BA in Theatre and Drama Degree
Pursue Your Passion for Performing Arts
Aspiring stage performers, directors and theatre technicians are invited to apply for the Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Drama degree program at Grand Canyon University. Offered through the College of Arts and Media, this program provides a comprehensive education in stage management, design, directing and acting. You can pursue practical opportunities and work toward developing your skills in dramatic literature and theatre production.
GCU’s faith-based learning community aims to enhance the curriculum, which includes training in set and prop construction and the exploration of acting in dramatic literature from early Greece to contemporary times.
All applicants to this bachelor’s degree program are required to undergo an audition prior to acceptance.
Theatre and Drama Course Topics
The exploration of the performing arts may empower students to become accomplished communicators capable of connecting with a diverse range of audiences. The coursework is designed to challenge your analytical and critical thinking skills, while hands-on exercises encourage you to fine-tune your acting and production skills.
Some core competencies taught in this drama and theatre degree program include:
- Create original plays using drama theory, acting and scenography
- Understand scenic, lighting, costume and makeup design
- Use voice and movement to express character intentions
- Direct plays through lab projects with one-acts or scenes
- Design and construct costumes for stage production
In addition, the BA in Theatre and Drama program collaborates with the music program throughout the year to produce several major theatrical productions. Auditions for the Ethington Theatre Series, the student-run Second Series and the Cantalopes Improvisation Club are open to the entire student body. As a performing arts student, you are strongly encouraged to participate with the goal of gaining hands-on experiences and building a personal portfolio of accomplishments.
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“Everyone Works on Everything:” Big Fish Production Process
Get a behind-the-scenes glimpse as GCU drama students dive into the intricate process of costume design, set construction, stage management and creative design for their production of "Big Fish," showcasing their hands-on involvement and commitment to bringing the magic of the stage to life.
Career Paths For Graduates With a Theatre Degree
Some graduates may choose to pursue an acting career on the stage or in the TV and film industry. Other career possibilities that may be related to a drama and theatre degree may include director, producer, actor, entertainer and performer or a postsecondary art, drama and music teacher.
Theatre performance students can work toward cultivating soft skills that may be valuable across various industries. This program focuses on critical thinking, effective communication and teamwork, helping to encourage skills that are transferable to many fields. Graduates of the theatre arts program may also decide to further their education with a master’s degree in a related discipline.
Earn Your Undergraduate Degree From an Institutionally Accredited University
At GCU, we are committed to supporting your progress toward personal growth and professional preparation. Our institutional accreditation reflects our dedication to academic excellence. In addition, the Higher Learning Commission has continually accredited GCU since 1968. The College of Arts and Media shares the university’s commitment to upholding the principles and standards established by our accrediting bodies.
Undergraduate Drama Degree FAQs
Theatre production, design and technology may comprise an exciting field for those who are passionate about their time on the stage. Before embarking on your performing arts journey, review the following FAQs to conduct further research about degree and career options.
Choosing between a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree will usually depend on your career goals. Students in a BA program will be exposed to more liberal arts courses and opportunities to study various disciplines inside and outside the performing arts field. A BFA is a more focused degree program that requires students to devote about two-thirds of their credits to their specific area of study. This may be a good option for those who have a certain career they want to pursue (e.g. musical theatre). Earning a BA may offer a broader educational experience that may be applied to a range of professional career opportunities.
A degree in theatre can be a great choice for those who are genuinely passionate about the performing arts and considering a related career. In a drama education program, you’ll join a community of aspiring thespians, offering chances to build a professional network and learn from both peers and instructors. This program provides ample opportunities to develop professional skills in a hands-on environment.
This BA program guides you through all aspects of theatre and beyond, from acting and stage production to business and psychology. You can expect to be challenged mentally, physically and emotionally with the goal of enhancing your artistic and creative abilities on and off the stage. While the work may be challenging at times, you may be rewarded with a better understanding of yourself and the world around you.
