School of the Arts Faculty
Our faculty are experts in their fields. In small classes, you’ll work closely with your professors and learn from their experience.
Theatre has the power to build bridges and open hearts.
Program Overview
With a major in Theatre from Dean College, you'll have the hands-on experience and educational foundation to make your mark on the theatre world. Dean College offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Arts and a minor in Theatre.
The Bachelor of Fine Arts program offers degrees in the following areas:
In the Bachelor of Arts program, you can choose from the following concentrations:
Each program features our signature mix of intense coursework in theatre techniques and fundamentals with a broad foundation in essential subjects like English, history, art, music, math and science. You’ll study under our dedicated School of the Arts faculty and staff, who offer our students the knowledge and skills to thrive both in and out of the classroom. You’ll learn everything from the Stanislavsky acting method to dramatic literature and performance theory. You’ll also put theory into practice by gaining real-world experience in singing, acting, stage management, set design and so much more. And you’ll take part in main stage and student-directed productions as early as your first semester on campus, building the confidence and skills needed to become a well-rounded artist ready to take on the industry.
Learn more about Audition and Program Requirements
My experience as a Musical Theatre Major at Dean College has been exceptionally fulfilling. I am consistently challenged to push myself, whether it be within the classroom, or outside of it, always growing as a performer. The small class sizes are optimal for quality interaction with knowledgeable and highly creative professors who genuinely want to see us succeed.
Since graduation, I moved to New York City to pursue a career in musical theatre. I am working on my second contract for Vital Theatre Company and continue to audition, gain experience and make connections. I even met my current vocal coach last year at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival because of Dean! Dean College not only gave me my theatre degree, but wonderful mentors, friendships, and a support system that I cherish every day.
Since graduation, I received my BFA in Acting and moved to Los Angeles to begin a career in the entertainment industry. I am currently an Entertainment Reporter and Video Producer for Mtime, China’s largest entertainment website, and received the 2019 International Media Award from the ICG Publicists Guild. Dean prepared me with the tools I would need to succeed such as a strong work ethic, determination and resilience, as well as listening and improvisational skills.
Beyond the Classroom
Whether you crave a role on the stage or behind the scenes, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to practice your art at Dean College.
On campus, we present several theatre productions each year—from classic plays and comedies to musicals and the avant-garde—so you can find your niche as an actor, singer, dancer, director, lighting/set/costume designer or stage manager. Off campus, you’ll explore the theatre world through internships, a senior showcase in New York and the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival.
Our graduates go on to graduate school and to successful careers in acting, singing, dancing, design/technical work, dramaturgy and teaching. You’ll find Bulldogs starring in roles at NBC Universal, Community Little Theatre, Walt Disney, Eugene O'Neill Theatre Center, Hanover Theater, Neighborhood Musical School, InMusic Brands, Canobie Lake Park, Universal Studios, College Light Opera Company and so much more.
While attending Dean College most of my time was spent on stage performing. Dean prepared me for my current career which is performing at Walt Disney World on the Castle Forecourt stage. I've had a very magical experience for the last four years and am fortunate to work for a company that offers plenty of room to grow both as a performer and leader.
I found my passion for acting in high school and pursued this passion at Dean. Dean helped me become a leader and gave me the opportunity to act in a number of performances on campus. I now have a leading role in the movie, Innate.
Dean prepared me to enter an entertainment industry that is constantly changing. Through courses focused on stage and screen performance, directing, technical theatre, arts and entertainment management and many others, I feel that I am the true definition of a holistic artist who can successfully book more jobs than simply just acting gigs. The professors at the Dean also helped me establish myself as a professional brand, giving me tips, tricks and advice on my resumes, cover letters, C/Vs, headshots, audition self-tapes and more.
Get Involved
Learn more about how to get involved in student groups, activities and performances.-
Campus Productions Build your skills on stage or behind the scenes of our campus productions. -
Dance and Performance Groups Join one of our numerous student performance groups.
