trips, and more. Join your peers and professors at the annual Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, where you can present your work and connect with other students from across the region and top-level industry professionals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to submit SAT/ACT scores or an essay when I apply?

Westfield State University does not require an application essay, SAT and/or ACT scores, or letters of recommendation (except for special program admissions).     

All first-year applicants are reviewed for admission based on their high school record. First-year applicants must meet the minimum eligibility requirements established by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education (DHE) in order to qualify for admission to a state university.   

Learn more about the application process and admissions here.

How much does Westfield State University cost?

Westfield State University offers a comprehensive university experience at an affordable cost—with many options for financial aid. Visit our Cost and Aid page to learn more. 

Will I receive academic support?

We’re invested in your success. Whether you need a little help adjusting to college, study strategies, tutoring, or Student Accessibility Services, the academic support team is ready to help. Our mission is to provide you with the tools to explore academic opportunities as well as to plot strategies for continued growth.

Learn more about our student support services here.

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Theatre Arts Degree (B.A.), Performance Track