BA Performance Studies

The Bachelor of Arts Degree in Performance Studies offers a comprehensive approach to the academic exploration of performance, complemented by practical training across various artistic disciplines. Over eight semesters, students delve into entertainment history, theater and film analysis, and the cultural significance of performance. Alongside rigorous academics, students select from a rich array of foundational performance courses in acting, vocal music, dance, and content creation. This liberal arts program also includes diverse offerings in Arts and Humanities, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences. Graduates emerge with a profound understanding of the field, ready to excel in performing arts education, administration, business, and related entertainment industries.

Students completing the BA Performance Studies program should be able to:

• Demonstrate abilities to exhibit excellence in preparation, presentation, and credibility, incorporating these in the specific craft of theatre arts.

• Demonstrate comprehension of the core concepts, processes, history, and theory of theatre and performance.

• Implement analytical, conceptual and technical skills in a variety of performance practices.

• Work effectively in groups, to create theatrical moments or events and solve production problems.

• Demonstrate, across the various sub-fields, skills in personal discipline (organization, focus, energy commitment), effectively applied to theatrical problem- solving and the creation of theatrical moments and events.

• Formulate constructive critical responses to theatrical phenomena.

• Compare different theatrical forms, aesthetic values, or cultural contexts, as a way of deepening one’s technical skills and expanding one’s awareness of what is theatrically possible.

• Ability in areas of performance and production or playwriting appropriate to individual needs and interests, consistent with the goals and objectives of the specific liberal arts degree program being followed.

• An understanding of procedures and approaches for realizing a variety of theatrical styles.

• Intermediate to advanced competence in one or more theatre specializations in creation, performance, scholarship, or teaching.

Program-related jobs* include, but are not limited to: Art Directors - 27-1011, Producers and Directors - 27-2012 (Casting Director, Independent Film Maker, Stage Manager), Writers and Authors - 27-3043 (Advertising Copy Writer, Playwright, Television Writer), Coach - 25-1121 (Drama, Theatre). *The 6-digit codes following each job represent the Standard Occupational Classification determined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov).