Bachelor of Arts in Drama and Theatre

Catalog Year 2024-2026

Based on VCCS Curriculum for THEATRE

Transfer Guidance

Guaranteed Admission Agreement Requirements

• Earn a transfer associate degree based on the Theatre curriculum.

• Earn a minimum of 2.0 GPA for the associate degree.

• A maximum of 63 credits will transfer and apply toward a bachelor’s degree requirements.

• Submit your transfer application for Fall admission by March 1 and for Spring admission by December 1, including an unofficial transcript.

• Request an official transcript to be sent upon completing the associate degree.

• Transfer within four years of first enrolling at the community college and within one year of completing the appropriate associate degree.

Important Links & Dates

• University Transfer Center: Transfer Admissions & Services https://www.nsu.edu/transfer

• Register Intent to Transfer: By the end of your first semester at the Community College through College Connect at www.TransferVirginia.org

• Admission Application: By May 1 at https://www.nsu.edu/Admissions-Aid/Apply-Online

• Financial Aid: https://www.nsu.edu/tuition-and-financial-aid

• FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid: By October 1 at studentaid.gov

What Should I Consider When Selecting Courses?

• Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, and complete your first math and English courses in your first year. For help, see Transfer Steps and Resource Center at www.TransferVirginia.org

• Connect with an advisor at your community college and Norfolk State University within your first year. College Connect available in your account at www.TransferVirginia.org

Is This Degree Right For Me?

• Through a balance of theory and real-world experience, our Theatre and Drama students gain confidence, expertise and connections that help them excel both professionally and personally.

• While mastering their craft, Drama and Theatre majors at NSU participate in the nationally renowned and award-winning NSU Theatre Company. To find out more, check the NSU Theatre Company website at https://www.nsutheatre.com/.

• The curriculum offers two areas of emphasis to equip students with concentrated training in either Design and Technology or Performance.

• The Design and Technology emphasis is designed to expand the career preparation of students by providing knowledge, skills, and practical experience in stagecraft as well as costume, scenic, sound and lighting design.

• The Performance emphasis is designed to expand the career preparation of students by providing knowledge, skills, and practical experience in script analysis, voice, movement, acting theory and period styles of performance.

What Is The Impact On My Degree Of Work I Have Already Completed?

• Associate Transfer Degree Completion: Completion of a transfer-level associate degree satisfies all lower-division general education requirements.

• Dual Enrollment – Completion of Associate Degree in HS: The agreement of guaranteed admission into the college applies to students earning an associate degree concurrent with high school who have completed a transfer-approved degree with a minimum of 45 credits completed through a Virginia Community College, with a GPA of 2.0 or higher and that meets all requirements outlined in the Transfer Guide.

• Credit for Prior Learning: All course credits that were awarded by the two-year institution for equivalent prior learning experiences (IB, AP, CLEP, Military, etc.) will transfer based on the transfer equivalence for the course awarded.

• Catalog Year: Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance at the community college post high school graduation. For students maintaining continuous enrollment, this entitlement will be in effect for a minimum of four years from the time of the student’s first enrollment at the two-year institution. Students must enroll at the four-year institution within one year of completing their associate degree.

Is This College Right For Me?

• NSU has been ranked by U.S. News and World Report as one of the Top 20 HBCUs in the nation.

• It is close to downtown Norfolk and within driving distance of Virginia Beach.

• On-campus housing is available.

• Weekend/evening/summer courses are available, and online degree options are available for several programs.

• NSU is a military-friendly institution.

• Learn more about our college at www.TransferVirginia.org.

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 NSU?

What Can I Do With This Degree?

• Our drama and theatre program is versatile, which can prepare you for careers both in entertainment and in related fields. Many of our graduates have gone on to succeed in film, television, Broadway and off-Broadway as actors, directors, producers, set designers and voice actors.

• The skills you accrue as you earn your degree in theatre and drama, like public speaking, writing, managing, working as a team member and editing, are always in high demand in every industry and career.

• Some popular jobs you’ll be prepared to pursue after graduation include actor, producer, director, lighting designer, costume designer, voice actor, filmmaker, instructor, voice coach, broadcaster, public relations specialist, event planner, or manager.

• Explore possible careers, salaries, and job outlook at www.TransferVirginia.org

Program Successes & Highlights

• As a Drama and Theatre major at NSU, you’ll be supported by a remarkable community of students, faculty and alumni dedicated to furthering equity, social justice and diversity both on and off the stage. In fact, in 2016, NSU Theatre Company became the first HBCU theatre program and one of few undergraduate programs in the nation to form partnership agreements with a professional Equity company — ensuring the equal rights of all students in the program.

• Entering the field from one of the most respected drama and theatre programs in the nation, our graduates are highly sought-after around the world for their knowledge, skills, and passion.

What Are My Chances For Getting Accepted?

• NSU accepts close to 90 percent of students who complete an application.

• The average GPA of students admitted is a 2.9.

• Learn more about applying at www.TransferVirginia.org.

Do More With Your Degree!

• Tailor your journey to suit your professional goals with one of our two Drama and Theatre degree tracks.

• If you’re interested in acting, our performance emphasis will provide you with the skills to step on the stage or in front of the camera.

• If you want to work behind the curtain or camera, our design and technology emphasis will help you build foundational knowledge in key crafts to keep the show running smoothly.

Other Than Classes, Are There Other Program Requirements?

• Students will be required to complete hands-on projects or productions.