Overview

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.

Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Drama

Offered By

College of Arts and Media

Class Settings

Campus

Tuition Rate

Campus: $8,250 per semester [More Info]

Cost of Attendance

Course Information

Credits: 120

Campus: 15 weeks

Online: 7 weeks

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Transfer Credits

Up to 90 credits, only 84 can be lower division

Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements (Bachelor's)

16+ years old
High School Graduate
3.0+ Unweighted GPA

OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and

ACT: 19
SAT: 1000*

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).

Coursework

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

Hands-on Experience

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. All applicants to this bachelor’s degree program are required to undergo an audition prior to acceptance.

Acceptance Audition

All applicants are required to undergo an audition prior to acceptance.

Audition Details

“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.

Careers

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.

Accreditation

Earn Your 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.

FAQ

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 university counselor.

Courses

Course List

Credit Summary

General Education Requirements34-40 credits

Major68 credits

Open Elective Credits12-18 credits

Degree Requirements120 credits

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.

Competency

4 Total Credits

Course Description

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.

Competency

13-16 Total Credits

Competency

4 Total Credits

Competency

3-4 Total Credits

Competency

10-12 Total Credits

Course Description

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.

Core Courses

TRE-145

4 Total Credits

TRE-130

4 Total Credits

TRE-101

1 Total Credits

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.

TRE-253

4 Total Credits

TRE-155

4 Total Credits

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.

TRE-325

4 Total Credits

TRE-201

1 Total Credits

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.

TRE-245

4 Total Credits

TRE-280

4 Total Credits

TRE-335

4 Total Credits

TRE-301

1 Total Credits

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.

TRE-372

4 Total Credits

TRE-330

4 Total Credits

TRE-439

4 Total Credits

TRE-475

4 Total Credits

TRE-339

4 Total Credits

TRE-377

4 Total Credits

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.

TRE-490

4 Total Credits

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.

TRE-401

1 Total Credits

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.

TRE-441

4 Total Credits

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

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