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Arts and Entertainment Management Club Dean College’s student group for Arts and Entertainment Management majors.
Uniquely Dean
Hone your craft through the unique programming and performance opportunities that the Dean College Theatre program has to offer.
- Learn from award-winning practitioners and scholars of acting, set design and musical theatre through coursework, master classes and workshops.
- Attend master classes taught by guest artists and industry professionals. Recent master class guests have included Gabrielle Hamilton, award-winning Broadway cast member of the reimagined musical Oklahoma! and its national touring company, and Chris Rice-Thomson, a member of the touring company of Hamilton.
- Participate in the Kennedy Center’s American College Theatre Festival.
- Get involved with summer stock companies throughout New England.
- Receive highly specialized injury prevention and care services, provided by our full-time performing arts athletic trainer, Amanda Donahue. Learn more about how she works with Theatre and Dance students.
- Meet industry professionals through our “Storytime” series via Zoom, a talk-show format featuring leaders in the arts and entertainment industry.
- Audition for industry representatives, casting directors and agents at industry showcases.
- Study away through the Disney College Program, Washington Center or one of our many study abroad opportunities.
- Dean College was ranked #5 in Best Undergraduate Teaching in the 2022 U.S. News & World Report Best Regional Colleges, North category.
- Dean was listed as one of the "Top 20 Musical Theatre Programs That Should Be On Your List" by The College Audition.
Space to Learn and Perform
As a Theatre major at Dean, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to take the stage in our first-class performance and teaching venues, study on-stage and behind-the-scenes techniques and receive support from our talented faculty and staff. Explore the photo gallery below to see the spaces you’ll learn and perform in.
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Located in the Dr. Paula M. Rooney Student Center, the Main Stage Theatre is a 16,000-square-foot state-of-the-art teaching and performance venue.
The Main Stage is home to the majority of our dance and theatre productions, as well as events and showcases.
You'll also have the opportunity to take classes in the Main Stage Theatre, in addition to rehearsals and performances.
The Main Stage Theatre is home to a state-of-the-art control booth, where you can learn the latest techniques in lighting, sound and stage.
Take classes in lighting, sound and production, and then take on those roles for our Main Stage productions.
The Main Stage Theatre is also home to a costume shop and stage construction space.
Take classes in production and set design, where you’ll learn how to design and build a variety of sets.
Build the sets for Main Stage productions while building skills you can use in your future career.
Lighting is a key part of every performance. You’ll learn best practices and have the chance to manage the lights during productions.
The Guidrey Center, located in the Dr. Paula M. Rooney Student Center, is one of our first-class teaching and performance venues.
Take courses with faculty and staff and master classes with guest artists in the Guidrey Center.
The Guidrey Center is the venue for student showcases and productions like the annual Arts Mosaic.
Your courses will be held in a number of classrooms and studios across campus, including the Performing Arts Studio.
Classes are also held in the Marvin Chapel, located on the second floor of Dean Hall.
The Marvin Chapel offers a unique setting to learn, practice and find inspiration.
Small class sizes provide a close-knit atmosphere for you to learn and practice your skills in.
Learn the skills you need to take the stage in a supportive classroom environment.
Program Requirements
Prospective students applying to the Theatre program must complete both an audition and an application for admission. For Fall 2022, we are offering in person, virtual and video auditions. Additional off-campus audition opportunities are also available. Learn more about the audition process, requirements and dates.
Dean College offers both an associate and bachelor’s degree program in Theatre. For the bachelor’s degree program, you may choose from four concentrations: Acting, Musical Theatre, Technical Theatre and Theatre Studies. See the course listings below to learn more about each concentration.
