School of Performing Arts
Bachelor of Arts in Theatre
DeSales theatre majors learn directly from professionals. Students grow a network which give them countless opportunities to share their craft.
Program Details
- Official Degree Name
- Bachelor of Arts
- Format
-
In Class-Day
- Credit Hours
- 120
- Program Start
- Fall Semester
- Application Deadline
- Apply Anytime
- Average Time to Degree
- 4 Years
Why Get Your Degree at DeSales University?
Performing arts is key to DeSales University's identity and culture. We have the theatre majors to prove it. Our five tracks in acting, musical theatre, design/technology, arts administration, and education help you find your perfect role. Supported by a faculty with real stage experience, you will join a historic family here at DeSales. Our program includes hands-on learning with Act 1, our on-campus performing arts production company.
As a senior, you will have the opportunity to audition for the Senior Showcase in New York City, performing for industry professionals, agents, managers and casting directors. From day one, our focus is on experiential learning. We encourage you to give the performance of a lifetime, regardless of whether you're on stage or behind the scenes.
Program Highlights
Leadership and Character Development
- There's more to a theatre career than what can be learned in a classroom. We want to ensure you have all the tools you need to succeed. Our program helps you smoothly transition into professional roles by teaching all aspects of theatre production both on stage and behind the scenes. Theatre Senior Seminar courses are designed to teach audition techniques, portfolio preparation, and more. In addition, the Senior Capstone requires you create a company and produce your own show.
International Opportunities
- Experience London's West End through our international study abroad opportunities. You can enjoy an entire semester of learning abroad for the same cost as a traditional term at DeSales. We strongly encourage you to take advantage of our ties to international production companies and discover unique opportunities for growth and enrichment.
Proven Outcomes
- DeSales University has a history of encouraging the arts in Lehigh Valley. We have a track record of producing successful performers, writers, designers and creatives of all types of disciplines. Our alumni will tell you that it was the experiential learning and support of the DeSales theatre curriculum that set them apart from their peers.
What Will You Study?
Practical learning outside of the classroom is required. Theatre students must participate as actors and/or crew members for all productions of Act 1. Additionally, they are encouraged to participate in other productions led by students.
Our fundamental theatre courses are all about preparing you with the foundational skills you need to excel in real-life performances, whether it's in the spotlight or behind the stage.
Required core classes in the theatre major include:
- Fundamentals of Acting
- Fundamentals of Directing
- Introduction to Theatre Technology
- Theatre History and World Cultures
- Introduction to Theatre
- Act 3/Senior Capstone
Meet the Faculty
Program Tracks & Degree Options
Swipe below to discover more!
Tracks
Learn MoreTrack
Acting for the Stage and Screen
Take to the stage or screen and learn from our outstanding faculty in our facilities. As an acting for the stage and screen student, you will join the Act 1 company. Here, you will gain hands-on experience in University productions and film projects. With available outside experiences, your education in theatre will take you beyond the classroom, helping you refine your skills and prepare for a career in acting.
Courses You May Take Include:
Track
Musical Theatre Performance
Our musical theatre performance track will help you shine on stage with an impactful stage presence. You'll learn professional-level skills through courses in musical theatre, dance (jazz and tap), private vocal instruction, and music theory. You'll also study acting and directing basics. You also have the opportunity to enroll in acting for the camera, acting styles, and Shakespeare courses.
Courses You May Take Include:
Track
Design and Technology
As a theatre design and technology student, you'll have many chances to grow in all technical areas. Our skilled faculty will help you focus your skills on specific aspects of theatrical design or production like costuming, stagecraft, lighting, stage management, sound and more. The combination of theatrical courses, intensive hands-on experiences and outside workshops will set you up with a packed resume and a clear path to success.
Courses You May Take Include:
Track
Arts Administration
If you’re passionate about the business side of the arts, the arts administration track is for you. You’ll develop skills in leadership, business operations, and arts producing while gaining hands-on experience through an internship and work with both DeSales’ Act 1 and the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival. This track blends creative and professional training and can be paired with performance or design/tech for a well-rounded theatre education.
