Find your passion and expand your creative abilities through the Bachelor of Arts in Theater Arts.
Learn every aspect of the craft — acting, directing, design, administration — and graduate prepared to work in any part of a theater organization.
You’ll have the option to focus on design and technology: lighting, costumes, hair and makeup, props and scenic design. Or specialize in management, coordinating the logistical aspects of a show and the business side of a theater. Or keep your options open by following a general Theater Arts track.
No matter what you choose, you’ll learn from working alongside professional artists. You’ll also have the chance to earn points toward your membership in Actor’s Equity, the union of professional actors and stage managers.
Write and direct your own play. Design a costume, from drawing to finished product. Make your friends laugh until they cry in a show with your improv troupe. Learn music, dance and theater history. And work on four productions a year at the intimate Mary Moody Northern Theatre, which consistently receives awards from Austin critics.
What do our graduates do?
Theater Arts majors go on to a variety of careers and graduate schools from St. Edward’s. Here’s a sample.
- Production manager for the Broadway production house of Juniper Street in New York City
- Assistant production manager for Hudson Scenic Shop, a commercial scenery construction shop
- Head of wardrobe for Cirque de Soleil’s LUZIA tour
- Development associate for Theatre for a New Audience, in New York City
- MFA in Design from Yale University
For more information about the Theater Arts major, please contact Assistant Professor Kathryn Eader.
Voices of the Massacre Generation
Theater Arts major Kit Taylor ’19 reflects on the era of mass shootings in a solo performance for her Preforming Nonfiction class.
Degree Plan
1. Theater General
This track will allow students to gain insight into all aspects of Theater, including voice and performance, movement, play analysis, theater history, theatrical design and technology, dramatic literature and more. You will explore the world of Theater for all it has to offer and build your skills across the discipline. Students in the General Theater track go on to form theater companies, become playwrights and directors, attend graduate school, and pursue a host of other opportunities. In this track, you will ...
- Build skills in acting, dance and music
- Design, create and build sets, props, costumes, hair and make-up
- Analyze theatrical texts
- Learn about the past and present of Theater
- Apply skills learned in the classroom to their practical application in production
Upon completion of the freshman year, students will choose whether to continue with the General Theater specialization, shift their focus to Theater Design/Technology or Theater Management, or audition for the BFA in Acting.
Major Requirements: 28 hours of Theater Core major courses and 24 hours of General Theater Specialization courses.
Electives:
General Education Requirements: 57 hours of general education courses plus major courses and electives.
View and download the full degree plan for Theater Arts with General Theatre Specialization (PDF).
2.Theater Design and Technology
Theater Design and Technology students will master skills to produce costumes and set pieces as well as lighting at a professional caliber. In this track, you will ...
- Develop costume and tailoring skills
- Gain a knowledge of machinery and technology
- Learn past and current techniques to designing
- Have the ability to work alongside professionals in your chosen field
Theater Design and Technology can take their skills and work not only stage productions, but also in film and television or even in advertising. The skills these students learn are widely applicable within and outside the world of Theater.
Major Requirements: 28 hours of Theater Core major courses and 37 hours of Theater Design/Technology Specialization courses.
Electives:
General Education Requirements: 57 hours of general education courses plus major courses and electives.
View and download the full degree plan for Theater Arts with Design/Technology Specialization (PDF).
3. Theater Management
The Theater Management specialization will bestow students with the leadership and communication skills necessary to be successful in this field. In this track, you will ...
- Take on leadership roles on a regular basis
- Analyze interpersonal relationships within productions
- Learn the ethical precautions in running a show
- Gain knowledge applicable to all forms of management in or out of Theater
This track is unique to St. Edward's University as we are one of a few undergraduate theater programs that offer a specialization in Theater Management.
Major Requirements: 28 hours of Theater Core major courses and 24 hours of Theater Management Specialization courses.
General Education Requirements: 57 hours of general education courses plus major courses and electives.
Electives:
View and download the full degree plan for Theater Arts with Management Specialization (PDF).
Faculty and Support Services
– David M. Long, Associate Professor of Theater Arts
– Sheila M. Gordon, Associate Professor of Theater Arts
– Kathryn A. Eader, Assistant Professor of Theater Arts
Student Support Services
Along with personal attention and mentorship from their professors, our students have access to offices and programs outside of the classroom that support their success. We encourage students to take advantage these resources that help them thrive and excel:
- Academic counseling and advising
- Supplemental instruction and tutoring
- Career preparation and advising
- Writing Center consultation
- Health and wellness counseling
- Student disability support
Outside the Classroom
Guest Artists
Guest artists from the world of professional theater, film and television work with faculty and students in production. Students will also have the opportunity to engage in hands-on work in acting, writing, design and directing.
Learn in a City Thriving on Artistic Culture and Creative Expression
In addition, students in the Theater Arts major are uniquely positioned to take advantage of the variety of arts supported by the vibrant culture of Austin. While studying at St. Edward's, you will be connected to the pulse of a cosmopolitan city. Austin is home to a community of people who appreciate the beauty of human expression. Engaging with the local culture will feed your soul. It's also an epicenter to creativity and attracts world class events. Your immersion in such a colorful art scene will enrich your educational experience and connect you to people who share your passion.
Internships
Many Hilltoppers find internships with local arts agencies during the year or pursue summer programs both in Austin and around the country. Students have interned with:
- ZACH Theatre
- Austin Opera
- Ballet Austin
- The Long Center
- The Rude Mechanicals
- Austin Film Festival
- Zilker Theatre Productions
- Barrington Stage Company
- Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival
- Williamstown Theater Festival
- The Bay Area Playwright's Festival
About the Minor
Would you like to major in something else, but still keep the theater as a core part of your university experience? Consider minoring in Theater Arts. The minor requires 24 hours of coursework.
Required Courses:
- Theatre Skills I: Stagecraft and Lighting
- Theatre Skills II: Costume and Makeup
- Acting for Non-Majors
- Design for Performance
- Theater History I or Theater History II
- Theater Management I
- Private or Voice Classes (2 hrs.)
- Dance (1 hr.)
- Electives
Are you a current student? Contact your advisor for next steps on declaring your major or minor.