Acting
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| THA 101 | Introduction to Theatre l: The Curtain Rises | 2 |
| THA 102 | Introduction to Theatre ll: Finding Your Light | 2 |
| THA 113 | Basic Performance l | 2 |
| THA 114 | Basic Performance ll | 2 |
| THA 131 | Production and Design l: Stagecraft | 2 |
| THA 132 | Production and Design ll: Lighting | 2 |
| THA 220 | The Business of the Biz | 1 |
| THA 230 | Script Production and Analysis | 1 |
| THA 240 | Voice and Articulation | 1 |
| THA x23 | Rehearsal and Performance | 1 |
| THA 231 OR THA 330 | Stage Management or Theatre Pedagogy | 3 |
| THA 251 OR THA 243 | Theatre History and Literature l: Aeschylus to Everyman or A History of Musical Theatre | 3 |
| THA 341 | Theatre History and Literature ll: Shakespeare to lbsen | 3 |
| THA 342 | Theatre History and Literature lll: Modern and Contemporary Drama | 3 |
| THA 402 | Senior Project | 3 |
| DCA 100 | Campus Connections: Making the Transition | 1 |
| DCA 110 | Career Connections: Developing Your Brand | 1 |
| DCA 200 | Internship Connections: Creating Your Plan | 1 |
| DCA 300 | The Internship Experience | 3 |
| DCA 350 | Future Connections: Launching Your Career | 3 |
| THA 235 | Acting l: The Fundamentals of Truth | 2 |
| THA 236 | Acting ll: Scene Study | 2 |
| THA 245 | Voice and Movement for the Actor | 1 |
| THA 315 | Acting Lab | 1 |
| THA 333 | Acting lll: Acting Shakespeare | 2 |
| THA 350 | Stage Combat | 1 |
| THA 325 | Audition Strategies | 1 |
| THA 434 | Acting IV: Acting for the Camera | 2 |
| THA 435 | Acting V: Period Drama | 2 |
| THA 445 | Acting VI: Special Topics in Acting | 2 |
| THA X23 | Rehearsal and Performance | 7 |
Total Credits
63
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 111 | Composition l | 3 |
| ENG 112 | Composition ll | 3 |
| SPC 101 | Communication Fundamentals | 3 |
| MATH ELECTIVE | Core Mathematics Elective | 3 |
| LAB SCIENCE ELECTIVE | Core Lab Science Elective | 4 |
| ARTS ELECTIVE | Core Distribution Arts Elective | 3 |
| NATURAL SCIENCES AND MATH ELECTIVE | Core Distribution Natural Sciences and Mathematics Elective | 3 |
| HUMANITIES ELECTIVE | Core Distribution Humanities Elective | 3 |
| SOCIAL SCIENCES ELECTIVE | Core Distribution Social Sciences Elective | 3 |
| COM 327 | Applied Professional Communication | 3 |
| UDLA ELE | Upper-Division Liberal Arts Electives | 9 |
Total Credits
40
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ELE | Acting Track Electives | 18 |
Total Credits
18
Musical Theatre
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| THA 101 | Introduction to Theatre l: The Curtain Rises | 2 |
| THA 102 | Introduction to Theatre ll: Finding Your Light | 2 |
| THA 113 | Basic Performance l | 2 |
| THA 114 | Basic Performance ll | 2 |
| THA 131 | Production and Design l: Stagecraft | 2 |
| THA 132 | Production and Design ll: Lighting | 2 |
| THA 220 | The Business of the Biz | 1 |
| THA 230 | Script Production and Analysis | 1 |
| THA 240 | Voice and Articulation | 1 |
| THA x23 | Rehearsal and Performance | 1 |
| THA 231 OR THA 330 | Stage Management or Theatre Pedagogy | 3 |
| THA 251 OR THA 243 | Theatre History and Literature l: Aeschylus to Everyman or A History of Musical Theatre | 3 |
| THA 341 | Theatre History and Literature ll: Shakespeare to lbsen | 3 |
| THA 342 | Theatre History and Literature lll: Modern and Contemporary Drama | 3 |
| THA 402 | Senior Project | 3 |
| DCA 100 | Campus Connections: Making the Transition | 1 |
