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

Theatre Arts students wearing costumes presenting in the production Lucky Stiff.

From Script to Stage, Your Journey Starts Here

The Theatre Studies track at Westfield State University offers a flexible and immersive Bachelor of Arts degree designed for students who want to explore the full scope of theatre. Through a combination of classroom study and hands-on production experience, you’ll build skills in performance, directing, design, script analysis, dramaturgy, and theatre history—while tailoring your focus to match your unique interests and goals.

This track allows you to collaborate closely with theatre faculty to shape your own academic journey. In addition to the core Theatre Arts curriculum, you’ll select advanced coursework from a wide range of topics including Shakespeare, playwriting, theatre for social change, and emerging technologies.

All students enter the Theatre Arts major through the Theatre Studies track. Students may pursue the Performance or Design/Technology tracks after a successful audition or interview with faculty.

Whether you're preparing for a career on stage, behind the scenes, or in arts leadership, the Theatre Studies track provides the foundation and flexibility to thrive in today’s dynamic theatre landscape.

Program Highlights

  • Individualized, guided educational experience
  • Small studio classes for more personal mentoring from faculty
  • Faculty involvement with student clubs
  • Faculty actively working as artists in New York City and across New England
  • Student-directed, designed & produced productions each year

Ready to Bring Your Passion for Theatre to Life?

Explore, create, and thrive in the world of theatre arts.

Where Creativity Meets Career Preparation

  • Two students wearing costumes for the production Into the Woods.

    Practical Theatre Production Experience and Expert Faculty Support

    Build your skills with hands-on theatre production experience starting your first semester. Participate in high-quality theatrical performances while receiving personalized guidance from experienced faculty. Our professors assist with professional applications, recommendation letters, and portfolio development. Learn from industry guest speakers who share insights into careers in acting, directing, design, and theatre arts.

  • Students wearing customs acting in the production Urinetown.

    Theatre Internship Opportunities at Leading Companies

    Gain real-world experience and build your professional network through theatre internships with prestigious organizations including Actors Theatre of Louisville, Berkshire Theatre Group, Westport County Playhouse, Hartford Stage Company, Barrington Stage Company, Chester Theatre Company, Circus Smirkus, Bay Street Theatre Company, and St. Michael’s Playhouse. These internship placements provide essential exposure to theatre production, stage management, design, and performance careers.

  • Madeleine Hebért, Casey Dubrowski and Anaila Aleman Colon pose with their awards from the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival

    Successful Graduate School Placement and National Recognition

    Showcase your talent at major events such as the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, recognized nationwide for theatre arts excellence. Our graduates have secured acceptance into competitive graduate programs, including MA, Ph.D., and MFA degrees in Acting, Theatre Design, and Theatre for Youth. Prepare for advanced studies and careers in professional theatre, education, and arts leadership.

     

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

Being a part of the Theatre Program at Westfield State allowed me to explore all of the aspects that go into creating a theatrical production. With the help of a supportive faculty and staff, I was able to create a schedule that was specific to me and my interests.

Courtney Kossick, '16
 

What Can You Do with a Theatre Arts, Theatre Studies B.A.?

Graduates of the Theatre Arts, Theatre Studies Track B.A. build a strong foundation in theatre history, performance, and production—enhanced by practical experience and professional internships. This well-rounded preparation opens doors to a variety of roles in the performing arts and beyond. Career paths may include:

  • Actor or Performer
  • Director or Stage Manager
  • Theatre Educator
  • Set, Costume, or Lighting Designer
  • Theatre Technician or Production Crew
  • Arts Administrator or Manager
Theatre Arts students in a production of Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty's Lucky Stiff

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):

Theatre Studies Track - 12 Credits

Theatre Studies track, any 12 credits from the following list (to be chosen with advisor consultation)

Students may petition to subsitute courses from the list of electives to satisfy the core curriculum or the Performance or Design/Technology track requirements. Approval will be granted by the student's faculty advisor and the department chair, provided such substitutions satisfy the depth, breadth, and specificity of study required by the Theatre Arts program.

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 disability services, the team at the Academic Achievement Department 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.), Theatre Studies Track