Students who pursue a theatre arts program often possess creativity, strong communication skills and an aptitude for teamwork. In addition, students will be expected to work toward developing skills in acting, dancing and voice performance.1
The time to complete this theatre degree depends on individual course loads, scheduling preferences and program requirements. Additionally, transferring previously earned credits may help speed up the process. Since each student's path may vary, it’s important to work with a university counselor to understand how long it might take to earn your degree. Fill out the form on this page to connect with a counselor.
Embrace your time on the stage. Discover more about the theatre arts program at GCU.
1 Indeed Editorial Team. (2024, March 12). A complete guide to performer skills (and how to improve them). Indeed. Retrieved June 10, 2024.
General Education Requirements
General Education coursework prepares Grand Canyon University graduates to think critically, communicate clearly, live responsibly in a diverse world, and thoughtfully integrate their faith and ethical convictions into all dimensions of life. These competencies, essential to an effective and satisfying life, are outlined in the General Education Learner Outcomes. General Education courses embody the breadth of human understanding and creativity contained in the liberal arts and sciences tradition. Students take an array of foundational knowledge courses that promote expanded knowledge, insight, and the outcomes identified in the University’s General Education Competencies. The knowledge and skills students acquire through these courses serve as a foundation for successful careers and lifelong journeys of growing understanding and wisdom.
Requirements
Upon completion of the Grand Canyon University's University Foundation experience, students will be able to demonstrate competency in the areas of academic skills and self-leadership. They will be able to articulate the range of resources available to assist them, explore career options related to their area of study, and have knowledge of Grand Canyon's community. Students will be able to demonstrate foundational academic success skills, explore GCU resources (CLA, Library, Career Center, ADA office, etc), articulate strategies of self-leadership and management and recognize opportunities to engage in the GCU community.
Course Options
- UNV-103, University Success: 4
- UNV-303, University Success: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to construct rhetorically effective communications appropriate to diverse audiences, purposes, and occasions (English composition, communication, critical reading, foreign language, sign language, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of English grammar or composition.
Course Options
- ENG-105, English Composition I: 4
- UNV-104, 21st Century Skills: Communication and Information Literacy: 4
- ENG-106, English Composition II: 4
- COM-263, Elements of Intercultural Communication: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to express aspects of Christian heritage and worldview. Students are required to take CWV-101/CWV-301.
Course Options
- CWV-101, Christian Worldview: 4
- CWV-301, Christian Worldview: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to use various analytic and problem-solving skills to examine, evaluate, and/or challenge ideas and arguments. Students are required to take 3 credits of college mathematics or higher.
Course Options
- MAT-144, College Mathematics: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to demonstrate awareness and appreciation of and empathy for differences in arts and culture, values, experiences, historical perspectives, and other aspects of life (psychology, sociology, government, Christian studies, Bible, geography, anthropology, economics, political science, child and family studies, law, ethics, cross-cultural studies, history, art, music, dance, theater, applied arts, literature, health, etc.). If the predefined course is a part of the major, students need to take an additional course.
Course Options
- PSY-102, General Psychology: 4
- INT-244, World Religions: 4
- SOC-100, Everyday Sociology: 4
Core Courses
Course Description
This course identifies principles of pantomime and dramatic action designed to establish the proper relationship of the voice to the body and its functions in the interpretation of character. It is designed to help develop physical presence and facility in the actor, vocalist, teacher, athlete, and other persons involved in public performance.
Course Description
This course is the study of set and prop construction. Practical application of construction techniques is gained through theatre productions.
Course Description
In this course students select and participate in one of the following areas of theatre production and management including: technical theatre, front of house, performance, and stage/production management. Students are required to choose at least three different disciplines within their four years of study. The course requires 40 lab hours that can be used toward fulfilling scholarship requirements.
Course Description
This is an advanced acting course emphasizing scene study and textual analysis, allowing students to concentrate on the method and technique of building a character. Prerequisite: TRE-145.
