BA in Theatre Arts
2023–24 Season Announcement
We are pleased to announce that the 2023-24 season will feature a series of projects that center on questions about bodily autonomy. Pride & Prejudice and Fucking A, both presented by the BA performance program will be in conversation with the BA Studio Series production of Roe, which offers insight into the complex women behind the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision. In Medea, presented by our third-year BFA actors, and Anne Boleyn, the annual BFA main stage production that features graduating seniors, we follow the titular characters as they are condemned for defying the patriarchal norms of their times.
These productions invite our students and audiences to consider how the issue of bodily autonomy manifests across time and space, impacting people of many racial, gender, and class identities and backgrounds.
Fall: Pride and Prejudice by Kate Hamill, Directly by Lisa Channer,
November 10-19, 2024
A fun, fast-paced adaptation of the novel by Jane Austen, Kate Hamill’s Pride & Prejudice explores the constraints of marriage on women’s autonomy and includes multiple characters playing multiple roles, which draws attention to the constructs of gender and sexuality.
The outspoken Lizzy Bennet is determined to never marry, despite mounting pressure from society. But can she resist love, especially when that vaguely handsome, mildly amusing, and impossibly aggravating Mr. Darcy keeps popping up at every turn? And how does a world so focused on women's marriageability impact younger girls like Lydia Bennett, who is so desperate to please her mother? Can the Bennet sisters maintain their own autonomy and reconcile love with the institution of marriage?
Spring: Fucking A by Suzan-Lori Parks, Directed by Talvin Wilks
February 23, 2024-March 2, 2024
Fucking A by Suzan-Lori Parks is a reimagining of The Scarlet Letter that explores constraints on bodily autonomy through the lens of carceral society and the limitations of choice under an authoritarian regime. In Fucking A, Hester Smith is a revered and reviled local Abortionist, branded with the letter A. She is also a noble mother, who hatches a plan to buy her son’s freedom from incarceration - no matter the cost. In this violent and wild-eyed blend of story and song, which harkens to Brechtian and Jacobean dramatic structures, Hester’s branded letter A becomes a provocative emblem of vengeance, violence and sacrifice.
Roe by Lisa Loomer, Directed by Kym Longhi
April 12-21, 2024
After nearly 50 years of standing precedent Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 case that legalized abortion, was overturned by the Supreme Court in their 2022 Dobbs decision. Roe by Lisa Loomer is a nuanced and incisive play that cuts through the rhetoric and headlines surrounding Roe v. Wade to reveal the divergent personal journeys of lawyer Sarah Weddington and plaintiff Norma McCorvey ("Jane Roe") in the years following the Roe decision. In turns shocking, humorous, and poignant, Roe reflects the polarization in America today while illuminating the human faces on each side of the cause. Roe asks each of us to take a deeper look at the story and weigh the issues for ourselves.
BFA Actor Training Program
Medea By Euripides, Directed by Ansa Akyea
February 23-25, 2024
One of the most powerful and enduring of Greek tragedies, Euripedes’ Medea centers on the myth of Jason, leader of the Argonauts, who enlisted the help of the powerful Medea to win the dragon-guarded treasure of the Golden Fleece. Despite having married Jason and mothered his two sons, Jason betrays and abandons Medea by deciding to marry Glauce, the daughter of King Creon. Forced by circumstance, tradition, matrimonial patrimony, and her fierce quest to protect her children, Madea makes the ultimate sacrifice to regain control over her life and start anew. A powerful retelling of this classic tale, Medea investigates the question of personal agency, gender roles, body politics through one woman’s journey in the midst of challenging circumstances. Medea invites us to interrogate our modern concepts of intent, impact, equity and the power of our choices.
Anne Boleyn by Howard Brenton, Directed by Stephen DiMenna
April 25-28, 2024
Anne Boleyn dramatizes the life and legacy of Henry VIII's notorious second wife, who helped change the course of the nation’s history. In Howard Brenton's epic play, we are transported to the 16th century, where the brilliant-but-reckless young Anne, confident in her sexuality and in her love for Henry, leads the charge for England’s Protestant Reformation. While her marriage to the King provides her with opportunities to further the Protestant cause, the bitter battle between political and religious factions makes her vulnerable to conspiracy charges. Meanwhile, in 1603, King James I discovers Anne’s belongings, which inspires him to explore his own gender and sexuality, while being haunted by her ghost and the religious conflict she helped introduce. This production challenges how Anne Boleyn has been traditionally viewed as either the pawn of an ambitious family or a predator manipulating her way to power, and shows how daring to disrupt the status-quo made her lose her head.
About the BA Theatre Arts Program
Through programs in design/technology, performance, and history/literature, the BA in Theatre Arts explores the process of theatrical creation. Each program invites students to develop and articulate creative choices, and think critically about their consequences through a variety of techniques. These include close textual analysis, historical contextualization, physical approaches to performance, and collaborative creation. With its many ties to the performing arts community of the Twin Cities, the Department of Theatre Arts & Dance also offers the opportunity to couple classroom learning with practical experience.
