We See Your Future in Drama & Theatre.
Flourish as a star or behind the scenes with a B.A. in Drama and Theatre designed for you.
Bachelor of Arts in Drama & Theatre
Do you feel the stage or screen calling you? Are you a natural performer looking to hone your craft? Want to shine behind the scenes as a designer or producer? Norfolk State University’s Bachelor of Arts in Drama and Theatre will help you develop as a well-rounded actor, manager, director or designer in theatre, television or film.
Through a balance of theory and real-world experience, our Theatre and Drama students gain confidence, expertise and connections that help them excel both professionally and personally. While mastering their craft, Drama and Theatre majors at NSU participate in the nationally renowned and award-winning NSU Theatre Company .
What makes us one of the top theatre programs in the nation?
Our emphasis on individualizing your education helps us stand out from other theatre programs around the country. Tailor your journey to suit your professional goals with one of our two Drama and Theatre degree tracks. If you’re interested in acting, our performance emphasis will provide you with the skills to step on the stage or in front of the camera. If you want to work behind the curtain or camera, our design and technology emphasis will help you build foundational knowledge in key crafts to keep the show running smoothly.
B.A. Drama and Theatre Degree at a Glance
- Average Class Size: 12
- Formats Offered: In Person
- Total Credit Hours: 120
View Drama and Theatre plans of study | Request more information | Apply now
Why Study Drama and Theatre at NSU?
As a Drama and Theatre major at NSU, you’ll be supported by a remarkable community of students, faculty and alumni dedicated to furthering equity, social justice and diversity both on and off the stage. In fact, in 2016, NSU Theatre Company became the first HBCU theatre program and one of few undergraduate programs in the nation to form professional partnership agreements with a professional Equity company — ensuring the equal rights of all students in the program.
Entering the field from one of the most respected drama and theatre programs in the nation, our graduates are highly sought-after around the world for their knowledge, skills and passion.
Accessibility and affordability
In addition to offering one of the most high-quality and affordable theatre programs available, we also help theatre majors pay for their education with several Drama and Theatre scholarships and grants .
Hands-on experience in your field
Each of our Drama and Theatre classes involves experiential learning and opportunities to collaborate with your peers. In addition to these hands-on experiences, you will get many chances during our four-show season of plays and musicals to work on productions in either our newly built Mainstage Theater in G. W. C. Brown Memorial Hall or our black box theater.
A close-knit community
Theatre majors at NSU often form long-lasting and meaningful relationships with each other and with faculty. Whether it’s collaborating during theatre classes or preparing for a major production, you’ll always be surrounded by peers who help each other be greater every day.
What Courses Will I Take as a Theatre Major?
When you study theatre and drama at NSU, you’ll take theatre classes that prepare you for all aspects of theatrical entertainment. From the history of theatre and African-American drama to stage makeup and criticism, you’ll learn about the world of theatre from every angle to develop a balanced skill set.
The theatre and drama program requires a minimum of 120 credit hours, broken up as 40 hours of general education, 38 hours of drama and theatre core, 21 hours for your emphasis, 3 hours for a drama elective and finally 18 hours of unrestricted electives — enough for a minor!
Some of the drama and theatre classes you can enjoy at NSU include:
- Theory & Techniques of Acting
- Direction of Plays
- Modern Dance
- African-American Drama
- Acting Theory
- Lighting Design
Where Will My Degree in Drama and Theatre Take Me?
Our drama and theatre degree is a very versatile program, which can prepare you for careers both in entertainment and in related fields. Many of our graduates have gone on to succeed in film, television, Broadway and off-Broadway as actors, directors, producers, set designers and voice actors.
The skills you accrue as you earn your degree in theatre and drama — like public speaking, writing, managing, working as a team member and editing — are always in high demand in every industry and career.
Some popular jobs you’ll be prepared to pursue after graduation include:
- Actor
- Producer
- Director
- Lighting designer
- Costume designer
- Voice actor
- Filmmaker
- Instructor
- Voice coach
- Broadcaster
- Public relations specialist
- Event planner
- Manager
Career outlook for Drama and Theatre majors
Employment for producers and directors is expected to grow by 24% over the next decade —more than double the average for other occupations — according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Theatre majors who want to act can look forward to an even better outlook, with 32% growth over the same amount of time.
Thanks to the recent increase in streaming platforms and film studios throughout the country, there has never been a better time to study theatre and drama!
How Do I Get Started in the Drama and Theatre Program at NSU?
Interested in being part of one of the most respected theatre programs in the country? Have questions about applying to Norfolk State University or finding financial aid to help you pay for tuition? Maybe you just want to learn more about what kinds of theatre classes you can take at NSU? Whatever you need as you begin your academic adventure at NSU, our caring team of advisors and counselors is here to help you and answer your questions.
Learn more about the requirements for the Drama and Theatre program.
Degree Programs Related to Theatre and Drama
Accreditation for Norfolk State University
Norfolk State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, master's, and doctorate degrees.