Theatre
Our students learn to write, research, manage, design and direct as well as act. Here, you will hone your talents and apply them.
What to Expect
In this major, you will be required to actively participate in productions (we plan up to six plays per semester). You will have access to outstanding facilities, including two on-campus venues featuring an arena stage (one of the few in the region) and a proscenium stage. Additionally, we offer a Black Box laboratory season to highlight undergraduate talent and have an additional Black Box space specifically designated for student projects and experimental works. Students will also have access to a full costume shop and scenic studio, one of the three largest university scenic shops in the country.
You will also benefit from an active guest artist program, which brings in professional directors, actors and designers from all over the world to work with students. In addition to specific training and skills learned in acting, design and technical areas, our students gain skills in collaboration, project management, creative problem-solving, communication and leadership. You will enjoy small classes for performance and design courses so that you can benefit from one-on-one training with faculty members. Outside of the classroom, you will also work directly with faculty members as a part of the training for main-stage and laboratory rehearsal and performance.
Undergraduate Degree
B B.A. in Theatre
The Department of Theatre and Dance offers a bachelor's degree with a major in theatre, one of a select group of nationally recognized programs accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre.
The flexibility of the program allows you to pursue your passions in the areas of performance, design, dramaturgy or directing while enjoying the traditional benefits of a liberal arts degree and university experience.
The following courses fulfill some of the requirements for a major in theatre:
- Introduction to Theatre Studies
- Acting (Contemporary, Classical)
- Film and Television Acting
- Theatre Design (Costume, Scenic, Lighting, Sound)
- Theatre History
- Play Direction
- Stage Management
- Theatre Production Experiences
- Movement for the Actor
- Make-up Design for Theatre and Film
- Period Styles for Wig and Hair Design
- Introduction to Theatre Sound Design.
We also offers 12 hours of electives that allow you to design your own program of study.
Apply for Undergraduate Admission
Our Office of Undergraduate Admissions provides the most current information on the application process so you can check the requirements based on your current status and find university scholarships.
Graduate Degrees
The Department of Theatre and Dance is the only program in South Carolina that offers a Master of Fine Arts in Theatre, the highest degree possible in the fields of design and performance. We also offer the Master of Arts in Theatre and the Master of Arts in Teaching Theatre.
Graduate Director: Amy Lehman, 803-777-6352, LEHMANA@mailbox.sc.edu
Program Contact: Gabrielle Peterson, 803-777-5208, gpeterson@sc.edu
Application information for this degree is available through The graduate school.
Application information for this degree is available through The graduate school.
Graduate Director: Amy Lehman, 803-777-6352, LEHMANA@mailbox.sc.edu
Program Contact: Gabrielle Peterson, 803-777-5208, gpeterson@sc.edu
Application information for this degree is available through The graduate school.
Apply to Graduate School
Learn more about The Graduate School, degree options and how to apply for admission to doctoral, master’s, certificate and combination degree programs at South Carolina.