B.A. in Theatre
Drama is one of the oldest and most powerful forms of artistic expression. In Biola’s theatre major, you will gain a deeper understanding of the dramatic craft, including acting, directing, design and storytelling. With both the knowledge and experience you gain, you will be prepared for a professional career in theatre and other communicative arts venues.
In addition to its strong curriculum, expert faculty members and biblical integration, Biola’s theatre program offers several key advantages:
- Biola is ideally situated in Southern California, close to the entertainment industry, allowing you to enjoy world-class productions and take part in a wide range of internships and performance opportunities. In addition, students can join the National Theatre Honors Society for additional opportunities.
- Biola’s "Curtain Time in London" tour, allowing students to travel as a group to London, England, to visit theatrical venues and participate in acting workshops.
- Students have the opportunity to take part in dramatic productions each semester through Biola’s theatre production program.
- As a Christian theatre major, you will have the opportunity to see how aspects of acting can transform the messages found in church and parachurch settings.
Concentrations
- Acting for Stage and ScreenStudents interested in pursuing screen acting will benefit from the partnership between the Theatre Department and the Snyder School of Cinema and Media Arts in this hands-on concentration, experiencing interdisciplinary learning and benefiting from Biola's proximity to Los Angeles.
- Musical TheatreOffered in partnership with Biola’s Conservatory of Music, our musical theatre concentration provides students with intensive and rigorous training in acting, singing and dancing. You will gain the practical knowledge and creative experience you need to succeed as an actor, performer, storyteller and more.
- ProductionSuccessful and innovative producers in the theatre industry are highly skilled in technical design, but also have a breadth of understanding in diverse topics of theatre. In this production concentration, you’ll gain experience in areas ranging from acting to dramatic theory and directing.
- Theatre Design & TechnologyIn the theatre design and technology concentration, you will master the technical and creative areas of dramatic production, including scene design, lighting design, sound design, costume design and stage management. With the training and experience you receive, you’ll be prepared for professional theatre careers as designers and technicians.
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Career Outlook and Preparation
What can you do with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre?
A degree in theatre provides exceptional general preparation for careers in film, theatre, performance, television, education or ministry. As a well-equipped professional, you can expect to impact the world for Jesus Christ in drama and art professions such as:
- Playwright
- Producer or director
- Costume designer
- Drama coach
- Actor/actress
- Prop manager
- Drama critic
- School drama teacher
- Stage manager
- Technical writer
8% job growth
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth for producers and directors is projected to be faster than average between 2021 and 2031.
BLS projections are not specific to Biola University students or graduates.
Going to Biola was an easy decision for me. I wanted to choose a place where I could hone my craft, but also grow my faith, because I knew the entertainment industry was so dark. Biola did that for me. I got to create beautiful pieces of art through theatre, in all aspects. Not only did I get to learn more about being an actress, but I also discovered a passion for stage management and properties design. What is amazing about this program is that the intimate size allowed me to pick and choose what I wanted to do and learn. Things weren't sugar coated, I knew coming out of this program my career in the entertainment industry wasn't going to be easy. I am so thankful for my time here and the relationships I built, because of them I am starting to thrive in my field.
Theatre, B.A. '18
Looking back at my years at Biola, I can’t forget the community where we shared the same interests and passion in theatre. Since it is an intimate program, I was able to be involved in so many different parts of theatre, and this led me to find my strength in stage management. Also, the most remarkable advice I got from a professor was: “There are no mistakes. We are always there to support one another.” Coming from a foreign country, I was somewhat passive during theatre classes at first, but the encouragement and trust I’ve received from teachers and colleagues has provided me with a stable environment to hone my skills as a theatre practitioner.
Theatre, B.A. '19
