Binghamton University, State University of New York
Theatre (BA, Minor)

Binghamton University, USA

DEGREE TYPE

DURATION

4 years

LANGUAGES

English

PACE

Full time

APPLICATION DEADLINE

EARLIEST START DATE

May 2027

STUDY FORMAT

On-Campus

Key Summary

About: Binghamton University (SUNY) offers a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in theatre covering acting, directing, dance, and design/technical theatre. Courses include musical theatre, performance theory, theatre history, and criticism, and students gain practical stage and backstage experience through a robust production schedule, internships, research, and an accelerated 4+1 to earn a master’s in five years. Hands-on training covers stagecraft, lighting, sound, costume, and stage management across professional productions and workshops.

Career Outcomes: Graduates move into acting, directing, stage management, technical and design roles, arts administration, and theatre education. Related paths include dramaturgy, production management, casting, performance studies, and theatre criticism.

Binghamton offers a BA in theatre, providing students with the opportunity to take courses in areas such as: acting, directing, dance, and design/technical theatre. In addition, students can also take courses in musical theater, performance theory, history, or criticism.

A Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Theatre is an undergraduate degree program that provides students with a comprehensive education in various aspects of theatre and performance. This program is designed for individuals who are interested in pursuing careers in theatre, whether on stage, behind the scenes, or in related fields. Most programs have a robust theatre production schedule, allowing students to gain practical experience in various roles both on and off the stage. This includes acting in plays and musicals, as well as working in technical and production roles. Students explore the history and theory of theatre, learning about the evolution of dramatic forms, influential playwrights, and major movements in theatre.

Internships, Research Opportunities, and More

Students may participate in department productions which include plays, musicals, and dance productions each year. Learn more about the casting and audition process and what shows are coming up next. To learn about opportunities for student internships, research, and support, contact the university

Accelerated/4+1 Degrees

You may also be interested in our accelerated/4+1 degree programs which allow students to complete their bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in just 5 years!

Some courses to consider in your first year:

THEA 101 - Intro To Musical Theater

An introduction to the world of musical theatre in order to broaden and deepen the student's understanding and appreciation of this art form. This class explores the various aspects of musical theatre and also analyzes the construction of representative musicals from the earliest operettas to the modern day. Students will study how all the different elements of a musical, the music, the lyrics, the book, the direction, the choreography, and all design elements come together to transform the source material into something both musical and magical. Throughout this course, we will explore the "workings" of the craft of musical theatre through the following methods: reading lyrics and librettos, listening to musicals in class and outside of class; watching clips from films in class, and filmed productions online out of class; attending one live production, and studying a textbook. THIS COURSE IS APPROPRIATE FOR FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS. 4 credits. Levels: Undergraduate

THEA 102 - Introduction To Theater

Designed for non-majors, this course introduces the student to the various aspects of Theatre arts. Through textbook and play readings, guest artists, class discussions, and viewing/critiquing live performances, the student develops a basic Theatre vocabulary and appreciation for this most collaborative of art forms. Required for majors. 4 credits. Offered Fall and Spring semester Levels: Undergraduate

THEA 203 - Technical Production

Lectures and discussions on the technical elements that make a theater production. The class delves into introductory material on designers and their functions; scenic and costume construction techniques; stage rigging, hardware and material; sound; stage procedures, and safety. Simple drafting projects and the ability to read floor plans and stage elevations are stressed. Corequisite: THEP 213 or 214 or 215 or 216. Required for majors. 4 credits Offered Fall and Spring semester Levels: Undergraduate

THEA 207 - Actor Trng I - Basic Processes

Development of student's awareness of self and the means of focusing that awareness into stage characterizations. Special attention is given to finding the character in the play. The nomenclature of acting, physical characterization, the playing of objectives, and character relationships to people and things. Includes rehearsal and performance of exercises and scenes. Notes: THIS COURSE IS APPROPRIATE FOR FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS. Offered in Fall and Spring. 4 credits Levels: Undergraduate

THEA 208 - Acting I

THEA 208 is the advanced section of THEA 207, Acting 1. Therefore, it is intended for students who have had previous acting experience. Development of student's awareness of self and the means of focusing that awareness on stage characterizations. Special attention given to finding the character in the play. Involves text analysis, determining and playing objectives, exploring physical characterization, and developing relationships to people and things. Includes performance of exercises and scenes. Must be prepared for extensive rehearsal outside of class time. Admission by instructor's permission. Audition/interview held first week of classes. Notes: THIS COURSE IS APPROPRIATE FOR FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS. 4 credits Offered Fall semester Levels: Undergraduate