Tracks
Generalist
Explores theater as a space of historical and contemporary meaning-making. Students learn to think critically and creatively about theatrical representation through classes that include performance creation, design/technology, and history/literature. Techniques of theatrical encounter include textual analysis, historical inquiry, physical approaches to performance, and collaborative creation.
Performance Creation
The Performance Creation Program inside the BA in Theatre Arts develops you as a total theatre artist, equipping you with the skills to become a courageous creator and person. Starting with comprehensive training in all aspects of theatrical expression and skill, you are then empowered to dive deeper into your chosen area of program focus, including tracks in acting, directing, playwriting, dramaturgy and theatre for social change. We train nimble artists with skills in multiple areas and our program’s collaborative emphasis fosters unique artistic visions, courageous risk-taking and a sense of communal responsibility. Led by a faculty of working professional artists in a vibrant theatre community, we offer many paths of entry into the Twin Cities theatre community and beyond.
Design & Technology
Woven into the heart of the Twin Cities theatre hub, the University of Minnesota’s BA in Design & Technology trains students to become creative cultural citizens prepared for far-reaching opportunities. Students experience a holistic design and technology education through hands-on training in both the classroom and production.
History/Dramaturgy
Focus in theater history and literature invites students to ethically engage in questions on what is passed down to us, how theatrical stories get told, and what it means for bodies to move through public spaces. Courses include theater history, dramatic literature, text and performance, Blacks in American theater, and topics courses.
Social Justice/Applied Drama
Students take courses within and outside of Theatre Arts & Dance that focus on the intersection of social justice and performance. Courses include performance and social change, dance and citizenship, a semester-long internship through HECUA's Art for Social Change program, and theatre activities in education.
Career Paths
All liberal arts degrees help CLA students develop their Core Career Competencies, and theatre arts majors develop specific skills that are applicable to lots of different careers. These skills include problem-solving, strong communication skills and creative thinking.
Students who take the SuperStrong Interest Inventory receive a three-letter interest code, which identifies their top three areas of interest, work activities, potential skills, and personal values. The interest code "AER" is often associated with this major, however, the SuperStrong assessment can help you understand how your interests connect to a variety of majors and career options. You can learn more about common employer types and occupations associated with this major. You can also see CLA specific examples of alumni careers below.
Internship & Job Search Websites
- Handshake
- Art Search
- Audition Update
- Backstage
- Higher Ed Jobs
- Job Listings and Internships for Entertainment Careers
- OffStageJobs.com
- Playbill
- ShowbizJobs.com
- Cinematography.com
- National Association of Schools of Theatre
- Performing Arts Career Guide
- Performing Arts Schools
- Success With Theater
- The Shakespeare Theatre
- Minnesota Council of Nonprofits
- Idealist (Nonprofit positions in the US and internationally)
Student Groups
Professional Organizations
- Actors Equity Association
- American Association of Community Theatre
- American Federation of Television and Radio Artists
- American Society of Cinematographers
- Directors Guild of America
- Educational Theatre Association
- National Association of Schools of Theatre
- Screen Actors Guild
- Stage Managers Association
Alumni Career Examples
Below is a small sampling of what alumni with this major have pursued, organized by the most common career fields they go into (although keep in mind that there are alumni in all eight of the career fields). You can also utilize the LinkedIn's Alumni Tool and the Maroon and Gold Network to further explore alumni career pathways and connect directly with professionals.
Click to expand each accordion panel below for opportunities pursued by alumni in this major!
