Program Contact: Kevin Daly 203-582-3500

The Bachelor of Arts in Theater at Quinnipiac University prepares students for meaningful careers and graduate studies in all areas of theater performance and production.

After completing the core requirements, upper-class students enroll in advanced electives and participate in a senior seminar where they engage in a culminating project. All theater majors are required to complete at least one competitive internship, professional experience or conservatory semester. Students are strongly encouraged to take on portfolio building roles within our Main Stage season and at local professional theaters. 

The Main Stage season includes contemporary and classical plays, popular musicals and original works. Professional artists are infused into our process to expose students to current practices and develop career-enhancing relationships that will serve them long after they graduate.

The BA in Theater is a great choice for students who enjoy collaboration and wish to explore creative careers within the theater arts and allied disciplines.

Students majoring in Theater must complete the following:

University Curriculum 146
Modern Language Requirement3-6
Theater Core Requirements
DR 140Stagecraft3
DR 160Acting I3
DR 230Directing I3
Select two of:6
DR 270
World Theater History and Dramatic Literature I
DR 275
World Theater History and Dramatic Literature II
DR 282
Landscapes and Lenses
DR 375
History and Dramatic Literature of the Contemporary Theater
DR 257Design for the Theater3
DR 286Script Analysis3
DR 350Playwriting: The Ten-Minute Play3
or DR 391 Playwriting: The Full-Length Play
DR 370Internship, Conservatory or Professional Experience3
DR 410Senior Seminar3
Electives
Select two DR electives:6
Any DR Course
Any DR Course 200-level or higher
Free Electives29-32
Total Credits114-120
1

All students must complete the University Curriculum requirements. 

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the BA in Theater, students will demonstrate the following competencies:

  1. Understanding: Students develop an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of theater artists: actor, director, scenic/lighting/costume designer, technical director and playwright. 
  2. Conceptual and Critical Thinking: Students develop skills to think conceptually and critically about text, performance and production. 
  3. Self-Appraisal: Students will develop the skills to self-assess, critique and revise their own work.  
  4. Literacy: Students will develop a fundamental knowledge of theatrical history as well as dramatic literature.
  5. Production Skills and Knowledge: Students will develop the skills and techniques necessary for realizing a variety of theatrical styles.
  6. Collaboration Skills: Students will develop skills in collective problem solving.

Admission Requirements: College of Arts and Sciences

The requirements for admission into the undergraduate College of Arts and Sciences programs are the same as those for admission to Quinnipiac University.

Admission to the university is competitive, and applicants are expected to present a strong college prep program in high school. Prospective first-year students are strongly encouraged to file an application as early in the senior year as possible, and arrange to have first quarter grades sent from their high school counselor as soon as they are available.

For detailed admission requirements, including required documents, please visit the Admissions page of this catalog.

Transfer into the Theater Major

Seamless Transfer Agreement with Gateway Community College (GCC), Housatonic Community College (HCC) and Norwalk Community College (NCC)

Under this Transfer Agreement, GCC, HCC and NCC graduates will be guaranteed admission into a bachelor’s degree program with third year (junior) status at Quinnipiac University on the condition that they: 

  • Graduate with an associate in arts, an associate in science in business, College of Technology engineering science, nursing or an allied health degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (this may be higher in specific programs). 
  • Satisfy all other Quinnipiac University transfer admission requirements and requirements for intended major.

Quinnipiac University agrees to accept the general education embedded in these associate degree programs in accordance with Quinnipiac preferred choices for general education as meeting all the requirements of its undergraduate general education except for the Integrative Capstone Experience and where courses are encumbered by the major (e.g., General Chemistry for the Disciplinary Inquiry Natural Science requirement for a Biochemistry major).

Suggested Transfer Curriculum for BA in Theater

A minimum of 60 credits is required for transfer into the BA in Theater program. Below is a recommended plan of study for the first two years prior to matriculation at Quinnipiac University.

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
Fall SemesterCredits
English I 3
Theater History I 3
Acting I 3
Elective 3-4
Elective 3
 Credits15-16
Spring Semester
English II 3
Stagecraft 3
Elective 3
Elective 3
Elective 3
 Credits15
Second Year
Fall Semester
Voice and Diction 3
Elective 3-4
Elective 3
Elective 3
Elective 3
 Credits15-16
Spring Semester
Acting 2 3
Elective 3
Elective 3
Elective 3
Elective 3
 Credits15
 Total Credits60-62

Students planning to transfer into the BA in Theater program at Quinnipiac University are highly encouraged to contact the Theater program director, Kevin Daly, to discuss ways they can begin preparing for their senior project proposal during their first two years of college. 

Shown below is one of many possible paths through the curriculum. Each student's individual academic plan is crafted in consultation with their academic adviser.

First Year
Milestones: Earn 30 credits, meet with your adviser at least once a semester and have a GPA of 2.00 or higher.
Fall Semester
DR 160Acting I3
DR 286Script Analysis3
EN 101Introduction to Academic Reading and Writing3
FYS 101First-Year Seminar3
University Curriculum course3
Spring Semester
DR 140Stagecraft3
EN 102Academic Writing and Research3
Math course. Satisfies UC Foundations Inquiry.3
University Curriculum course4
University Curriculum course3
Second Year
Milestones: Earn 60 credits and a GPA of 2.00 or higher. Meet with your adviser at least once per semester to discuss academic, experiential learning, career and co-curricular opportunities.
Fall Semester
DR 230Directing I3
DR 270World Theater History and Dramatic Literature I3
Language at the 101 level3
University Curriculum course3
University Curriculum course3
Spring Semester
DR 257Design for the Theater3
DR 275World Theater History and Dramatic Literature II3
Language at the 102 level (Satisfies CAS Language Requirement)3
University Curriculum course3
University Curriculum course3
Third Year
Milestones: Earn 90 credits and a GPA of 2.00 or higher. Meet with your adviser at least once per semester. Participate in study abroad, complete internship or research opportunities.
Fall Semester
DR 350Playwriting: The Ten-Minute Play3
Theater Elective3
University Curriculum course3
University Curriculum course3
Open Elective3
Spring Semester
Theater Elective3
University Curriculum course3
University Curriculum course3
Open Elective3
Open Elective3
Fourth Year
Milestones: Earn 120 credits and a GPA of 2.00 or higher. Complete possible minor or double major and prepare for graduation.
Fall Semester
DR 370Internship, Conservatory or Professional Experience3
CAS 420CAS Integrative Capstone3
Open Elective3
Open Elective3
Open Elective3
Spring Semester
DR 410Senior Seminar3
Open Elective3
Open Elective3
Open Elective3
Open Elective2
Total Credits120