Course Description
This is an introductory course for vocal production and body manipulation. Students learn techniques for the healthy production, manipulation, and utilization of sound and movement. The student’s voice and body are developed through conditioning exercises. Vocal production and movement are linked to a character's intention and given circumstances in order to facilitate a compelling, understandable performance.
Course Description
This writing intensive course is an in-depth study of the history and development of theatre from early Greece to the English Restoration.
Course Description
In this course students select and participate in one of the following areas of theatre production and management including: technical theatre, front of house, performance, and stage/production management. Students are required to choose at least three different disciplines within their four years of study. The course requires 40 lab hours that can be used toward fulfilling scholarship requirements.
Course Description
This course is an introduction to scenography. Topics include scenic, lighting, costume, and makeup design, with an emphasis on drafting, modeling, and rendering. Students will have the opportunity to assist designers for the University’s Ethington Theatre Series.
Course Description
In this course students use the theoretical aspects of dramatic literature, acting, and scenography to create a play. Prerequisite: ENG-106.
Course Description
This course is a comprehensive study of the major periods and forms of dramatic literature dating from early Greece to the Restoration.
Course Description
In this course students select and participate in one of the following areas of theatre production and management including: technical theatre, front of house, performance, and stage/production management. Students are required to choose at least three different disciplines within their four years of study. The course requires 40 lab hours that can be used toward fulfilling scholarship requirements.
Course Description
This course concerns the art of designing costumes for the theatre. Students construct a costume of their own design.
Course Description
This writing intensive course is an in-depth study of the history and development of theatre from the 18th century through modern times.
Course Description
This course is a study of theories and techniques for interpreting and directing plays through lectures and demonstrations. Students are required to participate in laboratory projects in directing one-acts or scenes from full-length plays. Practicum/field experience hours: 10. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisites: TRE-145 and TRE-335 or TRE-339.
Course Description
This course concerns the art of designing lighting and scenery for the theatre. Students will actively participate in designing Grand Canyon University Theatre productions and classroom projects. Prerequisites: TRE-130 and TRE-245.
Course Description
This course is a comprehensive study of the major periods and forms of dramatic literature dating from the Restoration to the present.
Course Description
Students learn to develop design concepts through research and the creative process that reinforce and illuminate a director’s vision to communicate these concepts visually and in written form. Students learn to use technology specific to design that may include CAD and other digital design programs. Students learn graphic design standards based on industry guidelines including hand drawing, drafting, and model making culminating in a complete design presentation. Prerequisites: TRE-130 and TRE-245 or permission of instructor.
Course Description
This course is designed for the preparation of theatre students for professional life and graduate school interviews. Students set professional goals, plan achievable steps to meet those goals, and gather the tools required to complete each step. Students also learn key networking and marketing skills to find, obtain, execute successful interviews, and manage tax and finances. Students study the literature of professional theatrical organizations to plan candidacy and learn professional deportment. Prerequisite: Senior Standing.
Course Description
In this course students select and participate in one of the following areas of theatre production and management including: technical theatre, front of house, performance, and stage/production management. Students are required to choose at least three different disciplines within their four years of study. The course requires 40 lab hours that can be used toward fulfilling scholarship requirements.
Course Description
This course continues the study of theories and techniques for interpreting and directing plays, musicals, and operas through lectures and demonstrations. Students focus on major directing and research projects, story clarity, collaboration, and advanced rehearsal processes. Prerequisite: TRE-439.
- GCU cannot and will not promise job placement, a job, graduate school placement, transfer of GCU program credits to another institution, promotion, salary, or salary increase. Please see the Career Services Policy in the University Policy Handbook.
- Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
- Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change
Join Grand Canyon University’s vibrant and growing campus community, with daytime classes designed for traditional students. Immerse yourself in a full undergraduate experience, complete with curriculum designed within the context of our Christian worldview.