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 The core curriculum of the BA in Theatre incorporates elements of performance, as well as the research and practice of the theory behind the craft. With an emphasis on each student’s unique creative process, theatre major requirements allow students to explore collaborations within the theatre arts and between theatre and other disciplines.

Due to the performance requirements of the theatre major, you’ll likely take more than the 120 credits required for the Bachelor of Arts designation. Requirements include:

• Entrance audition
• 43 credits in core major courses
• Participation in two theatre productions and one stage crew practicum
• Senior thesis seminar supporting final productions
• Total of 90 liberal arts-designated credits
• Completed general education curriculum

Through production experiences and the ability to add extra training in a topic such as playwriting, acting, set design, lighting design, or costume design, students interested in all areas of theatre arts can be a fit for the BA in Theatre.

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Acting and Theatre Courses

Theatre courses include:

Acting I and Acting II
Acting for the Camera
Movement for Performers
Stagecraft I and II
Directing I
Stage Management
Survey of Dramatic Literature I: The Classics
Survey of Dramatic Lit II: Modern Drama
Theater and Society
Puppetry Workshop

 

Theatre Degree Career Pathways

Our undergraduate theatre program prepares students for career paths across all areas of theatre performance and production. Backed by theory-driven technical training and a holistic approach to general education, theatre majors at Manhattanville are supplied with the professional skills needed to earn their first acting role, direct their first feature, or find their first position working in production.

The unique flexibility of the degree encourages many students to earn a double major or minor in another discipline. Interdisciplinary training may allow students to find work in important areas of theatre production, like communications, accounting, marketing, or public relations.

The BA in Theater is perfect for students seeking a flexible program with opportunities to pursue their interests and career paths across a wide variety of performance, production, interdisciplinary artistry and education.

Our alumni have gone on to work at companies across New York State including:

 

• HERE Arts Center
• SOHO Playhouse
• White Plains Performing Arts Center
• The Greenwich House Theater
• The People’s Theatre

 

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Visit the to learn more about the requirements to minor in Theater. 

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Gain On-Stage Experience
Whether you have dreams of writing, directing, or performing in theatre productions, you’ll be able to get hands-on experience throughout your undergraduate journey.

In addition to in-classroom learning under the mentorship of the professional directors, playwrights, theatre educators, and actors on the faculty, students in the theatre program will apply what they’ve learned in multiple production experiences including:

• Performing on stage in one of our 2 main stage productions in the fall and spring.
• Working backstage as a member of a student crew handling scenery, costumes, lights and sound among other technical theater disciplines
• Writing, acting or directing for our new play reading series Fresh Ink.
• Creating a senior capstone project related to their individual interests as a theater-maker.

Theatre Internships
Students in the BA in Theatre have completed internships for degree credit, attended conservatory training semesters at different institutions, and found other credit-earning opportunities through our close access to the theatres, studios, and arts organizations in New York City.

Learn how Manhattanville’s Center for Career Development helps students find internships and other workplace learning opportunities.

Acting and Performance Clubs and Organizations
Strengthen your performance resume further by participating in Manhattanville’s extracurricular arts and extracurricular clubs.  

Student might participate in Broadway @ Manhattanville (B@M) or many of our other clubs including dance troupes, Castle Concerts Club, Art and Graffiti Club, and many others.

Visit the Student Clubs and Organization page to learn more!

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The BA in Theatre admissions process includes the submission of an audition packet comprised of a prepared performance and supporting documents.

Steps for Submitting Your Application

2. Complete theatre program audition application which includes:

1. 1. Essay describing why you would like to study theatre in our program and outlining your career goals.
   2. Resume detailing any experience in acting, technical theater, and any other artistic or performance credits.
   3. A letter of recommendation from a teacher in the field
   4. An audition (in-person or virtual) of two contrasting monologues done from memory*.

Audition Dates for fall 2025 and spring 2026:

         Sunday November 16^th  - sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½

         Saturday January 24^th – NYC (location TBD)

         Sunday February 22^nd – sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½

Information regarding exact timing and location of the audition will be shared after you register for an in-person audition date.

 *If you are primarily interested in studying technical theater an audition is not required for consideration of admission into the program. Please note your interest in focusing on technical theater in your application essay.

Learn all about auditioning to become a theatre major at Manhattanville and contact admissions if you have any questions.

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Four On-Campus Performance Spaces
Theatre majors extend their talents across four different stages on campus. Our robust performance facilities host many events, from student projects to visiting workshops and festivals.

• Little Theatre: An intimate yet grand space for mainstage productions
• EX Theatre: Home to a range of performances, from black box theatre to Fresh Ink, a festival featuring new works
• Reid Castle: The annual Manhattanville Shakespeare Festival is hosted in this regal 19th- century castle
• Pius X Hall: Workshops, student recitals, and more
• Students can also run lines and refine monologues in one of our ten soundproof practice rooms.

 

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Apply to the BA in Theatre
Just minutes away from the endless opportunities of New York City, students in Manhattanville’s Bachelor of Arts in Theatre degree program learn how to construct, produce, perform, and theorize about theatre in all forms.

If you’re interested in the performance experience and broad curriculum of the BA in Theatre degree, plan a visit to the Manhattanville campus and review complete admissions information.

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