The Theatre is a Bachelor degree offered by The Ohio State University on the Lima campus in Columbus , United States of America. The program is delivered on campus as a Full Time course in English and requires approximately 4 years to complete. Students study at the Lima campus while gaining the knowledge and practical experience expected for this area of study. The next intake is available from August 24, 2027.

About Bachelor of Theatre

Create new performance work while exploring theatre history through productions of classic, modern and contemporary texts.

Theatre

Degree: BA

Campus: Columbus, Lima

College: Arts and Sciences

Through a liberal arts curriculum, the theatre program at Ohio State prepares students as self-reliant theatre makers with rich understandings of the role of performance in contemporary society.

Get started

The theatre program does not require an audition. On admission to the university, students may declare a major in theatre. Each student is then assigned a faculty advisor from the Department of Theatre, Film, and Media Arts.

Curriculum

Theatre students at Ohio State pursue a broad-based liberal arts degree in which they can focus on the aspects of theatre and performance studies that they are most passionate about.

The theatre program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre and designed for students who want to create, study, teach and work in the performing arts industry, and for those generally interested a liberal arts education.

Study abroad

Students can take advantage of theatre-focused study abroad opportunties in London and Prague or participate domestically in a study tour of the Humana Festival for New American Plays at the Actors Theatre of Louisville.

Internship

Faculty advisors help students find internships in places such as the Goodman Theatre, Steppenwolf Theatre, Actors Theatre of Louisville and La Jolla Playhouse.

Honors and Scholars

Theatre students may be interested in joining the Arts Scholars program, a community of Buckeyes passionate about art, music, theatre, dance, design, fashion, culinary arts and more. Members live in the same residence hall and have access to special lectures, workshops, excursions to museums and performances, a juried student art exhibition, a performance showcase and more.

Research

Theatre students can (and often do!) work with faculty mentors to pursue a creative research interest. Recent examples include the creation and performance of identity-driven solo pieces and the self-production of classic musicals. Regardless of their interest, student researchers can take advantage of the university's Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee Theatre Research Institute.

Student organizations

Theatre students may be interested in joining the Visual and Performing Arts Learning Community or one of over 150 creative and performing arts student organizations focused on everything from improv comedy to community activism.

Possible careers

The basic skills of theatre making are broadly applicable to a variety of careers. Theatre graduates are practiced interpersonal communicators, project managers, writers, team leaders, and public speakers. Graduates are prepared for careers in the performing arts industry and beyond, as well as for graduate study.

Some graduates direct, design and write for the theatre; others work as stage managers, theatre technicians, dramaturgs, box office managers, teaching artists and arts administrators. Beyond the theatre, graduates are often employed where expertise in theatre is valued, such as at theme parks, museums, digital media companies and educational institutions.

Program objectives

Fundamentally, the theatre program nurtures creativity while fostering critical inquiry, which is essential to the creation of innovative live performance.

Students will exhibit broad knowledge, appreciation and understanding of live theatrical performance as a diverse and malleable art form that can influence history, culture, politics and society.
Students will understand the technical, physical and vocal skills required by live performers and develop these skills in practical and theoretical contexts.
Students will understand the design, technology and management skills involved in theatrical production and develop these skills in practical and theoretical contexts.
Students will develop critical faculties as audience members and be able to encounter each theatrical work on its own terms.
Students will obtain experiences creating work as generative theatre practitioners.
Students will grasp the terrain of contemporary theatre practice and be prepared to apply their education to professional life or study.

Requirements and Admission Criteria for Bachelor of Theatre at The Ohio State University

Entry Requirements

Criteria of our holistic review, in no particular order.

Successful completion of university preparatory courses
High school performance (class rank or GPA), including participation in accelerated programs like Honors, AP and IB; Ohio State does not have minimum requirements for class rank or GPA
Standardized test score (ACT or SAT); Ohio State does not have minimum requirements for ACT or SAT scores
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.
Ability and desire to contribute to and engage with a diverse campus community
Experiences that demonstrate leadership or engaged involvement (e.g., co-curricular activities, work experiences or military service)
Status as a first-generation university student
Demonstration of outstanding talent in a particular area
High school performance if adversely affected by physical, mental or learning environment factors
Eligibility for and likelihood of benefiting from organized support services at Ohio State

Enrollment in your intended major

Once it is determined that you are admissible, you will be considered for enrollment in the college of your intended major. Read about

English Requirements

IELTSMin 6.5
TOEFLMin 79

English Program Requirements

we require evidence of English language proficiency, unless you have completed three full years of school at a U.S. regionally accredited high school or if you are a citizen of, or have received a bachelor’s degree from, Australia, Belize, British Caribbean, British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Scotland, the United States or Wales.

