Theatre, BFA

Admissions Contact

Undergraduate Recruitment & Admissions
(860) 832-2278
admissions@ccsu.edu

Academic Contact

Sarah Atkinson
Theatre Support Specialist
Theatre
Safety and Health Committee
James J. Maloney Hall
101
860.832.3150
atkinsons@ccsu.edu

Academic Department

Theatre

Downloadable Version

Theatre, BFA

Central to Creating the Scene.

The Theatre Department at Central provides a stimulating education environment that enhances students’ understanding of self and other through the design, creating, and performance of live theatre. Through educational excellence, experiential learning, and modeling the collaborative process, a degree in theatre from Central equips students to make quality artistic contributions for audiences at large. 

Program Options

Coursework in the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre with Specialization in Performance emphasizes the training and development of the actor’s instrument, imagination, and emotional life. In addition to acting classes, BFA Performance students study voice and dialect work, movement techniques, stage combat, studies in Shakespeare, and more. Students apply their classroom learning to departmental productions which model the collaborative process. 

Coursework in this area guides students in the practical application of techniques and theory to prepare them for productive participation in the professional world. This rigorous and progressive course of study includes classes in stagecraft, costuming, lighting, sound, script analysis, and other important technical aspects of theatrical production. Students apply their classroom learning in departmental productions which model the collaborative process. 

Program Features

  • Attend full- or part-time
  • Small class sizes
  • Professors who are working professionals
  • Individualized mentorship
  • Opportunities to study abroad, attend national conferences, and secure internships
  • Opportunities to perform, direct, design, crew, or manage university shows
  • Study abroad prospects
  • Capstone project in performance/directing or in technology, design, and production
  • Financial aid and scholarships available
  • Free on-campus childcare available 

What You'll Gain

  • Expanded collaboration skills
  • Deepened cultural appreciation
  • Increased confidence
  • Improved time management
  • Tools to effectively communicate
  • Ability to cultivate leadership skills
  • Expanded self-confidence
  • Hands-on learning experiences
  • Multiple production opportunities each year involving faculty, guest directors, and student-produced projects 

Career Preparation

Students studying theatre at Central receive hands-on training. Through classwork and production roles, students participate in the collaborative process of creating theatre that mimics the experience of the professional world.

A theatre degree from Central prepares students for a variety of career options:

  • Theatre Artist – Actor, Director, Designer, Manager, Producer, Dramaturge
  • Educator – Professor, Teacher, Director, Arts Administrator
  • Technician – Props Artisan, Technical Director, Master Carpenter, Head Electrical, Board Operator, Seamster
  • Manager – Producer, Stage Manager, Production Manager, Exhibit Operator, Event Manager
  • Designer – Production Developer, Scenic Designer, Sound Designer, Lighting Designer, Costume Designer, Projection Designer

Clubs & Affiliations

Center Stage promotes the recognition and appreciation of musical theatre at Central, to further musical theatre’s impact on our ever-evolving society; to encourage student’s ownership of their creative abilities to build an ensemble of diverse and proactive campus artists.

Theatre Unlimited broadens the theatrical experience of members by providing a greater understanding and appreciation of drama through participation in The Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival and the promotion of student-produced works. This organization also hosts annual celebration of student artistic achievements.

United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT) provides students with the opportunity to gain knowledge and experience in the technical and design processes in theatre. This organization co-sponsors the spring musical and attends the annual USITT conference.

Schlock is an improvisation comedy club on campus. Here students learn, practice, teach, and perform improv comedy through short and long form games. 

The theatre department is one big family; I have had no trouble finding friends. The professors are highly knowledgeable in their subject areas, help make industry connections, and are always willing to lend a helping hand.

Tara Hightower ‘23
Technology, Design, and Production Track

I chose Central theater’s program over others because I immediately felt seen and appreciated for what I could offer the program. With the amazing support and guidance of my professors and mentors, I feel ready and eager to pursue my career in theatre.

Matthew Durland ’23

Learning Outcomes

  1. Analysis: Students will analyze interrelationship of theatrical disciplines in performance or design by constructively critiquing classwork, theatrical production and performances.
  2. Technique: Students will demonstrate the mastery of performance craft by applying research to a practical or theoretical creation.
  3. Collaboration: Students will demonstrate the ability to work in a team in an environment reflective of professional theatre practice.
  4. Productivity: Students will exhibit preparedness by actively participating in the mounting of productions.