Theatre (BA)

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Theatre at The Theatre School at DePaul University is a flexible, humanities-based degree for students passionate about theatre and eager to explore a broad range of academic interests. Housed within one of the nation’s premier theatre conservatories, the BA provides access to exceptional faculty and coursework alongside the breadth of a comprehensive liberal arts education at DePaul University. It is the best of both worlds: rigorous study of theatre grounded in history, criticism, and practice, combined with the freedom to pursue diverse academic passions, double majors, and wide-ranging career paths. Built on curiosity and exploration, the Theatre (BA) major reflects the belief that theatre enriches every path.

Theatre (BA) Curriculum

With two-thirds of the curriculum devoted to liberal studies and electives and one-third focused on theatre, the Theatre (BA) major offers the flexibility to customize your education while building a strong foundation in theatre history, literature, criticism, and contemporary practice. Ideal for double majors, transfer students, and students exploring multiple interests; the degree combines rigorous theatre study and performance opportunities with the freedom to pursue diverse passions across DePaul University. Students with sufficient experience and who have completed appropriate prerequisites may apply to take courses in the conservatory specializations, tailoring their experience to evolving interests and goals.

Whether you envision a future in theatre, arts advocacy, education, business, law, communications, or another field entirely, the Theatre (BA) major provides the flexibility to pursue your passions while building a broad foundation for professional and personal success.

First Year
The first-year curriculum combines theatre studies and liberal studies coursework. Courses explore literature, production, performance, and critical thinking. Throughout the year, students will also have access to participate in a variety of student-produced performance and production opportunities that allow them to apply their learning in practical settings and engage with the broader theatre community. In addition, students will enroll in a selection of liberal studies courses to support a broad and well-rounded academic foundation.
Second Year
In the second year, students continue their theatre studies in courses applying the principles explored in the first year to courses on theatrical practice. In this year students will continue to explore other areas through their liberal studies courses. In consultation with their advisor, students select courses that align with their interests and educational goals. Students who are interested in pursuing minors or double majors outside The Theatre School may begin coursework in those areas. Throughout the year, a variety of performance and production opportunities provide valuable hands-on experience and engagement with the broader theatre community.
Third Year
In the third year, students further refine their theatrical focus through select coursework in design, performance, film, directing, dramaturgy, career preparation, and related topics. In consultation with their advisor, students also select liberal studies and elective courses, including options in the School of Cinematic Arts and the College of Communications, aligned with their individual interests and educational goals. Throughout the year, students gain hands-on experience through a range of performance and production opportunities. Students who are interested in study abroad opportunities often choose to complete those experiences during their third year.
Fourth Year
The fourth year is a focused exploration of each student’s individual practice and preparation beyond graduation. Coursework includes continued liberal studies and elective options, along with theatre courses that emphasize self-reflection and professional growth, helping students refine their direction as artists, entrepreneurs, and creative professionals. Many students explore opportunities in the profession through internships during their final year. Throughout the year, students gain hands-on experience through a range of performance and production opportunities. They also build networking skills and participate in opportunities to share their work.

Featured Faculty

Students learn from a distinguished and award-winning faculty of professional directors, arts administrators, playwrights, and arts writers both in the classroom and through individual guidance and advising.

Reza Mirsajadi

Full Time, Full Time

Theatre Studies

Artistic Director of Chicago Playworks

amirsaja@depaul.edu

Liberal Studies

In addition to the major requirements, students complete 80 quarterly credit hours (21 courses) in the university's Liberal Studies Program. Courses are taken in theatre history, writing, quantitative reasoning and technological literacy, philosophical inquiry, religious dimensions, scientific inquiry, understanding the past, multiculturalism in the United States, and electives. These liberal studies courses are scheduled during the first three years of the program.

Theatre (BA)

Theatre (BA) Curriculum

First Year

Second Year

Third Year

Fourth Year

Featured Faculty

Liberal Studies

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