Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Theatre Arts
Get a competitive edge in the job market with an internship at a local theatre.
Merrimack’s Theatre Arts program will develop theatre artists who not only master the theory behind the craft but also develop the creative skills needed to truly captivate an audience.
Theatre Arts Degree at a Glance
Program Type
Major
Mode of Study
On Campus
Internship
Guaranteed
Est. Time
4 Years
Start Terms
Fall, Spring
Cost
School
Accreditation
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The Theatre Arts Major
Understand the cultural and historical roots of theatre while learning how to apply this knowledge across all disciplines within the theater profession. Our expert faculty will teach you how to blend knowledge, theory and real-world practice.
What You'll Study
Expect an academic experience designed to enrich your creativity while providing you with factual background knowledge of the arts, management and more:
Acting
Theatre Practicum
Theatre History
Technical Production
Visual & Performing Arts
Inquiry & Research
Directing
Design for Theatre
Improvisiation
Script Analysis
Arts Management
Skills You'll Learn
Prepare to experience both lecture-based courses and real-world applications to reinforce the skills you’ll gain from our Theatre Arts degree.
Performance Skills
Collaboration
Leadership
Technical Skills
Time Management
Critical Analysis
Oral and Written Communication

STUDENT WORK

Kennedy Center American College Theater Awards

Student Spotlight: Ariana White ‘25, Double Major

Outstanding Stage Management Intern
Lilia Hessasta ’25 was awarded Outstanding Stage Management Intern at this year’s Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival.
Theatre Arts Courses You'll Take
Acting I
THR 1510
This is an introductory level acting class. The course explores the basic concepts of acting, characterization, improvisation, script analysis and rehearsal techniques through class exercises, written assignments, readings and preparation of monologues and scenes.
Theatre
Practicum
THR 1515
This course is a hands-on learning experience in theatre production and performance. Students will gain practical skills and essential knowledge of what it takes to mount a play by working on the mainstage production in the areas of performance, technical, or management.
Design For
the Theatre
THR 2580
This course provides an introduction to the history, philosophy and skills utilized in the design of scenic, lighting and costume for the theater. Students will work the stages of design from research to implementation, learning the skills necessary to create theatrical designs.
See All Courses & Options Available to Theatre Arts Majors
Theatre Arts Major Requirements
General Education Requirements
In addition to the major requirements below, you will also need to complete Merrimack’s general education requirements. To see more details about the major, please visit catalog.merrimack.edu.Sample Four-Year Schedule - Curriculum Guide
Theatre Arts Students In the Classroom & Beyond
When it comes to career readiness, we believe getting outside of the classroom is key. At Merrimack, you’ll complement your coursework with experiences like guaranteed internships, co-ops, service learning or faculty-led research projects.



Career Outlook: Where Can a Theatre Arts Degree Take You?
Career Outcomes Rate
94% of the undergraduate class of 2023 in Arts & Sciences were either employed, participating in voluntary service or continuing their education within nine months of graduation.
Experiential Learning
90% of the undergraduate class of 2023 participated in at least one internship, co-op, clinical, practicum or research opportunity while at Merrimack.
Graduate School
Merrimack, New England School of Law, George Washington University and Boston College are just some of the graduate programs Arts & Sciences graduates are attending.
Jobs with a Theatre Arts Degree
Upon completing our program, you’ll be well-equipped to pursue graduate study or a career in theatre arts. Positions may include:
- Costume Designer
- Company Manager
- Production Manager
- Box Office/Group Sales
- Technical Director
- Theatre Arts and Technical Director
- Marketing & Communications Assistant
- Actor
Beyond the Classroom

Student Life
You’ll have endless opportunities to find your fit, get involved and pursue what makes you happy—all while making lifelong friends (and memories!).
Explore your passions alongside others with similar interests, whether that means a cappella singing or outdoor adventuring.
- 70+ student organizations
- Division I Athletics, club and intramural sports
- Beloved traditions like Homecoming, Block Party and Spring Concert
- Fraternities and sororities

Internships & Co-Ops
Our students gain valuable work experience and connections with leading companies through guaranteed internships and the Warriors at Work co-op program. Recent placements include:
- Interning with Homeland Security Investigations, shadowing special agents
- Interning at Delta Tech-Ops, working in components engineering
- Working as a tax intern at Baker Tilly

Research with Faculty
With access to cutting-edge tools, undergraduate students can collaborate with faculty on research projects that can lead to presentations and publications.
- Explore the complexities of the human mind in a state-of-the-art psychology lab.
- Understand how inflammation affects immune cell aging in our Shared Instrumentation and Research Facility.
- Build fully functional battle bots for competitions.

Study Abroad
Global Merrimack provides transformative, once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Our 30+ study abroad programs include semesters abroad, faculty-led trips and international internships.
- Explore and study in the Dominican Republic or Iceland.
- Immerse yourself in cities like Dublin, Madrid or Rome.
- Experience a semester at sea or intern in vibrant cities like London or Paris.

Service Learning
Community and service are at the heart of our Augustinian mission.
Over 1,000 students work together to engage in hands-on service learning projects each year, supporting our communities and those in need.
- Participate in our campus-wide Mack Gives Back volunteer days.
- Spend your winter, spring, or summer break on an immersive SEND trip in the U.S. or abroad, helping those in need.
- Tutor students in nearby school districts.
See for Yourself
Programs Related to the Theatre Arts Major
Explore other areas and where they can take you.
Take the Next Step (We're Here to Help)
At Merrimack, we are ready to meet you where you are and get you where you want to go. And, we make the process simple along the way!
Upcoming Events

Info Session & Campus Tour
Monday-Friday & Most Saturdays
Attend a 20-minute info session led by an admission counselor and then take a student-led campus tour. Registration is required.
Merrimack College Awards & Recognition
U.S. News & World Report | Best Regional Universities North (2024)
- Most Innovative Schools (#5)
- Regional Universities North (#39)
- Best Undergraduate Teaching (#19)
- Best Colleges for Veterans (#15)
- Best Value Schools (#51)
Tell Me More About Merrimack's Theatre Arts Major
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