Program Details
Theatre with concentration in Stage Management/Technical Production, Bachelor of Fine Arts
Bachelor of Fine ArtsVirginia Commonwealth University
The Department of Theatre offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts that may be entered into during the third year. All freshman and transfer students entering the department are initially classified as Theatre Foundation students. After successfully completing the first two years of core theatre courses in their foundation areas of emphasis, students apply for admission to a specific degree program (B.F.A. or B.A.). In the B.F.A. students concentrate on areas in performance, including musical theatre, and stage management, as well as three areas of design/technology: scenic, lighting and costume. (See the individual concentration pages for curricular outlines.) Note: Entry into the musical theatre foundation program requires a change of major form. Student participation in both credit- and noncredit-bearing department activities may be required. Students matriculating in School of the Arts degree programs are bound by the policies and procedures stipulated in this bulletin and in any other current handbook or policy document adopted by the individual programs. Because of the environment that exists in these preprofessional programs, all aspects of theatre as art, craft, business and education are experienced together. The curriculum immerses students in the practicalities of theatre. Throughout the four years, the performer works daily with voice, body and imagination, while the designer/technician is involved in studio classes and practical application.
Outcomes
Upon completing this program, students will know and know how to do the following: Demonstrate skills and techniques needed to enter the profession as a lighting designer/technician Demonstrate knowledge of history, theory and literature and their practical application
Program Overview & Guidance

Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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Considerations for Selecting Degree | A Theatre major takes time commitment, and requires time management skills. The Department of Theatre educates and trains students in pre-professional training programs in the fields of performance or design / technology. The department provides students with the professional and cultural foundations essential for achieving the highest standards of the art of theatre. |
Considerations When Selecting Courses |
It is recommended to complete courses in Stagecraft and Costume Construction, although not required. If registered for a production class, backstage production experience can count for VCU’s THEA100 Technical Production class.
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Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | |
Doing More With Your Degree | Theatre students can select one of 7 different undergraduate degree options. Students can focus on specific concentrations in Performance, Musical Theatre, Scenic Design, Costume Design, Lighting Design, or Stage Management. Or they can choose a BA in Theatre, which combines theatre with the liberal arts, and offers a broad range of options in the curriculum. Students can also choose a minor in Theatre or a minor in Musical Theatre. Students can also choose an interdisciplinary sound minor that includes many Theatre class offerings. |
Program Successes & Highlights | Our Alumni are award-winning actors, producers, directors, designers, and technicians. They have worked with an impressive array of theatre and production companies including: Broadway, Off-Broadway, and National Tours; Top regional theatres including Arena Stage, Steppenwolf, Santa Fe Opera, Cincinnati Playhouse, Seattle Children’s Theatre, Olney Theatre Center, and American Shakespeare Center; and Projects for Netflix, Hulu, HBO, Showtime, Disney, and major feature films with studios like Paramount, and Warner Bros. |
Program Credit Requirements

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.
Applicable Admissions Agreements

There are no Applicable Admission Agreements for the Program.
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?

Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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Associate Transfer Degree Completion | Students who earn an Associate of Arts, Associate of Arts & Sciences, Associate of Fine Arts, Associate of Science, General Education Certificate, or Uniform Certificate of General Studies from the Virginia Community College System, Richard Bland College, or the College of Southern Maryland may be eligible to participate in the Guaranteed Admission Agreement. Students with one of these degrees may also be eligible to have the majority of their general education requirements waived. Students who have earned a transfer-oriented associate degree from any regionally accredited institution or the Uniform Certificate of General Studies from the Virginia Community College System before enrolling at VCU will have their General Education requirements satisfied. The Uniform Certificate of General Studies is recommended. |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School | Students who have earned a transfer-oriented associate degree from any regionally accredited institution or the Uniform Certificate of General Studies from the Virginia Community College System before enrolling at VCU will have their General Education requirements satisfied. The Uniform Certificate of General Studies is recommended. |
Credit for Prior Learning | VCU accepts a variety of types of credit for prior learning, including but not limited to Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), College Level Examination Program (CLEP), military experience, Cambridge, and industry certifications that are recommended for credit by the American Council on Education or the National College Credit Recommendation Service. |
Did You Know That... |
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College Level Information

