Theatre Arts Major

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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

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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

Merrimack College theater students were recognized for their hard work and attended the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival.

Student Spotlight: Ariana White ‘25, Double Major

Double major Ariana White chats with us about her experience working at LegoLand New York as a character performer and sidekick.

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.

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Sample Four-Year Schedule - Curriculum Guide

Wondering when you’ll take certain courses? Use the Curriculum Guide—a sample four-year schedule—to get a sense of what your path to graduation looks like.

Download Theatre Arts 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.

“In my four years, I participated in 16+ shows in a variety of ways - I directed, stage managed, acted and produced over that time and really honed in my interests. Truly, the best part of the theatre major was the mentorship I received from professor Kathleen Sills.”

Nathaniel Vilandre ‘16JPI Group, Account Manager

"Since graduation, Lacroix still finds the time to join theatre around the area. In Spring 2023, Lacroix was invited back to Merrimack College to be the assistant director for the OnStagers production of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, Abridge. Working alongside Associate Professor Kathleen Sills, Lacroix said that he was extremely excited about the opportunity. He said Professor Sills’ passion and love for theatre is tangible and she is “one of the greatest theatre minds [he] has ever experienced.”

Nicholas Lacroix ‘21Rangers Club, Leader

"Charlie Day '98 delivered the keynote address at Merrimack’s 64th undergraduate commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 18, 2014. He delighted a packed Lawler Arena audience with his humor, but ended with a serious message for graduates, telling them to take risks and not fear failure: “I don’t think you should just do what makes you happy,” he said. “Do what makes you great.”

Charlie Day '98Actor, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia

Career Outlook: Where Can a Theatre Arts Degree Take You?

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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.

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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.