Why study theatre at Marshall University?  … hands-on experience and personal mentoring at every level of development… competitive castingng in a supportive environment…the opportunity to individualize advanced study according to your interests … a dedicated faculty of accomplished and well connected professionals …modern theatre facilities with state of the art shop support in lighting, rigging, design, and costume stage craft … substantial financial support for student participation in regional and national theatre conferences and auditions …study aboard opportunities…a beautiful campus with excellent academics,  sports, student services, and recreation facilities.  Why choose Marshall’s BFA in theatre?  Call for contact information and ask our alumni.

Do I need to audition?  No, you may declare a major in theatre without an audition.  However, an audition or portfolio review is required to qualify for the limited number of tuition scholarships available to freshmen and transfer students.  You may download a scholarship application form here.  (Requires Acrobat Reader) 

What degrees do you offer?  The College of Fine Arts offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) with a major in theatre.  Students follow one of two emphasis area tracks: Performance or Production. 

Can I double major?  Yes!  The requirements of the College of Fine Arts and theatre major allow for up to 27 elective credit hours, making it possible to complete the theatre major along with many MU majors.  Theatre graduates and current students have completed or declared a second major in Spanish, Japanese, international studies, English, and chemistry.

What is the difference between a BFA and a BA degree in theatre?  The BFA is a more focused and demanding degree in terms of credit hours and performance requirements.  It is intended to serve those students who have identified a career path in the performing arts. The rigorous requirements of the BFA degree provide a competitive edge for entering the job market or application to a professional graduate program. The BFA is not intended for those who are interested in theatre primarily as an academic area of study or an extra-curricular activity.

What is the core curriculum?  We believe that the profession is best served by artists with a comprehensive grounding in the multiple disciplines of theatre art.  Therefore, all majors complete a theatre core in technical and performance crafts and conventions.  These foundation courses emphasize transferable skills, professional etiquette and work ethic, technical vocabulary, critical analysis of performance texts, and a strong commitment to ensemble work.  The core also requires participation in a minimum of six Marshall Theatre productions. 

Can I audition for main stage productions in my freshman year?  Yes.  Freshmen may accept roles in one season production per semester and are encouraged to participate in Theatre for Youth, Music Theatre Workshop, and student directed productions. 

Do you offer a major in music theatre? No.  A focus on music theatre is realized through production assignments, internships, and senior projects as well as course work.  Dance and/or performance courses with a music theatre focus are offered at beginning, intermediate and advanced levels every semester.  Students with a serious interest in music theatre are encouraged to audition for and complete the requirements for a minor in the College of Fine Arts (COFA), Department of Music. 

Are there paying jobs in the department?  Yes.  We hire part time student help in technical theatre to support Auditoria functions and season productions.  Students earn up to $2,000 per year.