Theatre (Acting), BA
Are you interested in becoming a captivating, versatile and creative actor capable of working across performing arts disciplines? Whether your passion is live performance, film or voice acting, you can hone your skills to increase your confidence, dexterity and precision.
Quick facts
Locations
Courses
Any math course that meets the MATH designation.
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
International students (F1), this program is not eligible for the STEM-OPT extension.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
The Bachelor of Arts program in theatre with a concentration in acting provides you with a hands-on education that emphasizes performance in both live theatre and recorded media. Within the context of a comprehensive liberal arts education, the program prepares you for advanced graduate study in the field and for entry-level careers in acting and performance. The program offers specialty coursework in the following areas:
- accent work
- acting for film, television and new media
- audition techniques
- devising
- intimacy direction and coordination
- movement
- new work development
- stage combat
- voice-over
Courses
Explore a sample list of courses you may take in this program.
| Sample courses |
|---|
| THE 320 History of the Theatre I |
| THE 321 History of the Theatre II |
| THF 126 Professional Development: Communication and Collaboration |
| THF 160 Introduction to Storytelling |
| THF 215 Design and Composition for Theatre and Film |
| THF 220 Principles of Dramatic Analysis |
Course checksheet and curriculum archive
The curriculum checksheet displays this program's required courses and other requirements you must complete for graduation.
Current ASU students, see how your courses can apply to another major and find out how to change your major (opens in new window).
Already completed some college courses? Build on your success.
If you earned college credit outside ASU, our transfer tools map out your progress towards a degree and help you plan next steps.
See how your credits may apply (opens in new window)What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Apply, through performance, foundational creative processes of live theatre and film.
- Explain how theatre shapes the cultural and political landscapes of societies.
- Execute creative projects or performances targeting the area of live performance and creation fitting students' career plans.
Apply, through performance, foundational creative processes of live theatre and film.Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First year (opens in new window) | Transfer (opens in new window) | International (opens in new window) | Readmission (opens in new window)
Students interested in the BA in theatre with a concentration in acting are admitted directly into the major by indicating their degree preference on their ASU admission application.
Transfer admission requirements:
Direct transfer of courses from other accredited institutions to the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts is subject to the existence of parallel and equal courses in the college's curriculum and to departmental or school evaluation of studio courses with respect to performance standards. Every candidate for the bachelor's degree must earn a minimum of 30 hours in resident credit at ASU. Transfer students enrolled in the college must complete a minimum of 15 hours of resident credit in the major as approved by the faculty.
An ASU student who would like to change majors to this program and would be new to the major must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.25 and understand that their GPA must be brought up to a 2.50 or higher within one semester to remain in good standing. An ASU student who is returning to this major must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50.
Students should visit the Change of Major form (opens in new window) for information about how to change a major to this program.
Explore expanded study opportunities
When you pursue concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”), you earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with your academic advisor, you can create your own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Students studying theatre can find inspiration and deepen their understanding of theater through a study abroad program. Study abroad provides an opportunity for students to explore their creative side through an intercultural lens. Not only do the programs encourage students to build communication skills, but they also challenge them, as artists, to think differently.
With more than 300 options available, Global Education programs give students a breadth of knowledge in arts and culture distinctly different from their own. Whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, students are challenged to adapt and persevere, and to look inside themselves in a way they haven't done before, growing their self-confidence along the way.
Vital qualities in the field of theater, such as leadership, teamwork and communication, can be developed and honed abroad. Students earn ASU credit for completed courses while staying on track for graduation, and they may apply financial aid and scholarships toward program costs.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimate
Build the career and future you want
Our graduates are prepared for a variety of career paths, including:
| Career | Growth | Median Salary | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Actor | 0.0% | Not available | Learn more |
| Art Professor | 2.2% | $78,620 | Learn more |
| Casting Director | 4.0% | $90,360 | Learn more |
| Certified Recreational Therapist | 4.8% | $61,960 | Learn more |
| College Program Director | 1.8% | $104,590 | Learn more |
| Executive Producer | 4.0% | $90,360 | Learn more |
| Fundraising Consultant | 5.5% | $72,550 | Learn more |
| High School Teacher | -0.2% | $72,040 | Learn more |
| Public Relations Specialist | 1.8% | $74,750 | Learn more |
| Recreation Coordinator | 4.3% | $36,560 | Learn more |
Example job titles and salaries listed are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.
Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
More about careers
The program provides an excellent broad-based foundation for professional work in the field, including independent careers in performance. It also prepares students for further study that can lead to careers in professional theatre, film, television, media, education and related arts disciplines.
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
School of Music, Dance and Theatre
|
MUSIC E167
MDTAdmissions@asu.edu
480-965-5069
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