| DCA 110 | Career Connections: Developing Your Brand | 1 |
| DCA 200 | Internship Connections: Creating Your Plan | 1 |
| DCA 300 | The Internship Experience | 3 |
| DCA 350 | Future Connections: Launching Your Career | 3 |
| THA 235 | Acting l: The Fundamentals of Truth | 2 |
| THA 245 | Voice and Movement for the Actor | 1 |
| THA 243 | A History of Musical Theatre | 3 |
| THA 245 OR DAN XXX | Voice and Movement for the Actor or Dance Technique (Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop or Modern Dance) | 8 |
| MUS 124 | Applied Voice | 8 |
| MUS 181 | Fundamentals of Music | 3 |
| THA 361 | Musical Theatre l: Fundamentals of Acting in Musical Theatre | 2 |
| THA 362 | Musical Theatre ll: Song as Text | 2 |
| THA 363 | Musical Theatre lll: Scene Study | 2 |
| THA 325 | Audition Strategies | 1 |
| THA X23 | Rehearsal and Performance | 7 |
Total Credits
79
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 111 | Composition l | 3 |
| ENG 112 | Composition ll | 3 |
| SPC 101 | Communication Fundamentals | 3 |
| MATH ELECTIVE | Core Mathematics Elective | 3 |
| LAB SCIENCE ELECTIVE | Core Lab Science Elective | 4 |
| ARTS ELECTIVE | Core Distribution Arts Elective | 3 |
| NATURAL SCIENCES AND MATH ELECTIVE | Core Distribution Natural Sciences and Mathematics Elective | 3 |
| HUMANITIES ELECTIVE | Core Distribution Humanities Elective | 3 |
| SOCIAL SCIENCES ELECTIVE | Core Distribution Social Sciences Elective | 3 |
| COM 327 | Applied Professional Communication | 3 |
| UDLA ELE | Upper-Division Liberal Arts Electives | 9 |
Total Credits
40
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ELE | Musical Theatre Track Electives | 5 |
Total Credits
5
Production and Design
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| THA 101 | Introduction to Theatre l: The Curtain Rises | 2 |
| THA 102 | Introduction to Theatre ll: Finding Your Light | 2 |
| THA 113 | Basic Performance l | 2 |
| THA 114 | Basic Performance ll | 2 |
| THA 131 | Production and Design l: Stagecraft | 2 |
| THA 132 | Production and Design ll: Lighting | 2 |
| THA 220 | The Business of the Biz | 1 |
| THA 230 | Script Production and Analysis | 1 |
| THA 240 | Voice and Articulation | 1 |
| THA x23 | Rehearsal and Performance | 1 |
| THA 330 | Theatre Pedagogy | 3 |
| THA 251 OR THA 243 | Theatre History and Literature l: Aeschylus to Everyman or A History of Musical Theatre | 3 |
| THA 341 | Theatre History and Literature ll: Shakespeare to lbsen | 3 |
| THA 342 | Theatre History and Literature lll: Modern and Contemporary Drama | 3 |
| THA 402 | Senior Project | 3 |
| DCA 100 | Campus Connections: Making the Transition | 1 |
| DCA 110 | Career Connections: Developing Your Brand | 1 |
| DCA 200 | Internship Connections: Creating Your Plan | 1 |
| DCA 300 | The Internship Experience | 3 |
| DCA 350 | Future Connections: Launching Your Career | 3 |
| ART 102 | Survey of Studio Art | 3 |
| ART 230 | Basic Drawing | 3 |
| THA 231 | Stage Management | 3 |
| THA 331 | Production and Design lll: Costume and Make-up for the Stage | 2 |
| THA 370 | Concepts of Theatre Design | 3 |
| THA 475 | Technical Portfolio Creation and Dramaturgy | 3 |
| THA 431 | Production and Design IV: Sound and Digital Applications | 2 |
| THA 441 | Production and Design V: Advanced Theatre Design | 2 |
| THA X23 | Rehearsal and Performance | 5 |
Total Credits
66
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 111 | Composition l | 3 |
| ENG 112 | Composition ll | 3 |
