Program Details
Program Details
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Program Details

Bachelor of Arts in Fine and Performing Arts, Major in Theater, Concentration in Musical Theater

Bachelor of Arts
Christopher Newport University

A theater education at Christopher Newport University combines hands-on experience in all aspects of stagecraft— acting, directing, playwriting, music-theater/dance, design/ technical theater, stage management and theater management with a critical appreciation of dramatic literature and theater history. A rigorous yet flexible curriculum balances classroom study with practical production application. Our production season includes four ambitious mainstage offerings, a dance concert, one-act and science play festivals, and additional second stage productions.Theater and Dance, which produces under the banner TheaterCNU, practices professionalism. Through small classes, attentive advising and active collaboration, the faculty of professional theater artists, scholars and practitioners mentor the artistic development and academic progress of each student. The department prepares its graduates for a variety of professional opportunities, graduate study and careers in theater education. Theater and Dance is housed in Christopher Newport University’s Ferguson Center for the Arts: a state-of-the-art performance and teaching facility housing two theaters of 440 and 125 seats, along with scenic and costume shops, design labs, dance and rehearsal studios, and classrooms. Christopher Newport University is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST). The program requires incentive and commitment—in the classroom, the rehearsal hall, backstage and in performance. The program expects all students to embrace appropriate discipline and professional conduct. These expectations, policies and practices are clearly articulated in the TheaterCNU Handbook. The Handbook is updated each year and is used in conjunction with this catalog when framing a student’s course of study in theater.


Program Overview & Guidance
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Program Web Page
External Link
Delivery Mode
In-Person
Check Course Schedules
Delivery Mode
Online
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Delivery Mode
Hybrid
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Program Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Considerations for Selecting Degree Requires additional application/audition
Considerations When Selecting Courses

  • Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year
  • Connect with an advisor at your community college and Christopher Newport University within your first year via College Connect
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses
Doing More With Your Degree
Program Successes & Highlights
Program Credit Requirements
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Credit and Course Requirements for the Program are expected in a future release. Please look above to see if a Transfer Guide is available for this program. If you are a current Virginia Community College student or are planning to start at a Virginia Community College before transferring to this institution and program, please follow the Transfer Guide to plan your courses at the community college.

If you wish to see how your credits may apply, you can:
  • Contact the institution where a staff member can help you map your credits to the requirements for this program.
  • View the program requirements listed in the institution's catalog.
If you are interested in the cost of attending this institution, please visit the institution's cost page to review costs
Applicable Admissions Agreements
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The table below lists admissions agreements between Christopher Newport University and partner institutions that may guarantee admission to this program if you meet the required criteria. Click on the title name of the agreement to view a summary of those criteria.

Institution Name Type Title
Tidewater Community College GAA CNU Ready: Guaranteed Admission Agreement Tidewater Community College and Christopher Newport University
Rappahannock Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission and Reverse Transfer Agreement Rappahannock Community College and Christopher Newport University
Virginia Peninsula Community College GAA VPCC Bridge to CNU: Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Peninsula Community College and Christopher Newport University
Blue Ridge Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and Christopher Newport University
Central Virginia Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and Christopher Newport University
Danville Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and Christopher Newport University
Mountain Gateway Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and Christopher Newport University
Eastern Shore Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and Christopher Newport University
Germanna Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and Christopher Newport University
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and Christopher Newport University
Brightpoint Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and Christopher Newport University
Laurel Ridge Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and Christopher Newport University
Mountain Empire Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and Christopher Newport University
New River Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and Christopher Newport University
Northern Virginia Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and Christopher Newport University
Paul D. Camp Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and Christopher Newport University
Patrick & Henry Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and Christopher Newport University
Piedmont Virginia Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and Christopher Newport University
Rappahannock Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and Christopher Newport University
Southside Virginia Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and Christopher Newport University
Southwest Virginia Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and Christopher Newport University
Tidewater Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and Christopher Newport University
Virginia Peninsula Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and Christopher Newport University
Virginia Highlands Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and Christopher Newport University
Virginia Western Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and Christopher Newport University
Wytheville Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and Christopher Newport University

