Theatre

Your Future In Theatre

Are you passionate about the arts? Want to create theatrical magic on and off stage? A Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre from the University of North Texas can prepare you for a variety of careers in the arts, including:

• Acting (both stage and film)
• Directing
• Drama coach
• Drama education and criticism
• Lighting, costume, makeup, scenery or sound design or technician
• Producing
• Stage crew member
• Stage managing
• Theatrical photographer
• Theatre teacher at an elementary or secondary school
• Wardrobe technician

Combining your degree with studies in journalism or a law degree could lead to a career as a theatre critic or an entertainment lawyer.

What we offer

The Department of Dance and Theatre provides you a comprehensive understanding of theatre. Through our rigorous curriculum, you’ll:

• Gain practical experience in costuming, stagecraft, stage lighting, stage management and theatrical makeup through laboratory work
• Have opportunities to perform lead roles, direct, design and stage manage
• Learn how to perform with your body and voice
• Learn how to prepare plays for performance
• Study actors, plays and playwrights from Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Europe and North America
• Work with faculty members, guest and student directors, and choreographers on productions

Our faculty members are outstanding teachers as well as active professionals and renowned researchers. They include an Emmy nominee, a noted Edward Albee scholar and a recipient of the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award for costume design. We sponsor two student organizations — the University Players and the Alpha Psi Omega national honor society — that provide performance and networking possibilities. Our facilities include:

• Acting and directing studios
• Rehearsal rooms
• Shops devoted to costume, set and prop design and construction
• Two full-size performance venues (University Theatre and Studio Theatre)

Competitive scholarships are available to help you pursue your education. They are awarded based on academic excellence and professionalism. Information about these scholarships is at the Dance and Theatre website.

What to expect

You’ll be classified as a pre-major upon entering the program and need to meet certain requirements to move into major status. The specific requirements are outlined in our catalog.

While pursuing your degree, you’ll complete courses in acting, design and technical theatre, theatre history and dramatic literature, and electives ranging from stage management to playwriting.

The Career Center, Learning Center and professional academic advisors are among the many valuable resources available to you at UNT. The Career Center can provide advice about internships, future employment opportunities and getting hands-on experience in your major. The Learning Center offers workshops on speed reading, study skills and time management. Academic advisors will help you plan your class schedule each semester.

How to enroll at UNT

High school students

We encourage you to fulfill the graduation requirements for the Texas Recommended or Distinguished Achievement Program or the equivalent in high school.

In your junior year, take the SAT or ACT and have your scores sent to UNT.

In your senior year, apply for admission at Apply Texas by March 1 and request that your high school transcript be sent to the UNT admissions office.

Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate courses can count toward college credit at UNT.

Transfer students

If you’re attending a Texas community college, you should consult our online transfer guides, the UNT Undergraduate Catalog and an academic counselor or advisor to review your degree plan. Proper planning will allow you to receive the maximum amount of transfer credits.

Our Transfer Center will help you make a successful transition to college life at UNT by connecting you with a peer mentor and other campus resources. More than 3,500 students transfer to UNT each year.