The School of Theatre at Marshall University offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre, preparing students for careers across performance, design, and production. The program combines practical training with current industry practices, ensuring students develop their craft according to modern expectations in theatre, film, and television. Students receive personalized mentorship from experienced faculty and gain hands-on experience in various aspects of theatre production including costume, set design, lighting, and sound. The curriculum emphasizes collaboration, providing a comprehensive understanding of theatre arts and opportunities to participate actively in production projects. Graduates are equipped to enter industry roles, pursue graduate studies, or explore related fields such as teaching and communications.
Why this course is highly recommended
Marshall’s theatre programs stand out for their well-rounded education that integrates performance and production with broader arts studies. Students benefit from individual attention and mentorship from industry professionals, equipping them for both further academic pursuits and entry into the entertainment industry. The program also offers access to the Wellness Center for the Arts, providing support in areas such as health, voice, and performance anxiety, which is invaluable for aspiring artists. Graduates have successfully entered diverse fields like acting, directing, design, and media production, highlighting the program’s strong industry relevance and career readiness.
Students can choose between two specializations: Performance or Production. The Performance track focuses on acting, with a conservatory approach to training, while the Production track emphasizes design, technical production, stage management, and related skills. Each pathway includes a sequence of specialized courses tailored to develop expertise in that discipline, culminating in practical production experience.
Application fees
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1st year tuition fees
16.92L
Living cost
The program concludes with a Senior Capstone Project, which demonstrates the student's proficiency in their chosen concentration—performance, directing, design, playwriting, stage management, or others. To complete the B.F.A., students must fulfill coursework in their discipline along with practical production experiences, culminating in this comprehensive project.

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Graduates from Marshall’s Theatre B.F.A. programs are prepared for a variety of careers including acting, dancing, creative direction, lighting and sound technician roles, costume design, and audio expertise. Many graduates have gone on to work in places like New York City, Chicago, or on cruise lines, and some have collaborated with major producers like Amazon and Netflix. The program also prepares students for graduate school opportunities or careers in teaching and communications.