Bachelor of Arts in Theatre (BA)

Get ready to be surprised. Careers for English majors are way more varied—and more lucrative over time—than you might think. As an English major, you’ll develop skills in critical thinking, analysis and writing that are in demand across a wide range of industries. So whether you pursue a professional degree or start working right out of school, you’ll be able to write your own ticket.

No. Students do not need to audition or submit a portfolio to study theatre at MCLA. The
theatre major is open to all students admitted to the college, allowing anyone with an
interest in theatre to explore acting, design, storytelling, and participate in productions
through coursework.

Yes, you’ll absolutely learn how to become an actor. With courses like Beginning Acting, Acting Styles, Voice and Movement, and Contemporary Scene Study, you’ll gain critical performance skills and learn to make yourself an instrument on the stage. But since professional actors often take on many more roles than just acting, Theater majors also develop other skills—from scenery design to stage management to lighting and sound technology to costuming. With a Theater major, you’ll develop a well-rounded skill set for a career in the theater.

Yes. Theatre classes and productions are open to students across the college. Students
from many majors take theatre courses, work on productions, and collaborate creatively
while pursuing their primary field of study.

Yes. Students participate in the department’s theatre season beginning in their first year
and continuing throughout the program. Through practicum courses, they gain hands-on
experience contributing to productions as actors, designers, stage managers,
dramaturges, creative team members and collaborators.

You might be surprised at the number of potential jobs for Theater majors out there. There are jobs you might expect, like being a performer, production assistant, producer or stage manager. But a Theater major can also help you develop many other marketable skills as well—like organizing complex events, managing personnel, and being a confident and skilled communicator. These skills open up a variety of other career opportunities—for example, in marketing, event coordination, brand ambassadorship, human resources and more.

Yes. Students have opportunities to work in many roles throughout the theatre season,
including acting, designing scenery, lighting, and costumes, directing and dramaturgy
and supporting the behind-the-scenes operations of each production.

The Berkshires are one of the country’s most vibrant cultural regions, home to
numerous theaters, arts organizations, and cultural institutions. Studying theatre at
MCLA places students in the middle of this creative landscape, offering opportunities to
engage with a thriving arts community while still in school.