Courses You May Take Include:
Theatre Minor
Learn MoreMinor
Design and Technology
Our theatre design and technology minor is perfect for those with a creative eye and an interest in what makes productions happen behind the scenes. During the minor, you'll learn the basics of our theatre major along with your choice of electives. You will be able to explore a variety of theatre topics, from costuming and stage makeup to lighting and sound design.
Courses You May Take Include:
Teacher Certifications (STEP)
Learn MoreCertification
English Teacher
Develop your teaching, discipline and performance skills with a focus on theatre education. Earn your certification as an English teacher in Pennsylvania's secondary schools alongside your theatre degree. Share your theatre expertise with future students.
Courses You May Take Include:
Certification
Communications Teacher
Advance as an educator with certification as a communications teacher in Pennsylvania's secondary schools. Expand your theatre knowledge into education. Teach the future performers and creatives at the secondary level. Explore the connection of education, communication, and performance.
Courses You May Take Include:
Thomas Gray ’25
The DeSales Theatre program has been an incredibly supportive and enriching experience that has truly helped me hone my craft. Thanks to the guidance of each professor, I feel prepared to tackle the industry.
Internships & Career Outcomes
Our theatre curriculum jumpstarts your career by involving you in professional productions and expanding your network while you're still in school.
- Apply to work alongside Broadway actors, well-known regional directors and designers in a paid internship with the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival.
- Produce your own show during your Act 3 Senior Capstone project.
- Audition to highlight your accomplishments at the New York City Senior Showcase attended by leading industry professionals, talent agents and casting directors.
- Join a global alumni network with connections in talent hubs, from New York City to London and beyond.
Admission Requirements
- Official High School Transcript
- Completed Guidance Counselor Form
- Completed Teacher Recommendation Form
- Artistic Audition/Interview
- Optional Standardized Test Scores
- No application fees
Auditions are Required
Performing arts majors require both academic and artistic acceptance. To be accepted artistically into the theatre major, you must audition/interview for our faculty during our annual Scholarship Audition/Interview Day(s) hosted on the DeSales campus.
Opportunities Outside the Classroom
Program FAQs
Because we offer a few different pathways, you'll be ready for a multitude of jobs with a degree from DeSales. Our curriculum is focused on giving you a fundamental understanding of all aspects of theatre, with room for you to specialize so you can find your niche. You might explore roles like:
- Actor
- Acting Coach
- Broadcaster
- Casting Manager/Director
- Choreographer
- Community Arts Coordinator
- Costume Designer
- Creative Director
- Director
- Drama Teacher
- Hair and Makeup Artist
- Lighting Technician
- Producer
- Stage Manager
- Theatre Operations Manager
- Writer
In addition to your standard academic application, we ask that you submit an "artistic application" in the form of an audition. Depending on your desired pathway (acting, musical, or design/technology), we ask that you prepare some materials to showcase your talent and skills. For instance, if you are interested in the acting track, we would like to see two memorized monologues no longer than three minutes. We hold auditions annually on the DeSales Theatre Audition and Scholarship Day, which you can register for here.
For more information on the details and specific requirements for auditions based on each program track, view the Theatre Audition Requirements.
DeSales has an active campus culture that celebrates all of the arts. However, DeSales is specifically a hub for performing arts activities in the Lehigh Valley. The beautiful state-of-the-art Labuda Center for Performing Arts features the 473-seat Main Stage Theatre and the additional 187-seat Schubert Theatre and is home to the annual Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival. Act 1 productions are held during the academic year, supported by our theatre majors. Students have the opportunity to audition from day one, and are involved in every production.
Yes, our tracks are combineable! Talk to your advisor to figure out a schedule that allows you to take the required courses in each track of your choosing.
School of Performing Arts
610-282-1100 ext. 1247
The Labuda Center for Performing Arts is located at:
2755 Station Ave.
Center Valley, PA 18034
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