Bachelor of Arts in Theatre ArtsSchool of Arts and Sciences

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Where you set the stage

Lights dim, a hush is heard in the audience, and enter stage right…. The world is craving and producing entertainment at unprecedented rates and the world of performance arts continues to grow. Careers span film, television, audio, commercial theatre, community theatre, playwriting, publicity, directing, stage management, set/light design, costume design, management, and marketing, the opportunities continue to open for those who have industry knowledge and experience within theatre arts.

As a Theatre Arts major pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree, you will encounter numerous opportunities, whether on stage or behind the scenes. From working in the box office and assisting with social media for productions to engaging in stage design, technical operations, directing, and acting, this interdisciplinary program is customizable for each student. You will find balance between theoretical classroom instruction and hands-on experiential learning, often taking place in the Diane Ballweg Black Box Theatre or through studio classes and workshops located on campus.

Throughout the academic year, four productions provide students with an immersive engagement in all aspects of theatre. Edgewood College is near the heart of downtown Madison, WI, which provides convenient access to a thriving arts scene and offers diverse opportunities to experience the surrounding vibrant art culture.

Locations
Madison, WI

Formats
On-campus

Number of Credits
120

Next Start Date
August 28, 2024

Careers within Theatre Arts

$82,320

Average annual salary for a Producer/Director

Projected employment growth rate, from 2022-2032

Bureau of Labor Statistics

A bachelor’s degree in theatre arts prepares you for a variety of career paths.

Actor
Assistant Director
Broadcaster
Casting Manager
Costume Designer
Director
Drama Teacher
Hair & Make-up Designer
Lighting Technician
Social Media Manager
Stagehand
Stage Manager
Theater Technician
Wardrobe Supervisor
Writer

Theatre Arts by the Numbers

295

Students (from 43 different majors) participating in productions since opening in 2010

12+

Professional partnerships

Productions each academic year

Theatre Arts Student Spotlights

Bachelor of Science in Theatre Arts and Sociology, Minor in Music

Evan Philippi ’25

“The theatre program at Edgewood College not only offers many experiences that no other college has, but it also has a community that welcomed me in with open arms.”

Bachelor of Art in Theatre Arts, Minor in Music

Craig Seger ’25

“Sometimes it can be frightening. Sometimes you think you’ll forget a line, not be able to hit a note, maybe you’ll mess up a dance step. But you’ll be fine, trust me. You may doubt yourself on stage, but Edgewood has taught me that your quiet fears can turn into thunderous applause.”

Bachelor of Arts in English, Minor in Theatre Arts

Julia McPhillips ’27

“Working on and off stage at Edgewood has allowed me to learn many valuable lessons and make long-lasting relationships.”

Featured Courses in Theatre Arts

Theatre Arts 149 Introduction to Acting for Majors and Non-Majors

Philosophic orientation of the actor to his/her art with emphasis on basic technical skills. Students work on the techniques of acting while considering larger questions of perception, creative and aesthetic awareness. Students gain confidence in performing for and with others and explore the potential of theatrical ensemble and the collaborative nature of theatre through partnered work, original scene creation, and performances outside the classroom for other classes.

Theatre Arts 200 Theatre Design Elements

If you’ve ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of your favorite plays or shows this class might be for you. This class offers an introduction to the media used in theatrical design, including but not limited to Costume Design, Scenic Design, Lighting Design, and Sound Design.

Theatre Arts 370 Directing I

Study of the theory and practice of directing dramatic production with special emphasis on the director as artist and leader. Students will use all they have learned in the course of their theatre training and liberal arts education (and beyond) and apply elements of that knowledge of the interpretation, leadership, and artistry involved in directing a play. Students must communicate effectively with all elements of production in order to accomplish those goals.

Explore All Courses For This Program

Student Organizations

Theatre Assembly

A friendly, inviting community where students can feel free to be themselves, Theatre Assembly provides programming, events, opportunities, and community for anyone interested in theatre, regardless of major. While engaging in this active student organizations, you will also be developing leadership skills. There are a variety of events and activities that are planned, including:

Trips to Chicago
Student-directed stage productions
Annual trip to American Players Theater
Workshops on improv, fencing, Shakespeare
Participating in the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF) Conference A
Halloween Costume Party
Spring Awards Banquet

Experience London’s Theater and Art History – in London!

