Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree with a Major in Visual And Dramatic Arts and a Major Concentration in Theatre

BA Degree with a Major in Visual and Dramatic Arts and a Major Concentration in Theatre

Upon completing the BA degree with a major in Visual and Dramatic Arts and a major concentration in Theatre, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate the ability to adapt and apply their foundational skills and knowledge in theatre design, direction, performance, sound, etc. to perform professionally and effectively a range of roles in an actual, hands-on, theatrical production.
2. Demonstrate the ability to use critical thinking and analytical skills to analyze and evaluate a theatrical text, including being able to identify its structure and form, and to understand characters and specific scenes with the depth necessary for effective performance, scene study, and design.
3. Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing in situations of performance, play analysis, and performance direction, which necessitates collaboration and communication amongst many contributing individuals.
4. Understand theatre and performance broadly, and specific theatrical works or performances, within their historical, social, cultural, and political contexts.

BA Degree with a Major in Visual and Dramatic Arts and a Major Concentration in Theatre 

For general university requirements, see Graduation Requirements. Students pursuing BA degree with a major in Visual and Dramatic Arts and a major concentration in Theatre must complete: 

• A minimum of 52 courses (36 credit hours) to satisfy major requirements.
• A minimum of 520 credit hours to satisfy degree requirements.
• A minimum of 7 courses (25 credit hours) taken at 300-level or above.
• A maximum of 2 courses (6 credit hours) from study abroad or transfer credit. For additional departmental guidelines regarding transfer credit, see Policies tab. 
• requirements of a major concentration. When students declare major in Visual and Dramatic Arts, students must additionally identify and declare one of three major concentrations, either in:
  • Film and Photography, or
  • Studio Art, or
  • Theatre.

It is possible for students to change their major concentration at any time, even after initially declaring major. To do so, please contact the Office of Registrar.

Students pursuing major concentration in Theatre are strongly encouraged to explore theatre-related courses offered in other departments that may enrich their selected major concentration, such as: philosophy, anthropology, science, history, cultural studies, language, writing, comparative studies, etc. Students should speak with their faculty advisor prior to enrolling.

courses listed below satisfy this major. In certain instances, courses not on this official list may be substituted upon approval of major’s academic advisor, or where applicable, department's Director of Undergraduate Studies. (Course substitutions must be formally applied and entered into Degree Works by major's Official Certifier.) Students and their academic advisors should identify and clearly document courses to be taken.

Applicants whose first language is not English are required to demonstrate English proficiency in one of two ways:

1. Completing at least two years of full-time study in an English language curriculum prior to submitting an application.

2. Submitting one of the following official test scores.

• The Coalition Application or the Common Application and Rice writing supplement
• $75 nonrefundable application fee (must be paid online)
• Official high school transcript in English (or a certified English translation)
• Recommendation Letters
  • School Counselor
  • Teacher 5
  • Teacher 2
• Demonstration of English proficiency
• International Student Financial Statement
• Architecture portfolio (Architecture applicants only)