Theatre

Theatre Degree
Bachelor of Arts, Minor
Program Type:
Major, Minor
Career Path:
Performing Arts, Humanities
Program Site:
College or School:
Why study Theatre?
Theatre majors learn how to communicate in multiple forms and settings no matter their specialty. They are exposed not only to acting but to acoustics, aesthetics and art, among others.
- In 2025-26, the Wake Forest Theatre will stage seven performances of each of four plays, including a mystery and a musical.
The Theatre program offers a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and a minor.
What classes would I take?
Our model and curriculum educate the whole person and often help students discover interests they had never previously discovered. Students generally take 100-200 level courses during their first year of college, while registering for higher level courses as upperclassmen.
Sample courses that you may take as a Theatre student include:
100-200 level*
- Introduction to Western Theatre
- Stage Makeup
- Stage Combat
- Costume Construction
- Scene Design
300+ level*
- History of Western Theatre
- Directing
- Acting Shakespeare
- Contemporary Drama
- Multicultural American Drama
* Courses listed above are offered during the current academic year. Course availability and offerings can change at any time. Refer to the Academic Bulletin to view all major requirements.
What kind of experience will I gain?
With the broad liberal arts education all students receive at Wake Forest, graduates emerge as strong critical thinkers, prepared to face life’s many challenges.
Through discipline, performers, directors, designers, and stage managers learn clear self-expression and therefore grow in their ability to communicate well with others orally, visually, and in writing. They also learn about themselves and develop self confidence, organizational and analytical skills, and creative approaches to problem solving.
Wake Forest theatre majors have become actors, directors, stage managers, designers, theatre artistic directors, professors, cabaret singers, playwrights, and members of comedy troupes. Others have made careers outside of the arts and enjoy participating in community theatre. Many graduates also serve on boards for civic arts organizations.
Students in this program will develop the following skills:
- Creativity
- Expressive ability
- Keen observation of human traits and characteristics
- Conceptual ability
- Exposure to drama of various historical time periods
- Quick thinking
- Ability to relate to abstract ideas
- Oral communication skills
- Creative problem solving and interpretation
- Memorization skills
Are there extracurricular activities?
Joining a club or organization is a great way to get involved and do more with your major. Our Theatre students participate in the following programs:
- Wake Forest Theatre
- Anthony Alston Players
- Lilting Banshee Comedy Troupe
- Lost in Translation
- BiMoo Chinese Theatre Club
What kind of job can I get?
Careers that often interest Theatre majors, and fields our graduates work in, include:
- Actor/Actress
- Advertising Specialist
- Artist Agent
- Box Office Manager
- Casting Agent
- Costume Designer
- Director
- Educator
- Filmmaker
- Hair/Make-up Artist
- Marketing Director
- Mascot
- Production Assistant
- Public Relations Specialist
- Set, Lighting, or Prop Designer
- Special Effects Manager
- Stage Manager
- Technical Director
Theatre graduates include a story writer and editor on the CBS series Bob Hearts Abishola; actors; architects; teachers; doctors; and aerospace engineers.
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