The Bachelor of Theater (BA) program provides students with a well-rounded education that allows them to explore options before choosing an area of specialization. The students learn to broaden their knowledge and refine their skills in their chosen field of specialization. The Bachelor of Theater (BA) program is offered online via distance learning. After evaluating both academic record and life experience, (CSUNY) staff working in conjunction with Faculty and Academic Advisors will assist students in setting up a custom-made program, designed on an individual basis. This flexibility to meet student needs is seldom found in other distance learning programs. Our online program does not require all students to take the same subjects/courses, use the same books, or learning materials. Instead, the online Bachelor of Theater (BA) curriculum is designed individually by the student and academic advisor. It specifically addresses strengths and weaknesses with respect to market opportunities in the student’s major and intended field of work. Understanding that industry and geographic factors should influence the content of the curriculum instead of a standardized one-fits-all design is the hallmark of (CSUNY)’s unique approach to adult education. This philosophy addresses the dynamic and constantly changing environment of working professionals by helping adult students in reaching their professional and personal goals within the scope of the degree program.
Important: Below is an example of the topics or areas you may develop and work on during your studies. By no means is it a complete or required list as (CSUNY) programs do not follow a standardized curriculum. It is meant solely as a reference point and example. Want to learn more about the curriculum design at (CSUNY)? (Course and Curriculum)
Core Courses and Topics in Theater:
Theatre Forum
Acting
Textual Analysis for Production
Stagecraft
Make-Up
Costume Crafts
Costume Theatre Performance
History of Theatre
Technical Theatre Performance
Directing
Drama
Lighting for Stage/Television
Movement for Actors
Musical Theatre
Acting for Television
Voice for Performance
Orientation Courses:
Communication & Investigation (Comprehensive Resume)
Organization Theory (Portfolio)
Experiential Learning (Autobiography)
Seminar Administrative Development (Book Summary)
Seminar Cultural Development (Practical Experience)
Seminar International Development (Publications)
Research Project in Theater:
Bachelor Thesis Project
MBM300 Thesis Proposal
MBM302 Bachelor Thesis (5,000 words)
Publication: Each Bachelor of Theater graduate is encouraged to publish their research papers either online in the public domain or through professional journals and periodicals worldwide.
Career Center Bachelor of Theater
Job Description
There are lots of different things you can do with a theater degree. Most people think that theater degrees are only for acting and directing, but besides that you can take the performance experience and work in hundreds of different positions ranging from a dialect coach to a politician. For steady and profitable work, anyone interested in being a theater major should look at being a major with a technical degree. You can be anything from a designer to a milliner, as well as many other positions
Skills for Success
Communication: (written/oral): Ability to verbalize, write, listen, give presentations, facilitate discussions, and share knowledge effectively
Technical: Ability to appropriately apply technology and effectively use major software and the web to accomplish a given task; ability to apply computing skills to solve problems
Leadership: Ability to lead, gather resources, coach and allow others to lead
Teamwork/Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with others and to collabora
te successfully; to be able to work with diverse teams, negotiate and manage conflicts
Interpersonal: Ability to relate to colleagues and customers, inspire others, resolve conflict, be tactful, understand cultures, and show diplomacy
Employment Opportunities
You can easily find employment with regional theaters, touring companies, theme parks, cruise ships, and roadhouses. Though film/television and live entertainment are very different industries, a degree in theater can provide a good foundation for either.
Professional Associations
International Amateur Theatre Association (IATA)
International Theatre Institute (ITI)
League of Historic American Theatres (LHAT)
Resources and Tools
Back Stage - The Actor's Resource
Cinemarquee - Theatre