Note: *Asterisks denote that further education and/or training is often required
Internships
- Xperimental Theater TA - University of Minnesota
- Rarig Theater Scene Shop Staff - University of Minnesota
- Theater Intern - The Children's Theatre Company
- Director Intern - Guthrie Theater
- Education Intern - Ordway Center for the Performing Arts
- UROP, Theatre Arts Department
- Instructor Intern, Urban Arts Academy
- Actor, Minnesota Centennial Showboat Players
- Audience Engagement Intern, Minnesota Jewish Theatre Company
- Artistic/Education Intern, Writers Theatre
- Research Intern, Conan
- Summer Intern, Play Inc. Community Theatre
- Dramaturgy Intern, Lyric Opera of Chicago
- Production Intern, The Second City
- Assistant Stage Manager Intern, Children’s Theatre Company
- Communications Intern, Hennepin Theatre Trust
- Production Assistant, sureCAN Productions
- Props Intern, Barrington Stage Company
- Intern, Theater Mu
Entry-Level
- Staff Artist - Interact Center for Visual & Performing Arts
- Model Builder - LEGO
- Actor/Dancer - Black Label Movement
- Assistant Overnight Program Director & Outdoor Education Instructor
- Education Sales - Ordway Center for the Performing Arts
- Director of Theatre Operations & Special Events - Brave New Workshop
- Actress/Singer/Dancer - Chanhassen Dinner Theatres
- Performance Educator - 104 Films
- Assistant Box Office Manager - Mixed Blood Theatre
Experienced
- Artistic Director & Producer - Mixed Precipitation
- Video Production Manager - The Tile Shop
- Associate Producer - The New York Musical Theatre Festival
- Actor - Circle Theatre
- Production Manager & Core Artist - Dangerous Productions
- Team Lead - the HYPE! Agency
- K-12 Education Coordinator - Ordway Center for the Performing Arts
- Instructor - Second City Training Center
- Actress - McGowan Management
- Associate Producer - David Adkin Limited
- Ticket Office Concert Supervisor - The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra
- Assistant Director - Tiger Lion Arts
- Theater Program Director - DeLaSalle High School
- Associate General Manager/Co-Manager - Davenport Theatrical Enterprises
- Apprentice - Actors Theatre of Louisville
- Teaching Artist - Youth Performance Company
- Marketing Coordinator - Twin Cities Film Festival
- Education Manager - Ordway Center for the Performing Arts
- General Manager - Music Box Theatre & Music Box Films
- Actress - Aqua Talent
- Producer - Freelance
- User Support Analyst - Optum Global Solutions
- Producer/Director - Siege Perilous Films
- Producer - Children's Theatre Company
- Event Marketing Specialist - Marketing High Profiles Activations
- Manager, Repertory Sales - Sony Pictures Entertainment
- Actress - Metropolitan Talent Agency
- Actor - Freelance
- Director of Development & Communications - Washington Ensemble Theatre
Graduate Programs
- MFA, Performing Arts Management
- MFA, Acting - Ohio University
- Classical Acting - London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art
- The Royal Central School of Speech & Drama
Note: *Asterisks denote that further education and/or training is often required
Internships
- Xperimental Theater TA - University of Minnesota
- Rarig Theater Scene Shop Staff - University of Minnesota
- Theater Intern - The Children's Theatre Company
- Director Intern - Guthrie Theater
- Education Intern - Ordway Center for the Performing Arts
- UROP, Theatre Arts Department
- Instructor Intern, Urban Arts Academy
- Actor, Minnesota Centennial Showboat Players
- Audience Engagement Intern, Minnesota Jewish Theatre Company
- Artistic/Education Intern, Writers Theatre
- Research Intern, Conan
- Summer Intern, Play Inc. Community Theatre
- Dramaturgy Intern, Lyric Opera of Chicago
- Production Intern, The Second City
- Assistant Stage Manager Intern, Children’s Theatre Company
- Communications Intern, Hennepin Theatre Trust
- Production Assistant, sureCAN Productions
- Props Intern, Barrington Stage Company
- Intern, Theater Mu
Entry-Level
- Staff Artist - Interact Center for Visual & Performing Arts
- Model Builder - LEGO
- Actor/Dancer - Black Label Movement
- Assistant Overnight Program Director & Outdoor Education Instructor
- Education Sales - Ordway Center for the Performing Arts
- Director of Theatre Operations & Special Events - Brave New Workshop
- Actress/Singer/Dancer - Chanhassen Dinner Theatres
- Performance Educator - 104 Films
- Assistant Box Office Manager - Mixed Blood Theatre
Experienced
- Artistic Director & Producer - Mixed Precipitation
- Video Production Manager - The Tile Shop
- Associate Producer - The New York Musical Theatre Festival
- Actor - Circle Theatre
- Production Manager & Core Artist - Dangerous Productions
- Team Lead - the HYPE! Agency
- K-12 Education Coordinator - Ordway Center for the Performing Arts
- Instructor - Second City Training Center
- Actress - McGowan Management
- Associate Producer - David Adkin Limited
- Ticket Office Concert Supervisor - The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra
- Assistant Director - Tiger Lion Arts
- Theater Program Director - DeLaSalle High School
- Associate General Manager/Co-Manager - Davenport Theatrical Enterprises
- Apprentice - Actors Theatre of Louisville
- Teaching Artist - Youth Performance Company
- Marketing Coordinator - Twin Cities Film Festival
- Education Manager - Ordway Center for the Performing Arts
- General Manager - Music Box Theatre & Music Box Films
- Actress - Aqua Talent
- Producer - Freelance
- User Support Analyst - Optum Global Solutions
- Producer/Director - Siege Perilous Films
- Producer - Children's Theatre Company
- Event Marketing Specialist - Marketing High Profiles Activations
- Manager, Repertory Sales - Sony Pictures Entertainment
- Actress - Metropolitan Talent Agency
- Actor - Freelance
- Director of Development & Communications - Washington Ensemble Theatre
Graduate Programs
- MFA, Performing Arts Management
- MFA, Acting - Ohio University
- Classical Acting - London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art
- The Royal Central School of Speech & Drama