Theatre Arts, B.A.

students from the degree in theatre arts making a costume with fabric

You love to tell stories, connect with audiences and collaborate with others to create something that impacts the heart and the mind. You’ll do that and more as a student in the theatre program at Palm Beach Atlantic University. The purpose of the theatre program is to train students in the development of imaginative, purposeful, and skilled expression in the theatre, as well as provide for their artistic, intellectual and spiritual growth.

College of the Arts

West Palm Beach

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Overview

  • Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
  • School: College of the Arts
  • Start Terms: Fall & Spring entry
  • Requirements: Audition Required
  • Total Credit Hours: 120 credit hours
  • Time to Complete: 4 years full-time
  • Program Format: On Campus
  • Experience: Performance & Production

Why Study Theatre Arts at PBA?

Prepare to become a skilled theatre practitioner through Palm Beach Atlantic University’s Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts. Students develop performance, production, collaboration, and storytelling skills while gaining practical experience through theatre productions, master classes, professional experiences, and hands-on training in a Christ-centered environment.

  • Performance & Production: Develop acting and production skills through PBA Theatre performances and hands-on theatre experiences.
  • Professional Preparation: Learn from professional designers, theatre artists, and regional theatre organizations while building practical experience.
  • Global Experiences: Expand your perspective through theatre experiences in New York City and London.
  • Christ-Centered Creativity: Develop imaginative, purposeful, and skilled theatrical expression while growing artistically, intellectually, and spiritually.

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What You'll Learn

Students in the Theatre Arts program learn to:

  • Develop acting and performance skills for stage and screen
  • Apply theatrical techniques to performance and production
  • Collaborate effectively with directors, actors, designers, and production teams
  • Develop creative and professional communication skills
  • Analyze and interpret theatrical works
  • Integrate Christian values into artistic expression and professional practice

Program Details

The Theatre Arts program combines performance training, theatrical production, and liberal arts study to prepare students for careers across theatre, film, television, education, and ministry. Through productions, master classes, professional experiences, and faculty mentorship, students develop the technical, creative, and collaborative skills needed to work as theatre practitioners.

PBA offers a variety of courses that students can choose from within this program. Take a look at what you’ll be learning while working toward your degree.

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Students develop specialized theatre expertise through intensive concentration coursework. Theatre majors complete approximately 65–66 credit hours within their chosen concentration while gaining extensive experience in performance and production.

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Students gain hands-on experience in professional-style theatre environments through PBA’s theatre facilities and performance spaces. Students work with professional designers and production teams while developing skills in acting, directing, technical theatre, and stage production.

PBA’s theatre program also provides access to professional experiences through partnerships and opportunities connected to the Kravis Center and regional theatre organizations.

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Learn from dedicated theatre faculty and professional artists who bring extensive experience in performance, directing, design, and theatrical production. Through individualized instruction, rehearsals, productions, and mentorship, PBA professors help students develop their artistic abilities, professionalism, and confidence for careers in theatre and related industries.

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Students gain extensive hands-on experience through theatre productions, master classes, professional theatre experiences, and practicum opportunities. Students work with professional designers, regional theatres, and PBA’s own children’s theatre while building practical experience in performance and production.

Students may also participate in theatre experiences in New York City and London, providing opportunities to observe and engage with professional theatre communities.

Entry Requirements

  • Completed application
  • Official high school transcripts
  • Additional admissions materials as required
  • Theatre audition and interview
Auditions
  • Fill out our Prospective Student Information Form and select your audition date.
  • Admission to the BA in Theatre is by audition only. Students auditioning are asked to perform either 2 one-minute monologues or a one-minute song and a one-minute monologue.
  • Applicants are also interviewed.
Admissions Decisions
  • Admission to the BA in Theatre is by audition only. Applicants audition and interview in person (online option available) for theatre faculty. Faculty rate each applicant in tiers based on their performance and interview. Student’s tier classification is then considered with other factors such as professionalism, GPA, and other artistic abilities before final admission.
  • Applicants who audition for, but are not accepted into the BA program may be offered a spot in the Theatre Minor program.

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Visit the Office of Admissions website for current application, scholarship, and financial aid deadlines.

Admissions

Career Outcomes

Theatre Arts graduates develop performance, production, communication, collaboration, and creative problem-solving skills that prepare them for careers across theatre, film, television, education, ministry, and the performing arts.

Potential career paths include:

  • Actor / Performer
  • Theatre Director
  • Producer
  • Playwright
  • Screenwriter
  • Theatre Technician
  • Theatre Educator*
  • Drama Ministry Leader
  • Production Designer
  • Stage Manager

*Some teaching positions may require additional certification or education.

Student Stories

Theatre Arts students develop creativity, confidence, and collaboration through performances, productions, hands-on projects, and faculty mentorship. These experiences encourage students to strengthen their artistic voices while exploring how faith and creativity can shape meaningful storytelling.

“All my experiences and opportunities had me engaging with folks who were students all the way up to donors and Trustee members. I learned how to present myself professionally, as well as how to work hard and collaborate with others.”
— Laura Titus

Emily McCloud: Creating with Purpose

Watch Emily McCloud’s story below to learn how studying Studio Art at PBA helped her grow as an artist and creative thinker. Through faculty mentorship, hands-on artistic experiences, and a Christ-centered education, Emily developed the confidence to express her creativity with purpose and collaborate within PBA’s vibrant arts community.

Financial Aid

PBA’s robust scholarship program awards over $3 million every year. Invest in your learning with major-specific scholarships and other financial aid opportunities, which are awarded to 97% of our undergraduate students. Explore the resources below to learn more about tuition, financial aid, and scholarship opportunities.

West Palm Beach Admissions

Office of Admissions

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Phone: (561) 803-2100

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