Theatre, B.A.

The Bachelor of Arts in Theatre within the Department of Visual and Performing Arts at Saint Louis University creates exceptional learning experiences for the upcoming generation of leaders in the field. A SLU theatre major’s education takes place in classrooms, studios, workshops and via the production of theatrical works.

In the classrooms, students examine the concepts, theories and ideas that define theatre and performance. In the studios and workshops, students observe, practice and refine techniques for performing, directing and designing theatre.

In productions, students apply their knowledge and technique to the creation of theatrical work. Each semester SLU Theatre and Dance produces a season of theatrical productions. Mentored by our full-time faculty and staff and visiting artists, students execute a comprehensive range of roles on and off-stage.

Seasonal performances are both on-campus in our proscenium and studio theatres and off-campus in professional venues among the numerous theatres in St. Louis. Students benefit from studying in a city with a vibrant arts scene, where they can attend performances at places like the Fabulous Fox Theatre, located in the Grand Arts Center one block from campus; the historic Stifel Theatre; and the Muny, America’s oldest and largest outdoor musical theatre. Competitive students can pursue internships and professional positions with companies producing everything from star-studded operas to fringe festivals supporting independent artists.

Students who study theatre at SLU immerse themselves in creating theatre. They play lead roles in plays like Macbeth and Ride the Cyclone. They call the cues for these plays in professional venues. They construct the costumes, program the lights and even design the sets. They direct each other in their own original works. They discover the meaning of theatre and performance for the world and find their roles within that meaning.

Curriculum Overview

Like all Bachelor of Arts degrees at Saint Louis University, theatre majors receive a comprehensive and rigorous liberal arts education. Within their field, theatre majors develop academic proficiency and practical knowledge in all aspects of theatre while also completing the required University Undergraduate Core curriculum. The B.A. in theatre emphasizes the collaborative process for creating theatre and the importance of shared commitment and responsibility in pursuit of a goal. The core curriculum provides students with the educational foundation for success in professional theatre or to continue their studies at the graduate level. Students also gain a wide breadth of skills transferable to many other fields, such as law, management and journalism.

The theatre major requires 36 credits of specialized classes in which students experience learning, experimenting with and applying the philosophies, techniques and practices of professional theatre artists and scholars.   

Fieldwork and Research Opportunities

Theatre and Dance stages a yearly season of main stage productions. Every theatre major is involved in some way with each production. Theatre majors and minors form a company of actors, designers and technicians who, with the mentorship and participation of faculty and staff, are responsible for all aspects of each work. Productions take place on-campus, in our 400-seat, proscenium theatre or our 70-seat studio theatre; or off-campus in professional venues in St. Louis’ Grand Center Arts District, including at the Kranzberg Arts Center and the Grandel. The arts district is adjacent to SLU's campus.

Benefits of the theatre major also include internship and career opportunities. Students may pursue local auditions for summer theatre jobs and are encouraged to apply for internships with organizations across the country. Students find local employment and internship opportunities with the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, the St. Louis Black Repertory Company, Opera Theatre of St. Louis, the Muny and other professional organizations.

The SLU Theatre and Dance program regularly creates work in collaboration with Prison Performing Arts (PPA). An internship is often available through this partnership. The partnership affords students an opportunity to create theatre while engaging with a diverse community and promoting social equity. Productions created in collaboration with PPA culminate with a performance inside a Missouri correctional center and ticketed performances for the public in St. Louis.

Careers

Alumni from SLU Theatre work in professional theatre, feature films, television productions, commercials, and any other milieu that employs actors, writers, directors, producers, dramaturgs, designers or theatrical craftspeople. Some become theatre educators. Theatre majors also graduate with transferable skills directly applicable to fields such as law, journalism, sales, marketing, management, health care, entrepreneurship and any other career where creativity, communication and collaboration skills are necessary.

Admission Requirements

Begin Your Application

Saint Louis University also accepts the Common Application.

