Major in Theatre

Earning a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre degree from FHU offers a unique educational journey that seamlessly blends artistic excellence with spiritual growth. What truly sets this program apart is its commitment to integrating Christian values into the world of theatre, creating a dynamic and enriching learning experience.

At FHU, students are provided with a comprehensive curriculum that goes beyond traditional theatre education. While honing their performance skills and delving into the intricacies of dramatic storytelling, students also have the unique opportunity to explore how their Christian faith can amplify their creative expression.

This distinctive approach not only adds depth to their performances but also empowers them to create narratives that resonate on a spiritual level, addressing the needs of a spiritually seeking audience.

An important aspect of FHU’s Theatre program is the emphasis on post-production debriefing sessions. These sessions, led by the director of theatre, foster self-reflection and growth.

Through analyzing both strengths and weaknesses, students develop a keen understanding of their craft and learn how to continuously refine their skills. This focus on learning from each production sets FHU apart from other programs, where the emphasis might solely be on the end product.

The program’s nurturing environment and community of believer-artists provide a platform for collaboration, support, and personal development. As students progress through their studies, they are encouraged to not only excel in their performances but also to explore how their work can serve as a means of compassionate storytelling, touching hearts and making a positive impact on the world.

Ultimately, FHU’s Bachelor of Arts in Theatre degree offers an exceptional opportunity to grow artistically, spiritually, and professionally. By embracing the intersection of faith and art, students graduate equipped not only with the technical skills of the theatre but also with a unique perspective that allows them to excel in a dynamic and evolving industry while making a meaningful difference.

The job outlook for students who graduate with a degree in theatre is diverse and can vary depending on factors such as specialization, location, experience, and networking.

While the performing arts industry can be competitive, there are opportunities available for theatre graduates to apply their skills and pursue fulfilling careers. Here are some potential career paths and factors to consider:

1. Acting: The job outlook for actors can be competitive, with roles available in theatre, film, television, commercials, and more. Success often depends on talent, dedication, and networking.
2. Directing: Directors can find opportunities in theatre, film, and television. Experienced directors with a strong portfolio may have a favorable job outlook as they become sought after for their creative vision and leadership skills.
3. Theatre Educator: Teaching positions in schools, colleges, and community centers offer stable employment prospects for theatre graduates with a passion for education and mentoring.
4. Playwright/Scriptwriter: The job outlook for playwrights and scriptwriters can vary. Opportunities exist in theatre, film, television, and online platforms, with demand for original content.
5. Costume/Set/Lighting Design: Graduates can find employment designing costumes, sets, and lighting for theatre, film, television, events and more. Experienced designers with a strong portfolio may have an advantage.
6. Arts Administration: Managing theatre organizations, coordinating events, and overseeing budgets can offer stable career opportunities in the administrative side of the performing arts.

While pursuing a career in theatre requires dedication and perseverance, graduates can enhance their job prospects by networking, building a strong portfolio, gaining practical experience through internships and projects, and continuously improving their skills. Adapting to emerging technologies and exploring interdisciplinary collaborations can also expand opportunities within and beyond the performing arts industry.

While majoring in Theatre at FHU, you can develop a wide range of valuable skills that will not only enhance your abilities as a performer but also prepare you for various roles within the performing arts industry and beyond. Here are some key skills you can learn:

1. Acting Skills: You’ll develop a strong foundation in acting techniques, including character development, voice modulation, movement, and improvisation.
2. Communication: Effective communication skills are essential for conveying emotions, narratives, and messages to an audience.
3. Collaboration: Theatre is a collaborative art form, teaching you how to work effectively with directors, fellow actors, designers, and crew members.
4. Creative Problem-Solving: Theatre often requires creative solutions to challenges that arise during productions, enhancing your ability to think on your feet.
5. Empathy: Acting enables you to understand and embody different characters’ perspectives, fostering empathy and emotional intelligence.
6. Public Speaking: Through performances and presentations, you’ll become skilled at speaking confidently in front of audiences.
7. Critical Analysis: You’ll learn to analyze scripts, performances, and productions, honing your ability to provide constructive feedback.
8. Creative Expression: You’ll refine your ability to express ideas, emotions, and concepts in unique and engaging ways.
9. Directing and Leadership: If interested in directing, you’ll learn leadership skills, guiding actors and crew to bring a production to life.
10. Storytelling Techniques: Learning to tell stories effectively through performance is a fundamental skill applicable in various fields.

These skills are not only valuable for careers in theatre but also transferable to other professions that require effective communication, creativity, adaptability and teamwork.

The Theatre degree from Freed-Hardeman University (FHU) is a comprehensive program designed to provide students with a holistic education in the field of theatre arts. This program offers two distinct emphases: Performance and Design/Production, each tailored to different aspects of the theatre industry.

1. Theatre with Emphasis in Performance:The Performance emphasis is designed for students who are passionate about acting, directing, and the art of performance. This track focuses on developing students’ acting skills, stage presence, and understanding of character dynamics. Courses cover a range of topics, including acting techniques, theatre history and performance theory. Students have the opportunity to explore various acting styles and gain practical experience through performances. They learn to embody characters, convey emotions, and engage audiences effectively on stage.Additionally, within the Performance emphasis, there is a Teaching Licensure track that allows students to pursue a career in teaching theatre. The Teaching Licensure track includes specific requirements.
2. Theatre with Emphasis in Design/Production:The Design/Production emphasis caters to students interested in the technical aspects of theatre. It focuses on set design, lighting, costumes, and stage management. Students learn how to create the visual and technical elements that enhance performances behind the scenes.

Both emphases provide a well-rounded education that integrates faith-based expression with artistic pursuits, fostering a unique approach to theatre. Graduates of FHU’s Theatre program are equipped to pursue careers in acting, directing, teaching, technical theatre, arts administration and various other roles within the performing arts and related industries.