BA in Theatre and Drama Degree
BA in Theatre and Drama Degree
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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.
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.
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.
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.
Embrace your time on the stage. Discover more about the theatre arts program at GCU.
Campus: $8,250 per semester [More Info]
Up to 90 credits, only 84 can be lower division
Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
Admission Requirements (Bachelor's)
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
*Math and reading only on a 1600 point scale (test date after 3/1/2016). SAT score of 1380 required for 2400 point scale (test date before 3/1/2016).
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 university counselor.
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
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.
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.