As a theatre major at Edgewood College, you can take your knowledge to a higher level through an interdisciplinary, course titled London: Theater and Art History. This experiential course will meet on campus during the fall semester and travel to London, England during the winter interim. Study theater and art history within the concepts of social, cultural, and artistic history of London in the classroom and then travel there for two weeks of immersive experiences featuring plays, museums, and cultural sights.

Faculty Spotlights

Professor

Jeanne Leep, PhD

JLeep@edgewood.edu

Associate Professor

Christopher Dunham, MFA

CDunham@edgewood.edu

Stage Management Mentor

Jan Levine Thal

JLevineThal@edgewood.edu

Senior Adjunct Instructor

Susan Nanning Sorenson

SNanningSorenson@edgewood.edu

Senior Adjunct Instructor, Box Office Manager

Audrey Standish

AStandish@edgewood.edu

Adjunct Instructor

Stephen Tabor

STabor@edgewood.edu

Costume Manager and Costume Shop Manager

Mary Waldhart

MWaldhart@edgewood.edu

Adjunct Instructor

Kristin Roling

Kroling@edgewood.edu

View All Faculty

Experience the Edgewood College Legacy of Performance

Longstanding History

The Edgewood College Theatre Department has been producing plays and shows since the 1960’s, each a new experience for both actors and audiences. Today, our students can experience all aspects of the theatre – from stage crew, to costumes, to directing, to acting – with four mainstage productions a year. The Diane Ballweg Theatre provides a black box space with top equipment for technical training, that encourages creativity.

Look through our past productions and explore what’s scheduled next season!

The Diane Ballweg Theatre

The Diane Ballweg Theatre is a black box theatre that seats 120+ audience capacity and features a state-of-the-art control booth.

A Creative Haven for students

The Stream is Edgewood College’s visual and theatre arts center. This dramatic industrial structure is home to the art and theatre art programs, Diane Ballweg Theatre, and Edgewood College Gallery. Located on the southwest corner of campus, the building overlooks the surrounding woods and Lake Wingra.

The College recently received Gold LEED certification for the building, which makes it the second LEED-certified building on campus. Edgewood College became the first college or university in Wisconsin for exemplary environmental performance (2006).

The Stream Outdoor Amphitheatre

Students will perform their first show of the season in the outdoor Amphitheatre at the Stream. Enhancing the educational experience for theatre arts students, this space provides students with a unique venue offering versatility, connection with nature, and community engagement.

Related Programs

Frequently Asked Questions About Theatre Arts

What are the most common majors to add as a double major in Theatre Arts?

The most common majors students add include: Art, Art Therapy, Communications, Education, English, Graphic Design, Music, and Psychology.

Where have Edgewood College theatre arts alumni built successful careers?

We are privileged to count alumni spanning coast to coast across the United States. The breadth of career paths is reflected in the diversity of our graduates’ endeavors. Whether actors thriving in Los Angeles and New York, or an Education Manager shaping young minds at the Children’s Theatre of Madison, our program alumni showcase their creativity across a spectrum of roles. Some of these include directing, producing, set construction, photography, social media production, and theatre management.

What minors does Edgewood College offer that would coordinate with a Theatre Arts major?

Edgewood College offers a wide variety of minors that compliment this major. Students will often add a minor in Art, Communications, Education, Entrepreneurship, Film Studies, Music, and Psychology.

Describe the practicum experience.

Students gain hands-on “behind the scenes” experience in the Theatre Practicum class. They choose to specialize in one of the following areas, including Stage Management, Box Office/Theatre Management, Dramaturgy, Hair & Make-up, Costumes, Props, Sets, Lights, or Sound. Each crew area is overseen by a Faculty/Staff leader who mentors students through the process, guiding them through careful instruction to ensure excellence. Each production presents unique needs and challenges, ensuring the work is always varied and dynamic from one show to the next.

Can I participate in productions even if I’m not majoring in Theatre Arts?

Absolutely! Edgewood College Theatre has a long tradition of casting students who are non-majors.