| SPC 101 | Communication Fundamentals | 3 |
| MATH ELECTIVE | Core Mathematics Elective | 3 |
| LAB SCIENCE ELECTIVE | Core Lab Science Elective | 4 |
| ARTS ELECTIVE | Core Distribution Arts Elective | 3 |
| NATURAL SCIENCES AND MATH ELECTIVE | Core Distribution Natural Sciences and Mathematics Elective | 3 |
| HUMANITIES ELECTIVE | Core Distribution Humanities Elective | 3 |
| SOCIAL SCIENCES ELECTIVE | Core Distribution Social Sciences Elective | 3 |
| COM 327 | Applied Professional Communication | 3 |
| UDLA ELE | Upper-Division Liberal Arts Electives | 9 |
Total Credits
40
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ELE | Technical Theatre Electives | 15 |
Total Credits
15
Theatre Studies
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| THA 101 | Introduction to Theatre l: The Curtain Rises | 2 |
| THA 102 | Introduction to Theatre ll: Finding Your Light | 2 |
| THA 113 | Basic Performance l | 2 |
| THA 114 | Basic Performance ll | 2 |
| THA 131 | Production and Design l: Stagecraft | 2 |
| THA 132 | Production and Design ll: Lighting | 2 |
| THA 220 | The Business of the Biz | 1 |
| THA 230 | Script Production and Analysis | 1 |
| THA 240 | Voice and Articulation | 1 |
| THA x23 | Rehearsal and Performance | 1 |
| THA 231 OR THA 330 | Stage Management or Theatre Pedagogy | 3 |
| THA 251 OR THA 243 | Theatre History and Literature l: Aeschylus to Everyman or A History of Musical Theatre | 3 |
| THA 341 | Theatre History and Literature ll: Shakespeare to lbsen | 3 |
| THA 342 | Theatre History and Literature lll: Modern and Contemporary Drama | 3 |
| THA 402 | Senior Project | 3 |
| DCA 100 | Campus Connections: Making the Transition | 1 |
| DCA 110 | Career Connections: Developing Your Brand | 1 |
| DCA 200 | Internship Connections: Creating Your Plan | 1 |
| DCA 300 | The Internship Experience | 3 |
| DCA 350 | Future Connections: Launching Your Career | 3 |
| HIS 151 | World History l, to 1500 | 3 |
| HIS 152 | World History ll, 1500 to Present | 3 |
| HIS 253 OR HIS 314 | Post/War: 20th Centruy Europe or Renaissance and Reformation of Europe | 3 |
| HIS 310 OR HIS 311 | Harlem Renaissance or August Wilson and the African-American Experience | 3 |
| ENG 331 | Writing for Arts and the Entertainment World | 3 |
| THA 251 OR THA 243 | Theatre History and Literature l: Aeschylus to Everyman or A History of Musical Theatre | 3 |
| THA 313 | Performance Theory and Criticism | 3 |
| THA 324 | Theatre Staging and Direction | 3 |
| THA 475 | Technical Portfolio Creation and Dramaturgy | 3 |
Total Credits
67
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 111 | Composition l | 3 |
| ENG 112 | Composition ll | 3 |
| SPC 101 | Communication Fundamentals | 3 |
| MATH ELECTIVE | Core Mathematics Elective | 3 |
| LAB SCIENCE ELECTIVE | Core Lab Science Elective | 4 |
| ARTS ELECTIVE | Core Distribution Arts Elective | 3 |
| NATURAL SCIENCES AND MATH ELECTIVE | Core Distribution Natural Sciences and Mathematics Elective | 3 |
| HUMANITIES ELECTIVE | Core Distribution Humanities Elective | 3 |
| SOCIAL SCIENCES ELECTIVE | Core Distribution Social Sciences Elective | 3 |
| COM 327 | Applied Professional Communication | 3 |
| UDLA ELE | Upper-Division Liberal Arts Electives | 9 |
Total Credits
40
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ELE | Theatre Studies Electives | 14 |
Total Credits
14
RECENT STORIES
Check out the news and stories below to learn more about being a Theatre major at Dean.
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