The Vermont State University B.A. in Theater Arts is designed to showcase your talents and set you on a path to a successful career in the theater world. As a Theater major, you will work on main-stage plays, black box productions, musical theater, classic works, and original pieces. You will learn the ins and outs of acting, directing, dance, stage management, running crew, lighting and sound design, video, and set construction. Our small classes allow you to work closely with our award-winning faculty on collaborative projects. You’ll never be just another face in the crowd.
Why Study Theater Arts at Vermont State?
- Success after graduation: Our graduates are successful on and off stage in summer theater, Off-Broadway shows, television, film, educational theater, and graduate school.
- First-semester performance experience: Unlike many other theater programs, you will begin working on stage in your very first year of study. Each semester, you’ll have the opportunity to produce a show and perform for on- and off-campus audiences.
- State-of-the-art facility: The John and Susan Casella Theater on the Vermont State University – Castleton campus is a 484-seat proscenium-style theater. The facility has a full complement of technical features, including a fly system, intelligent lighting, full concert sound capabilities, audiovisual and streaming functionality, and high-quality recording equipment.
- Career-focused education: You will work one-on-one with faculty to develop your portfolio, seek out internship opportunities, define career goals, and plan for your future after college.
- Your passion, your focus: Our theater program is multidisciplinary, which means you can follow your passion and focus on your interests in acting, directing, technical theater and design, or theater studies.
- Career Variety: A B.A. in Theater Arts prepares students for careers as actors, business managers, carpenters, choreographers, costume designers, drama therapists, directors, event planners, lighting designers and technicians, make-up artists, playwrights, producers, props specialists, pyrotechnics engineers, riggers, scenic artists, set designers, sound designers and engineers, stage crew, stage managers, wardrobe specialists, and wig constructors.
Concentrations in Theater Arts
Students in this program choose a concentration to combine with their foundational classes.
- Acting and Directing (BA.THA.AAD)
- Technical Theater and Design (BA.THA.TTD)
To apply, please select Theater Arts from the list on the application. You will have opportunity to identify your concentration interest after you apply.
Financial Aid for Theater Arts Students
Vermont State University is providing a high-quality, affordable degree in Theater to students across Vermont and beyond. More than 80 percent of Vermont State students are awarded financial aid, including new students, transfer students, international students, out-of-state students, and first-generation students. Our financial aid team is here to help you explore all your options.
Internships & Jobs in Theater Arts
At Vermont State, you’ll gain leading-edge skills for theater careers through internships, co-ops, career coaching, and more. Our internship placements are guaranteed to grow your professional network.
- Theater students participate in the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival in competitions for acting, stage management, and designs in lighting, sound, set, and make-up.
- Each year the Theater Arts Department takes a trip to either London or New York City to spend a week in the city and see the latest shows on the West End or Broadway.
- Unlike many other theater programs, you will begin working on stage in your very first year of study.
- Each semester, you’ll have the opportunity to produce a show and perform for on- and off-campus audiences. Recent productions include Guys and Dolls, Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, Rhinoceros, Catch Me if You Can, and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.
Minors Available in the Theater Arts Program
Interested in adding a minor to your degree program? See minors available in the Theater Arts program below.
- Theater Arts
- Dance
Student Stories
“After graduation, I started touring with Disney On Ice presents Frozen as a lighting electrician. I soon began working as the head of the Pyrotechnics Department, and after two years I was promoted to Production Stage Manager for the show. I toured with Disney for just under five years. In 2018, I transitioned to Cirque Du Soleil Volta where I worked as the Assistant Head of Lighting and Video. I’m currently in my final semester at The New School, pursuing a Master of Science in Media Management. In September, I was hired by Hulu as an Account Manager in the Advertising Sales department and plan to pursue a career in Media Sales. The endless support and guidance from my professors and classmates instilled a work ethic and drive to think critically and calmly while approaching any situation. I could not be more grateful for the Theater Arts Department.”
John Lucas, ’13
