Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts
The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Theatre Arts program in the College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (CHASS) at the University of the Incarnate Word provides students with a holistic view of both broad-based studies and specialized training in theatre, along with a variety of elective courses and production opportunities to satisfy individual interests and career goals.
Why Theatre Arts?
The B.A. in Theatre Arts is a valuable credential for students wishing to pursue graduate studies or careers in the performing arts. The study of the craft, artistry, production, administration and business of theatre throughout the degree program, and the many related opportunities it offers, supports the development of an exceptional set of skills. Employers across industries recognize the value and importance of those skills, including communicating effectively, thinking critically, interpreting information, speaking, and presenting and creative problem-solving.
Theatre Arts Curriculum
The B.A. in Theatre Arts is a comprehensive 121-hour degree program that integrates a broad understanding of theatre from performance, to design and technology, to theoretical study of performing arts. Students can expect to explore courses on acting, Introduction to Technical Production, Development of Drama & Theatre I and II, and Fundamentals of Directing. Elective credit hour areas include performance, design/technology and general studies, such as playwriting.
At UIW, Theatre Arts majors get hands-on opportunities to apply concepts and methods learned in coursework, all while enjoying individualized attention from their professors. The department typically produces four plays a year. UIW students not only act in those productions, but they also take on leadership roles in creating costumes, scenery, lighting and sound. UIW’s Theatre Arts program is an inclusive group and any member of the UIW community willing to commit the time and energy can audition for roles or work backstage.
The Theatre Arts program boasts small class sizes that provide students with more one-on-one opportunities to learn from the renowned faculty that teach the courses. The student/faculty ratio in Theatre Arts classes averages 16:1, although many classes have only eight-to-ten students.
During their first year, UIW students are guided through a series of required foundation courses, which they continue to develop in their second year. After their third semester, UIW students receive a Post-Third Semester Assessment that examines their work within the program in relation to attainment of the department's student progress. An additional assessment review is conducted during each Theatre Arts student’s senior year and is built into the “Senior Studio” course.
UIW students are encouraged to study abroad. Through UIW’s Study Abroad, students can take advantage of various short-term trips by the University or spend a semester abroad.
The UIW Theatre Arts Department has an exchange agreement with Toi Whakaari O Aotearoa; The New Zealand School of Drama. Toi Whakaari is the national conservatory training school for the dramatic arts in New Zealand. Exceptionally talented performers who have demonstrated excellence in class work and production can apply to spend a semester at Toi Whakaari.
The UIW Theatre Arts department enjoys access privileges with two local museums for research purposes related to production and course work:
The McNay Art Museum houses the Tobin Theatre Arts Collection, which contains theatre designs in the form of sketches and models from the Renaissance to the present and a library of rare theatre books and journals.
The Witte Museum houses a Textile and Dress Collection, which contains clothing that dates from the late eighteenth century to the present as well as a rare collection of international folk dresses and textiles from the Renaissance.
Theatre Productions
Traditionally, UIW Theatre produces four annual productions at the Coates Theatre, a proscenium arch theatre, and the Cheever Theatre, a studio theatre. Students work in every facet of production – on stage, behind the curtain, in the costume shop, control room, scene shop and front of the house. These invaluable experiences give students a platform to showcase their talents and sharpen their skills.
Careers in Theatre Arts
UIW students who earn a degree in Theatre Arts are prepared for a wide range of careers. Graduates can pursue jobs in acting, dancing, musical theatre production, directing or screenwriting, to name a few. Alumni of the UIW Theatre Arts program have gone on to work on Broadway, national touring companies and regional theatre, as well as film and television. Graduates will also have the skills to select careers in arts administration, theatre stage management, broadcasting presenter or teaching. Professional options for Theatre Arts majors are widespread and, in many cases, increasing in availability. Producer and director jobs are projected to increase 10% between 2019 and 2029, much faster than the national average, while acting jobs are anticipated to increase 3% over the same period.
Accreditation
UIW’s B.A. in Theatre Arts is the only degree program in San Antonio that is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST). This accreditation ensures that UIW students’ theatre training will meet established national standards of excellence in terms of content, production quality and teaching practices.