Chapman Department of Theatre offers three distinct degree programs:
Bachelor of Arts in Theatre students receive an extensive range of training including coursework in live performance,
theatre history, dramatic literature and dramaturgy, directing, technology, production
practices, and arts leadership. The BA Theatre degree also enables students to double
major and to study abroad in the location of their choice, enhancing their academic
experience by building a second complementary skillset and exploring international
pathways.
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Screen Acting students participate in an interdisciplinary curriculum offered cooperatively with
Chapman’s Dodge College of Film and Media Arts. This degree is intended for students
whose primary goal is performing in front of the camera for film or television. Students
train in renowned facilities and learn to write, shoot, and edit content with faculty
working in the heart of the industry in Southern California.
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Performance students engage in rigorous pre-professional performance training alongside their
academic coursework to prepare them for a career on stage. Additionally, in the spring
semester of their sophomore year, the BFA Theatre Performance cohort studies abroad
at the Theatre Academy of London, ensuring their training reflects cutting edge approaches
to performance both here and abroad.
Whichever degree you choose, you will be prepared for a role in the entertainment
industry thanks to:
- solid foundational and advanced training specifically tailored to each program.
- extensive personalized mentorship with professors who are also professionals in the industry.
- access to state-of-the-art facilities and technology.
- abundant performance and production opportunities to apply what you learn on stage, behind the scenes, and in front of the camera.
- all the benefits of a liberal arts education.
- study abroad programs designed to enhance and complement your degree curriculum.
- networking and professional development opportunities throughout the entertainment industry in Southern California and beyond.
Further information on the difference between the BFA Screen Acting and BFA Theatre
Performance degrees can be found on our FAQ page.
