Print this page. About the Program
The Department of Theatre and Dance offers a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre. The program offers you the opportunity to refine your craft in a vibrant urban center. You will learn from an outstanding theatre faculty of fifteen full-time teachers with national reputations in their fields. The ratio of faculty to undergraduate students is approximately one to four. Our teachers are members of Actors Equity, Screen Actors’ Guild, the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, United Scenic Artists and the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers. The department invites internationally-recognized guest artists to act, direct, design and teach undergraduates. USC's undergraduate theatre degree is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre and the University/Resident Theatre Association. The department is affiliated with three great regional theatres, the Shakespeare Theatre, Washington, D.C.; the Alliance Theatre, Atlanta, GA; and the Milwaukee Repertory Company. As a theatre major, you will be required to participate in the production program. Each year, the department stages six or seven productions. You will have opportunities to act, direct, design, stage manage, or learn about technical theatre or marketing.
Career Opportunities
In addition to the wide array of opportunities within the entertainment industry, theatre majors are prepared for any endeavor that values creativity, communication, collaboration, and analytical skills. Many of these careers are highly competitive. Here are a few of your possibilities:
• acting, directing, and design
• scenery, lighting, sound and costumes
• theatre management
• teaching
• writing
The University Career Center is available to assist you in choosing a career direction and in increasing your marketability upon graduation. For additional information, call the center at 803-777-7280.
Of Special Interest
Our program in theatre is one of a select group of nationally recognized programs accredited by both the National Association of Schools of Theatre and the University of Resident Theatre Association. Our program operates three fully-equipped theatres. Longstreet Theatre is the best arena theatre in the southeast, a modern gem built inside of an antebellum chapel. Drayton Hall, the main proscenium theatre, was recently remodeled and is intimate and warm. Our funky black-box theatre offers room to experiment.
Theatre and Dance Department's Web site