You can view the full text of these Agreements in the Resource Center

What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?
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Transfer Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Associate Transfer Degree Completion Completion of a Virginia Community College System (VCCS) transfer-oriented degree program (Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, Associate of Arts & Science) will satisfy the CNU general education component of the undergraduate curriculum with the exception of the Second Language (foreign language) Literacy Requirement. The Second Language Literacy Requirement may be met in one of the following ways: a) Transfer of 201 or higher level foreign language course or b) Completion of a 200-level or higher foreign language course at CNU. Note that three (3) years of high school language study (in the same language) or a 102-level foreign language course is a prerequisite for a CNU 200-level foreign language course.
Completion of a transfer-oriented associate of fine arts degree from a VCCS college will satisfy Christopher Newport lower-level liberal learning requirements with the exception of one mathematics course (CNU's MATH 115 or higher) satisfying the Mathematical Literacy Liberal Learning Foundation requirement and one science lecture satisfying the Investigating the Natural World Area of Inquiry. Christopher Newport also requires completion of a 200-level language course or higher in a second language in order to graduate. If these requirements are not fulfilled during completion of the associate degree, they must be completed at Christopher Newport.

Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School Completion of a Virginia Community College System (VCCS) transfer-oriented degree program (Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, Associate of Arts & Science) in high school will satisfy of the CNU general education component of the undergraduate curriculum with the exception of the Second Language (foreign language) Literacy Requirement. The Second Language Literacy Requirement may be met in one of the following ways: a) Transfer of 201 or higher level foreign language course or b) Completion of a 200-level or higher foreign language course at CNU. Note that three (3) years of high school language study (in the same language) or a 102-level foreign language course is a prerequisite for a CNU 200-level foreign language course. Students earning an associate degree while in high school are not eligible for VCCS/CNU guaranteed admission programs. VCCS students who complete the associate degree while enrolled in high school and have not enrolled in college in a regular semester (fall/spring) post high school graduation, must apply to CNU as first-time freshmen applicants.
Completion of a transfer-oriented associate of fine arts degree from a VCCS college will satisfy Christopher Newport lower-level liberal learning requirements with the exception of one mathematics course (CNU's MATH 115 or higher) satisfying the Mathematical Literacy Liberal Learning Foundation requirement and one science lecture satisfying the Investigating the Natural World Area of Inquiry. Christopher Newport also requires completion of a 200-level language course or higher in a second language in order to graduate. If these requirements are not fulfilled during completion of the associate degree, they must be completed at Christopher Newport.
Credit for Prior Learning https://cnu.edu/admission/transfer/credit/
Did You Know That...
  • Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor's degree?
  • Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at: Christopher Newport University
College Level Information
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Transfer Center
External Link
Transfer Admission Application
External Link
Transfer Student Aid
External Link
Number of Transfer Students
217
Percent of Accepted Transfer Students
85%
College Fit Guidance What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me? At Christopher Newport University, we have approximately 4,500 students with about 200 transfers enrolling each year. We offer more than 90 areas of study, from electrical engineering to philosophy of law, from music performance to accounting. All programs are grounded in our rigorous liberal arts and sciences core curriculum - cited by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni as the strongest core curriculum of any public college or university in America. With 60 percent of our classes having 19 or fewer students, our small class sizes give you direct access to experts in their fields - teacher-scholars who provide outstanding instruction, conduct groundbreaking research (often with your help!), and publish noteworthy books and articles. We also have more than 200 clubs and student organizations and 24 varsity teams that compete in NCAA Division III. We're located in Newport News, Virginia, in the heart of one of the most historic and beautiful areas of the United States. When you venture off campus, you'll find unlimited activities for all interests as well as cultural and historical treasures within a short walk or drive. Our residence halls and apartment complexes win rave reviews from students and parents alike. In fact, The Princeton Review ranked our residence halls among the top in the nation in the group's Best College Dorms category. While transfer students are not required to live on-campus, many do! Housing is offered on a space-available basis.
Transfer Student Catalog Year By term of entry at CNU.
First Year Student Catalog Year By term of entry at CNU.
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions If you attend a Virginia Community College System (VCCS) school and have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.2 or higher, you may be eligible for the Guaranteed Admission Agreement (GAA). GAA students are those who graduate from a transfer-oriented degree program at a Virginia community college within two years of enrollment at Christopher Newport with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.2 or higher on a four-point scale and who intends to transfer to CNU. Other GAAs exist for Virginia Peninsula, Rappahannock, and Richard Bland. Please visit our website: https://cnu.edu/admission/transfer/
You must complete a Letter of Intent to transfer to CNU under the GAA after a minimum of 15 credit hours is completed toward the associate degree and before applying for graduation from the community college.
You must maintain continuous enrollment in all non-summer terms from the point of declaration until the associate degree is conferred and must transfer to Christopher Newport in the semester designated under the Letter of Intent.
Where Can This Degree Transfer
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This section displays degrees most closely related to this program and to which you may be able to transfer. So, you can use this list to find the next degree you can complete in your major. Please click the degree name to visit that program page.