Tuition and Fee Information for Bachelor of Theatre at The Ohio State University

How to Apply for Bachelor of Theatre at The Ohio State University

How do I submit scores?

Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.

Tips for sending scores to Ohio State

Scores must come directly from the testing agency. When you register for the ACT or SAT, indicate that you want your scores sent to Ohio State.
If you already took the test but didn't send your scores to Ohio State, you can order them for a fee. Order in advance to be sure scores reach us by the application deadline.
We must receive standardized test scores by your application deadline (either November 1 or February 1 for autumn semester applicants).
October 2 (SAT) and October 23 (ACT) are your last 2021 test dates if you want your scores to be considered for our November 1 early action deadline. Important! If you plan to test on those dates, you must request that Ohio State receive scores when you register for the test. And please note: If you choose to have your scores considered, you won’t be able to review scores from these dates prior to submitting your application by the November 1 deadline.
Applicants who will have been out of high school for two or more years by their term of enrollment are not required to submit scores.

Is the essay required?

The essay is not required for either the ACT or SAT.

Should I take a standardized test more than once?

Ohio State looks at the highest composite score from a single test date. Taking the test (and having scores sent to us) more than once, while not required, may work to your advantage.

How does Ohio State look at scores?

When considering students for admission or Honors and Scholars selection, we consider the best official composite / combined score from a single test administration. Ohio State does not mix sub-scores from multiple tests.

These items plus the Common Application (STEP 3) make up a complete application. We must receive all items by the deadline to consider your application on time.

Official transcripts

High school transcripts

Request that your high school or secondary school send transcripts / documents / official copies of examination certificates for coursework from the final four years (grades 9-12) to Ohio State.

How to send your transcripts to Ohio State:

Your high school counselor can upload the transcripts / documents / official copies of examination certificates using Common App, Naviance or other secure electronic delivery service.
Your high school counselor can email the transcripts to [email protected].
If electronic submission is not possible, please mail your official transcripts to our express mail address.
Faxed transcripts will not be accepted.

Foreign language documents must be translated into English by the issuing institution, an authorized translator or a teacher of the language. Any additional requirements will be posted to your Applicant Center, so be sure to check your application status regularly after you've applied.

Official ACT or SAT scores

Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.

How do I submit my scores?

We must receive your official ACT or SAT score sent electronically directly from the testing agency. Scores from transcripts will not be considered. Read more about score requirements in STEP 1.

Optional: Recommendation from a teacher or counselor

While not required, your counselor may send a maximum of two letters of recommendation electronically through the Common Application.

If an electronic option isn’t available, your counselor may email your letter(s) to [email protected]; the letter must include your first and last name and OSU ID number, found on the email we send acknowledging receipt of your application. Letters sent via email are subject to sender verification.

Official proof of English language skills

You must request that your testing agency send official scores electronically to Ohio State demonstrating the English proficiency level outlined below:

TOEFL (internet-based test or internet-based test Home Edition*): 79 or higher
IELTS or IELTS Indicator*: 6.5 or higher
ACT: 21 or higher on the English section
SAT: 27 or higher on the Reading Test
Duolingo*: 105 or higher

You are exempt from this requirement if you have completed three full years of school at a U.S. regionally accredited high school or if you are a citizen of, or have received a bachelor’s degree from, Australia, Belize, British Caribbean, British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Scotland, the United States or Wales.

Ohio State has an intensive English program for students who wish to improve their language skills called the American Language Program. A separate application is required for this program. Ohio State does not offer conditional admission to students who enroll in the American Language Program.

*To accommodate applicants affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, The Ohio State University will accept Duolingo, the IELTS Indicator and the TOEFL internet-based test Home Edition from any international student applying for spring 2022 or autumn 2022 admission. All Duolingo test takers are required to take an English placement exam upon arrival to campus. TOEFL Home Edition and IELTS Indicator test takers are required to take an English placement exam upon arrival unless they qualify for a TOEFL or IELTS score exemption.