B.A. in Theatre

The B.A. in theatre degree at Otterbein is designed for students whose professional career goals require study in multiple disciplines of theatre (or in other academic pursuits). The successful BA candidate is an independent, motivated student with intention and focus. The BA curriculum offers a common core of theatre classes and is combined with choice classes from the design technology, dance and performance fields. These choices include, but are not limited to, Design classes, Technology classes, costumes, stage makeup, combat, choreography, dance, TV/Film, etc. Because BA majors work alongside students pursuing BFA degrees, they are exposed to the best professional practices and standards, while maintaining the flexibility to be successful in achieving their career goals.

While BA students are not required to do a senior internship, many do. Placement in an internship is contingent upon the changing availability of internships as determined by the American professional theatre, screen, and entertainment industries, the landscape of social change taking place in the theater community, as exemplified by A New Deal for Broadway, and the readiness of the student to be a full, productive, and beneficial member of their host organization’ mission. 

While we see inestimable value in internship experiences, we fully support the journey toward a more inclusive, diverse, and equitable American Theatre. 

Otterbein’s small-school experience allowed me to develop in so many ways. Otterbein gave me a great foundation to build my career upon

Robyn Henry, Associate Producer for Production Glue, Class of '00

BA Theatre majors learn by doing. BA Theatre majors are involved in mainstage productions within their first year.

From the onset, students work closely with faculty to chart their specific degree plan in alignment with their prospective career goals. The BA Theatre program is ideal for students whose interests lie in careers in directing, playwriting, and stage management or students who want to double-major/minor in other fields. Current students are pursuing dual degrees in educationmusiccreative writingbusiness, film studies, journalism/ media communicationwomen gender studies and combining their BA Theatre degree with minors such as dance, and communication.

Opportunities for BA students are limitless, whether it’s double-majoring, involvement with workshops, or creating a senior capstone experience indicative of their specific focus. While BA students are not required to do a senior internship, many do. Depending on the nature of their degree plan, students receiving the BA degree are prepared to enter the profession. They are also prepared to enter graduate theatre programs leading to MA, MFA or PhD degrees.

Student Learning Outcomes University Learning Goals (KMERI*)
1. By their graduation date, every BA student will produce a resume and portfolio suitable for internships, entry-level positions, or graduate programs in theatre. Multi-literate
2. BA students will apply knowledge, skills, and understanding gained in classroom environments to on-campus, practical theatrical productions. Knowledgeable
3. Students will demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively and collaboratively with others to meet challenges using various tools (written, oral, visual) while involved in classwork as well as theatrical production. Knowledgeable, Multi-literate, Engaged, Responsible
4. Students can identify and understand the collaborative nature and various stages and elements of theatrical creation and how each aspect – playwriting, dramaturgy, text analysis, acting, directing, set, light, costume, sound design, construction and production – directly contributes to the delivery of a theatrical work for the benefit of audiences intellectually and through and practical execution. Knowledgeable, Multi-literate, Engaged, Responsible, Inquisitive
5. Demonstrate a broad knowledge of theatrical literature and production from the Ancient Greeks to the present day that empowers the student to critically and aesthetically analyze theatrical works from a historical as well as cultural perspective. Knowledgeable, Multi-literate, Engaged, Inquisitive
6. Demonstrated professional attitude in classes and productions. This includes a robust level of discipline; a strong work ethic; time management skills; being prompt, prepared, organized, and focused; taking ownership of the work; displaying a commitment to the ensemble nature of the theatre; and treating others with courtesy and respect. Knowledgeable, Multi-literate, Inquisitive

*NOTE: KMERI refers to Otterbein's learning goals. It stands for KnowledgeableMulti-literateEngagedResponsible, and Inquisitive. To learn more about KMERI, visit our University Learning Goals page.