Meet Your Major

The major in theatre arts combines a liberal arts perspective with in-depth study of theatre in its historical and cultural contexts.

At the core of the program is the belief that the best theatre artist is one who possesses both a broad knowledge of the theory and literature of the field and highly developed artistic skills. The major recognizes the importance of all aspects of theatre and offers courses and/or practical training in performance, technical theatre, design, directing, arts management, playwriting, and dramaturgy.

What You’ll Learn

  • Learn how to analyze plays perceptively and evaluate scripts and theatre productions critically.

  • Enhance your ability to think critically, speak eloquently, write effectively and work collaboratively.

  • Gain a greater awareness of the role, function and value of theatre in society.

  • Apply your experience, research and skills, under faculty direction, to conceive and/or execute a final project in acting, directing, criticism, playwriting or design.

Hands-On Learning

Stage time, either in the front or back of the house, is a must. Chances are, you’ll find yourself participating in departmental productions as well as those put on by the student-run OnStagers Dramatic Society.

You’ll have the opportunity to learn by doing. Work at the Rogers Center for the Arts, Merrimack’s own modern theater that brings some of the country’s best productions, musicians and films to campus.

Recent theatre arts internships include work in the Stoneham Theatre marketing department and the Merrimack Repertory Theatre’s box office.

Career Options

Our major will help prepare you for a career in live theater production, arts management and/or performance. You will be well-equipped to pursue a range of opportunities, such as actor, director, writer, technician, and designer, in a number of arts-related fields including theatre, television, film, corporate communications, advertising and more. The degree also provides you with the necessary foundation for further graduate school training.

A theatre arts degree is also valuable in other careers that require collaborative skills, creative imagination, and discipline, such as education/training, management, public relations and the law. If you are an entrepreneur you can sharpen your creative abilities, especially when paired with a co-major or minor in business.

Recent graduates are now working in Merrimack Repertory Theatre: Box Office and Group Sales Dept. New England Center for Homeless Veterans: Counselor, Disney World: Costume Designer, Company Manager: Geva Theatre, Rochester NY, 

Some of our graduates have worked in the following positions:

  • Costume designer, Disney World
  • Entrepreneurial businesses owner of Spark a Dream Princess Parties
  • Company manager, Geva Theatre (Rochester, NY)
  • Production Manager, Weston Playhouse (Weston, VT)
  • Box Office/Group Sales, Merrimack Repertory Theatre
  • Assistant Technical Director, Rogers Center for the Arts
  • Acting in Pigpen Theatre Co. such as The Old Man and the Old Moon
  • Theatre Arts and Technical Director at Wilmington High School (Willimington, MA)
  • Middle School Drama Teacher, Hamilton School District
  • Marketing & Communications Assistant at Arts Consulting Group, Boston, MA

What You’ll Take

The Theatre Arts major requires the completion of a minimum of 46 credits and a minimum of 12 courses as specified below.

Go to our catalog for full Theatre Arts program details.