Theatre Arts at WestConn

Don't just dream it.....Act on it!

Overview

Our NAST-accredited Department of Theatre Arts provides a strong professional training approach to the study of the art and craft of theatre. Students who pursue a BFA in Theatre Arts prepare for a myriad of professional careers as they relate to the student's personal interests in Acting, Design/Technology, or Stage Management through our specialized and rigorous curriculum. Students pursuing a BFA in Musical Theatre prepare for professional performance careers through the BFA program's intensive curriculum and training. For students interested in a broader/liberal arts theatre education, the BA in Theatre Arts program is the perfect place for a more expansive, less specialized, approach.  While there is no audition or interview process for the BA in Theatre Arts Degree, the BFA in Musical Theatre degree, as well as all concentrations within the BFA in Theatre Arts degree do require an in-person audition/interview for admittance into those programs.

The WCSU Department of Theatre Arts produces six MainStage productions every year in our brand-new, state of the art, 98-million dollar Visual and Performing Arts Center.  Our productions include both musicals and traditional plays, and range in style and genre from classic to contemporary.  All students in our department, regardless of degree program, are heavily involved in all aspects of these productions.  Whether performing on stage, building scenery, hanging lights, running sound, contributing to dramaturgical research, or stitching costumes...upon graduation, our students will have had hands-on experience in multiple areas of production.   Our students leave WCSU not only well-equipped with a plethora of skills in a diverse and expansive array of theatrical disciplines.

Our proximity to NYC (one hour to midtown Manhattan) gives us a unique opportunity to make excellent use of its vast resources, including hiring well-known casting directors & agents for our annual Senior Showcase, Broadway choreographers for our staged productions, and various guest artists for master classes. Many faculty members have worked extensively in the Broadway and TV community, and have received Tony, Drama Desk and Emmy awards. The theatre faculty also maintains close ties with professional organizations, activities, and research facilities within the greater tri-state area. Opportunities such as professional training workshops and performances by guest artists are regularly planned to introduce students to the professional environment through these connections.

Additionally, the Theatre Arts Department at WCSU participates in The Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF) annually, and has received many top national awards from the festival. Design/Technology students also have the opportunity to attend the national USITT conference annually, gaining access to the latest technology being developed specifically for the stage.  Keeping our students up to date on the latest technology and trends is something for which we as a department take great pride.

We welcome you to come and visit - to see for yourself - not only the caliber of this program, but also the hands-on commitment of our incredible faculty and staff.

Areas of Study

• Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Theatre Arts
  Concentrations in Acting, Design/Technology, Stage Management 
• Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Musical Theatre
• Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Theatre Arts

Program Features

• Professional Resident Faculty
• Six faculty or guest directed main stage and studio stage productions per academic year
• Yearly New York City Senior Showcase with Broadway casting directors & agents
• Workshops with NYC Stage, TV and Film Professionals
• Internships possible with New York City and Connecticut Regional and Professional theatres.

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