Theatre

Program Type
Undergraduate Major
Degree
Bachelor of Art (BA)
Modes of Study
Blended;In person

Tuition & fees

Costs include tuition, fees, & other costs such as books. New England residents may qualify for a tuition break. See cost details

Financial aid

On average, 92% of enrolled students who file a FAFSA receive an offer. 91% of offers include scholarships, grants, waiver, and/or work-study. Explore aid

Program duration

Typical completion time: 4 years. Flexible options may save time. Explore options

Admissions

SAT & ACT scores optional. Audition required. Early action & year-round admissions. View application process & deadlines

Program highlights

  • Personalize the major to your interests and goals: Build a strong foundation across theatrical disciplines, including Design & Technology, Performance, and History & Literature.
  • Gain real-world experience with regional, national, or international professional theatre organizations
  • Receive one-on-one mentorship with faculty and staff who are working professionals and artists with connections throughout the industry.
  • Benefit from hands-on experience on campus and in the community, including traditional theatre spaces, touring productions, and collaborative programming in the community.
  • Join a vibrant community of theatre artists, entrepreneurs, and creators using their theatre skills across a broad range of careers.

Expected career outcomes

Students performing Urinetown and waving a red flag.

Program requirements

Students participate in a rigorous program that demands a commitment to both academics and the hands-on production of the plays we produce. Enthusiasm, curiosity, and tenacity are crucial to successfully meeting the requirements of the major.

Three student performers during the production of Meep Island.

Local arts community

We are deeply involved in the cultural, creative, and artistic life of the greater Portland area through our wide-ranging production season, interdisciplinary collaborations, community and school outreach, and interactive theatre experiences.

A group of actors in costume pose dramatically on stage.

Mainstage productions

With professional and industry standards as our guide, our productions represent the culmination of a process-driven collaboration between students and our professional faculty and staff. Through comedies, dramas, musicals, classical plays, operas, and devised work, our students experience a broad range of theatrical genres and styles.

Students work with an instructor to plan out the set design for a performance.

Study with working professionals & artists

Our students receive one-on-one guidance and support from our highly experienced faculty who are active professionals with a deep network of industry contacts.

A student paints a set piece for a play.

Become the theatre-makers of the future

After submitting your application to the University, you’ll be required to interview with theatre faculty to be admitted into the Theatre major.

A rocky river with mountains in the background and, bordered by tree with autumn-colored leaves.

Do you live in New England?

You may be eligible for a reduced tuition rate, as part of the NEBHE Tuition Break Program.

Check eligibility
A student in a graduation cap and gown gazes upward.

Scholarship opportunities

Scholarships offer valuable financial aid that doesn’t need to be repaid. You’ll be automatically considered for Merit Scholarships when you apply for admission by the deadline. Additional opportunities are available.

The cast of Edwina poses together on stage for a photo call.

On campus: our facilities

Our home on the Gorham campus is where we build our sets, props, costumes, and design for our 140-seat proscenium theatre and 50-seat black box. Opening in 2024, our audio production studio will be a place to explore sound and audio design, voiceover, and radio theatre.

A sound technician monitors a performance.

In the community: the external experience

We offer a distinctive external experience, similar to an internship, designed to immerse students in the community — regionally, nationally, and internationally. It’s an opportunity to actively engage, continue building skills, and make industry connections.

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Next steps

Our helpful admissions counselors are here to answer your questions about the admissions process, our academic programs, and student support services. We also invite you to explore the many ways to visit campus or to engage with us through online experiences.

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