$270
Tuition Cost per Credit
2 years
Average Completion*
Find Your Voice. Take the Stage.
Create What’s Next.
Theatre is where storytelling, creativity, collaboration, and performance come together.
The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre at Athens State University gives you the opportunity to develop your artistic voice while building the practical skills needed to pursue a career in theatre and the performing arts.
Whether you’re drawn to acting, directing, production, design, or the many creative and technical roles that bring a performance to life, the B.F.A. in Theatre provides an immersive education designed to help you grow as an artist, collaborator, and professional.
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre provides focused preparation in the art and practice of theatre while developing the creative, technical, and professional skills needed to contribute to live performance and production.
Through your studies, you’ll explore the many elements that come together to create compelling theatrical experiences. You’ll develop your understanding of performance, storytelling, theatrical production, and collaboration while gaining practical experience applying what you learn. The program emphasizes both artistic development and professional preparation. You’ll have opportunities to refine your creative abilities, work collaboratively with other artists, and develop the discipline and adaptability required in a field where every production brings new challenges and opportunities.
Whether your goal is to perform, create, direct, design, produce, or pursue another role within the performing arts, the B.F.A. in Theatre can help you turn your passion for theatre into a professional foundation.
What You’ll Learn
As a Theatre student at Athens State, you’ll explore the artistic and practical elements that make live performance possible. You’ll develop your understanding of theatrical storytelling while strengthening your skills in performance, collaboration, rehearsal, and production.
Your studies will challenge you to think creatively and communicate ideas through both artistic and practical means. You’ll learn how performers and production teams work together to interpret scripts, develop characters, create compelling environments, and bring a shared artistic vision to the stage.
You’ll also develop the professional habits that successful theatre artists need, including preparation, discipline, adaptability, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Theatre is inherently collaborative, and the experience of working with others toward a common creative goal can prepare you not only for the performing arts but for a wide range of professional environments.
Choose from concentrations available in Performance, Production Design and Technology, and Musical Theatre to further customize your degree plan in a specialized area.
Study at the Alabama Center for the Arts
Join an amazing, supportive, and uplifting community of creatives at the Alabama Center for the Arts. The campus, located in beautiful downtown Decatur, consists of state-of-the-art facilities where students can take a variety of courses in art, theatre, graphic design, visual communications, and music. Additionally, a modern three-story residence hall offers apartments in various configurations, so you can live close to where you study!
Your Career Advantage Starts Here
A Theatre degree can prepare you for a variety of opportunities within the performing arts and entertainment industries. Depending on your interests and experience, graduates may pursue careers in performance, directing, theatrical production, stage management, arts administration, education, and other creative fields.
The skills developed through theatre can also translate well beyond the stage. Communication, creativity, collaboration, presentation, adaptability, project management, and the ability to work effectively under pressure are valuable in many professional settings.
Some theatre careers may require additional training, professional experience, graduate education, or specialized portfolios and auditions. The B.F.A. provides a strong undergraduate foundation while giving you opportunities to develop the experience and professional skills that can help you take your next step.
Explore your career pathways with the Bachelor of Arts in Music Industry Studies degree, including anticipated salaries, annual job growth, and even active job listings through the Career Concourse portal.
$44k
Actor Estimated Entry Salary
$50k
Actor Estimated Median Salary
Estimated salary and employment information based on labor market data provided by Career Concourse and is intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries and employment outcomes vary based on factors such as experience, location, industry, and employer and are not guaranteed upon degree completion.
Admissions & Aid
Ready to take the next step toward your degree? Athens State University offers an admissions process designed to help you understand your path to becoming an Athens State student.
Whether you’re beginning your college journey, transferring from another institution, or returning to college after time away, our admissions and financial aid teams can help you navigate the process and understand your options.
From scholarships and grants to other forms of financial assistance, Athens State provides resources to help make completing your bachelor’s degree more attainable.
Explore Admissions & Aid to learn more about requirements, application steps, transfer credit, scholarships, and financial assistance.
Why Choose This Program at Athens State?
A passion for theatre is the starting point. Professional development requires practice, discipline, and experience. The B.F.A. in Theatre gives you the opportunity to refine your abilities while developing the habits and skills needed to grow as an artist. Whether you see yourself onstage, backstage, behind the scenes, or leading creative projects, the program gives you a foundation in the artistic and professional skills needed to pursue opportunities in theatre and the broader performing arts.
Athens State understands that today’s students may be balancing education with work and other responsibilities. Our approach is designed to help you pursue your degree while preparing for the professional and creative opportunities ahead.
Combine Creativity with Career Skills
Talent is only part of the equation. Successful music professionals also need business knowledge, technical skills, communication abilities, organization, and adaptability. This program helps you develop the combination of creative and professional skills today’s industry demands.
More Creativity. Less Student Debt.
Earn a high-quality arts degree in a supportive, innovative environment at the Alabama Center for the Arts in Decatur from Athens State University, one of Alabama’s most affordable public universities. A degree from Athens State gives you more value for your investment, setting you up for success from the very beginning.
Learn from Experienced, Supportive Faculty
Our faculty combine academic excellence with genuine care and concern. At Athens State, you will receive personalized guidance and mentorship from experience faculty who are invested in your creative development and success. You’re not facing the college journey alone — our dedicated, knowledgeable faculty and staff walk alongside you each step of the way.
Additional Information
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*Average completion time varies by student and depends on prior credits
transferred to Athens State and the number of courses taken per semester.
Please consult with your Student Success Coach and faculty advisor for your personalized plan of study.