Institution Title Degree Award Name Award Level Delivery Mode
Brightpoint Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Arts Degree in Visual ArtsAssociateAssociate of Applied Arts2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Brightpoint Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Arts Degree in Visual Arts - Film SpecializationAssociateAssociate of Applied Arts2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Brightpoint Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Arts Degree in Visual Arts - Photo SpecializationAssociateAssociate of Applied Arts2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Laurel Ridge Community CollegeAssociate of Art degree in Liberal Arts: Fine Arts MajorAssociateAssociate of Art2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Northern Virginia Community CollegeMusic, A.F.A.AssociateAssociate of Fine Arts2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Piedmont Virginia Community CollegeAssociate of Arts in ArtAssociateAssociate of Arts2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Piedmont Virginia Community CollegeAssociate of Arts in Theatre/DramaAssociateAssociate of Arts2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Ferrum CollegeB.F.A. in Music and Theatre: Professional Stage PerformanceBachelorBachelor of Fine Arts4-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Virginia Western Community CollegeAssociate of Arts Degree in Fine ArtsAssociateAssociate of Arts2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Sweet Briar CollegeBachelor of Arts in Performing ArtsBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Longwood University Visual and Performing Arts: Art - Art Education PK-12 BFABachelorBachelor of Fine Arts4-YearIn-Person
Longwood University Visual and Performing Arts: Art Studio - Artist’s Books and Printmaking BFABachelorBachelor of Fine Arts4-YearIn-Person
Longwood University Visual and Performing Arts: Art Studio - Design in Craft BFABachelorBachelor of Fine Arts4-YearIn-Person
Longwood University Visual and Performing Arts: Art Studio - Painting/Drawing BFABachelorBachelor of Fine Arts4-YearIn-Person
Longwood University Visual and Performing Arts: Art Studio - Photography BFABachelorBachelor of Fine Arts4-YearIn-Person
Longwood University Visual and Performing Arts: Music - Piano Pedagogy Emphasis BABachelorBachelor of Music4-YearIn-Person
Longwood University Visual and Performing Arts: Music BABachelorBachelor of Music4-YearIn-Person
Longwood University Visual and Performing Arts: Music Education PK-12 - Choral Track BMBachelorBachelor of Music4-YearIn-Person
Longwood University Visual and Performing Arts: Music Education PK-12 - Instrumental Track BMBachelorBachelor of Music4-YearIn-Person
Longwood University Visual and Performing Arts: Performance BMBachelorBachelor of Music4-YearIn-Person
Longwood University Visual and Performing Arts: Theatre - Specialist in Design and Technology BFA BachelorBachelor of Fine Arts4-YearIn-Person
Longwood University Visual and Performing Arts: Theatre - Specialist in Performance BFABachelorBachelor of Fine Arts4-YearIn-Person
Longwood University Visual and Performing Arts: Theatre Education PK-12 BABachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Longwood University Visual and Performing Arts: Theatre Generalist BABachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Richard Bland CollegeAssociate of ArtsAssociateAssociate of Arts2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
The University of Virginia's College at WiseBachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences, Major in ArtBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
George Mason UniversityArt and Visual Technology, BABachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
George Mason UniversityArt and Visual Technology, BFABachelorBachelor of Fine Arts4-YearIn-Person
University of Mary WashingtonBA in TheatreBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Emory & Henry UniversityArt: Studio (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Careers Where This Degree Applies
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O*Net Code Name Description Parent
25-1121.00Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, PostsecondaryTeach courses in drama, music, and the arts including fine and applied art, such as painting and sculpture, or design and crafts. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
27-1019.00Artists and Related Workers, All OtherAll artists and related workers not listed separately.Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ
27-1012.00Craft ArtistsCreate or reproduce handmade objects for sale and exhibition using a variety of techniques, such as welding, weaving, pottery, and needlecraft.Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ
27-1013.00Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and IllustratorsCreate original artwork using any of a wide variety of media and techniques.Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ
27-4021.00PhotographersPhotograph people, landscapes, merchandise, or other subjects. May use lighting equipment to enhance a subject's appearance. May use editing software to produce finished images and prints. Includes commercial and industrial photographers, scientific photographers, and photojournalists.Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ
Cost To Complete
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This section provides you with a very high-level estimate of your costs and is purely intended as a guide. You should consult the institution via College Connect to get a more detailed estimate based on the totality of your circumstances. The selections below are based on information gathered from your Profile and the estimated costs are calculated based on the 120 credits remaining to be completed