College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
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Is This College Right For Me? | VCU is a large, research-driven institution nestled on two campuses in downtown Richmond, Virginia, offering a vast array of degree programs from arts to dental hygiene to engineering to education. VCU students have access to hundreds of student organizations, which is a great way to connect with others whether or not you choose to live in one of our many on-campus residence halls. Take advantage of VCU's location with access to the James River and its park system, internship and job opportunities, community engagement, and interstates to travel to the beach, the mountains, and Washington, D.C.. |
Transfer Student Catalog Year | Catalog year is determined by the student's first semester of degree-seeking attendance at VCU. |
First Year Student Catalog Year | Catalog year is determined by the student's first semester of degree-seeking attendance at VCU. |
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | https://admissions.vcu.edu/apply-to-vcu/undergraduate/transfer/ |
Where Can This Degree Transfer

Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Averett University | Bachelor of Arts in Theatre | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Averett University | Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre | Bachelor | Bachelor of Fine Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Hollins University | BA in Theatre | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Fine Arts Degree in Theatre | Associate | Associate of Fine Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Fine Arts Degree in Theatre, Technical Theatre Specialization | Associate | Associate of Fine Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
James Madison University | Bachelor of Arts, Major in Dance | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
James Madison University | Bachelor of Arts, Major in Musical Theatre | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
James Madison University | Bachelor of Arts, Major in Theatre | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Roanoke College | Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Education | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Roanoke College | Bachelor of Arts in Theatre | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Radford University | BA in Theatre | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Radford University | BS in Theatre | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
The University of Virginia's College at Wise | Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences, Major in Theater | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Virginia Wesleyan University | Bachelor of Arts in Theatre | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Mary Baldwin University | Bachelor of Arts in Theatre | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
George Mason University | Theater, BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
George Mason University | Theater, BFA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Fine Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
William & Mary | Theatre - Bachelor of Arts | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Old Dominion University | Theatre/Dance-BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Bridgewater College | Theatre Major - BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Shenandoah University | Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre | Bachelor | Bachelor of Fine Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Bluefield University | BA in Communication Arts - Theatre | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Bluefield University | BS in Communication Arts - Theatre | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Randolph College | Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre: Acting Concentration | Bachelor | Bachelor of Fine Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Randolph College | Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre: Directing Concentration | Bachelor | Bachelor of Fine Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Randolph College | Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre: Design and Technology Concentration | Bachelor | Bachelor of Fine Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Emory & Henry University | Theatre: Directing and Stage Mgmt (BFA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Fine Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Emory & Henry University | Theatre (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Emory & Henry University | Theatre: Musical (BFA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Fine Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Emory & Henry University | Theatre: Production and Design (BFA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Fine Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Emory & Henry University | Theatre: Performance (BFA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Fine Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Randolph-Macon College | Theatre (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Regent University | B.A. in Theatre | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Careers Where This Degree Applies

O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
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27-2011.00 | Actors | Play parts in stage, television, radio, video, or film productions, or other settings for entertainment, information, or instruction. Interpret serious or comic role by speech, gesture, and body movement to entertain or inform audience. May dance and sing. | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ |
25-1121.00 | Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | Teach 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 |
27-2099.00 | Entertainers and Performers, Sports and Related Workers, All Other | All entertainers and performers, sports and related workers not listed separately. | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ |
27-2012.03 | Media Programming Directors | Direct and coordinate activities of personnel engaged in preparation of radio or television station program schedules and programs, such as sports or news. | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ |
27-2012.05 | Media Technical Directors/Managers | Coordinate activities of technical departments, such as taping, editing, engineering, and maintenance, to produce radio or television programs. | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ |
27-2012.00 | Producers and Directors | Produce or direct stage, television, radio, video, or film productions for entertainment, information, or instruction. Responsible for creative decisions, such as interpretation of script, choice of actors or guests, set design, sound, special effects, and choreography. | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ |
27-2012.04 | Talent Directors | Audition and interview performers to select most appropriate talent for parts in stage, television, radio, or motion picture productions. | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ |
Cost To Complete