Freshman

All applications are thoroughly reviewed with the highest degree of individual care and consideration to all credentials that are submitted. Solid academic performance in college preparatory coursework is a primary concern in reviewing a freshman applicant’s file.

To be considered for admission to any Saint Louis University undergraduate program, applicants must be graduating from an accredited high school, have an acceptable HiSET exam score or take the General Education Development (GED) test. 

Transfer

Applicants must be a graduate of an accredited high school or have an acceptable score on the GED or HiSET.

Students who have attempted fewer than 24 semester credits (or 30 quarter credits) of college credit must follow the above freshmen admission requirements. Students who have completed 24 or more semester credits (or 30 quarter credits) of college credit must submit transcripts from all previously attended college(s).

In reviewing a transfer applicant’s file, the Office of Admission holistically examines the student’s academic performance in college-level coursework as an indicator of the student’s ability to meet the academic rigors of Saint Louis University. Where applicable, transfer students will be evaluated on any courses outlined in the continuation standards of their preferred major.

International Applicants

All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students along with the following:

• Demonstrate English Language Proficiency
• All academic records must include an English translation. An official course-by-course transcript evaluation may be required and accepted.

Tuition

Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:

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Scholarships and Financial Aid

There are two principal ways to help finance a Saint Louis University education:

• Scholarships: Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, service, leadership and financial need.
• Financial Aid: Financial aid is provided through grants and loans, some of which require repayment.

Saint Louis University makes every effort to keep our education affordable. In fiscal year 2023, 99% of first-time freshmen and 92% of all students received financial aid and students received more than $459 million in aid University-wide.

For priority consideration for merit-based scholarships, apply for admission by December 1 and complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by February 1.

For more information on scholarships and financial aid, visit the Office of Student Financial Services.

1. Graduates will be able to characterize the social and artistic movements that have transformed theatre.
2. Graduates will be able to analyze and interpret texts and performances through written and oral analysis or commentary.
3. Graduates will be able to distinguish prominent developments, conventions and genres of theatre history and dramatic literature in a social and historical context.
4. Graduates will be able to practice collaborative skills in various theatrical roles and assignments.
5. Graduates will be able to create a personal definition of theatre and statement of intent.
6. Graduates will be able to formulate and apply process skills in rehearsal, production and classroom settings.
7. Graduates will be able to demonstrate proficiency in one or more area-specific skills: acting, directing, design, technical theatre, management, playwriting or dramaturgy.
8. Graduates will be able to experience the impact of design and production on the theatrical experience.
9. Graduates will be able to identify theatre career opportunities.

Theatre majors must complete a minimum of 38 credits for the major.

Continuation Standards

Students must have a minimum of a 2.00 average GPA in their major-related courses. Students who fall below a 2.00 average in major-related courses will be placed on probation. If the student fails to obtain at least a 2.00 average GPA in major-related courses after two consecutive semesters on probation the student will not be allowed to continue in the program.

Graduation Requirements

• Complete a minimum of 120 credits (excluding pre-college level courses numbered below 1000).
• Complete the University Undergraduate Core curriculum requirements.
• Complete major requirements: minimum of 30 credits required.
• Complete remaining credits with a second major, minor, certificate or electives to reach the minimum of 120 credits required for graduation.
• Achieve at least a 2.00 cumulative grade point average, a 2.00 grade point average in the major(s), and a 2.00 grade point average in the minor/certificate or related elective credits.
• Complete department- and program-specific academic and performance requirements.
• Complete at least 50% of the coursework for the major and 75% for the minor/certificate through Saint Louis University or an approved study-abroad program.
• Complete 30 of the final 36 credits through Saint Louis University or an approved study-abroad program.
• Complete an online degree application by the required University deadline.

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.  

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

2+SLU programs provide a guided pathway for students transferring from a partner institution. 

• Theatre, B.A. (STLCC 2+SLU)

For additional information about this program, please contact arts@slu.edu or call 314-977-2410.