Please select the "Cumulative Months of Service" that determine your Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits.
Estimated Cost for the Plan Name Not Provided at Christopher Newport University
These costs are based on an estimated 8 semesters or 4 years remaining to complete this degree (assuming a full-time load of 16 hours per semester)
Category Cost Basis Cost (To You) Estimated Benefits Net Cost Notes
Tuition $8,414 Per Semester $67,312 $0 $67,312 Per semester tuition full-time undergraduate 12-17 credit hours
Fees
Student Room Fee $3,655 Per Semester $29,240 0 $29,240 9-month contract, double occupancy room
Meal Plan $2,575 Per Semester $20,600 0 $20,600
Housing Communications Fee $180 Per Semester $1,440 0 $1,440 Per semester
*Please note that the above estimated costs do not include all Federal, State or other financial aid, grants, scholarships, etc. for which you may qualify. All such aid could substantially reduce these costs.
Tuition & Fee Notes:
  • Additional Fees
    • Student Parking Fee: $275 per academic year
    • Admission Application Fee: $65 but waivers are available
    • Graduation Fee: $100 for all degrees.
  • Special Purpose Fees
    • Applied Music Fee: $350 per credit of music courses
    • Laboratory Fee: $75 for arts or science courses
    • Luter School of Business Fee: $50 per credit. This is a top-tier, AACSB-accredited school that offers an enhanced student experience. Differential fees provide for instructional costs; software enhancements; innovative technology; and professional development and networking experiences that result in more internship and job placement opportunities.
    • Study Abroad Fees: $150 per course taken abroad
    • Online Course Fee: $175 per course taken online
  • Miscellaneous
    • $50 Late Payment Fee per incident
    • $35 Returned check fee if before due date and $50 if payment is after due date.
Other Financial Aid to Pay for College:
  • You may be eligible for additional financial aid from Federal, State, and Local sources. Military education benefits are not considered in determining eligibility for federal financial aid. Everyone is therefore encouraged to apply for federal financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), because many will qualify for additional educational funds like Pell Grants, worth over $5,500/yr.