B.A. in Theatre
Overview
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.
Please note that all concentrations require a Conservatory application. Only the "Acting for Stage and Screen" and "Musical Theatre" concentrations require two references and auditions.
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Concentrations
- Acting for Stage and ScreenStudents interested in pursuing screen acting will benefit from the partnership between the Theatre Department and the 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.
Why Choose Theatre at Biola?
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.
- 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 21.
- 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.
What Will I Study?
As a theatre major, you will experience the practice of acting and study theories of how theatre functions and communicates. You will have numerous real-world learning opportunities to use the craft of acting to communicate messages to an audience who has come to witness entertainment, a spiritual message or consider an important societal issue. Course topics and highlights from interest in roles behind the scenes or center stage include:
- Directed practical experience in dramatic production
- Creating stage scenery
- Principles of contemporary acting techniques
- Introduction to elements of dramaturgy
- Building a stage model
- Script analysis
- Mechanics and creativity of drama in the church
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