Why should I choose UWG's Theatre program?
  • Accredited through the National Association of Schools of Theatre
  • Access to faculty working in the industry
  • Access to industry standard sound, lighting, costume and scenic equipment
  • Acting studio with a sprung floor; Computer Aided Design Lab, Lighting Lab, Sound Recording Studio, large scene shop, costume shop
  • Access to guest artists from across the country

For more information, please see the Academic Catalog. A program map, which provides a guide for students to plan their course of study, is available for download in the Courses tab below.

  • Overview

    The Bachelor of Arts in Theatre is designed to illuminate the complexity of humanity through coursework and productions that mesh theatrical history, theory, and aesthetic concepts. Emphasis is on acting, directing, designing, constructing, and playwriting. Production work with the West Georgia Theatre Company provides a co-curricular component to the B.A. degree. This program is nationally accredited through the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST).

    Program Location

    Carrollton Campus

    Method of Delivery

    In-residence

    Accreditation

    The University of West Georgia is accredited by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

    This program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST).

    Credit and transfer

    Total semester hours required: 120

  • Cost

    Save money.

    New incoming students can supplement their tuition by applying, auditioning and interviewing for 3 scholarships for incoming freshman or transfer Theatre majors. Sign up for our Presidents' Day Scholarship Program held annually for high school seniors who will major in theatre and who have applied to and been accepted by UWG.

    This program may be earned entirely face-to-face. However, depending on the courses chosen, a student may choose to take some partially or fully online courses.

    Save money

    UWG is often ranked as one of the most affordable accredited universities of its kind, regardless of the method of delivery chosen.

    Details

    • Total tuition costs and fees may vary, depending on the instructional method of the courses in which the student chooses to enroll.
    • The more courses a student takes in a single term, the more they will typically save in fees and total cost.
    • Face-to-face or partially online courses are charged at the general tuition rate and all mandatory campus fees, based on the student's residency (non-residents are charged at a higher rate).
    • Fully or entirely online course tuition rates and fees my vary depending on the program. Students enrolled in exclusively online courses do not pay non-Resident rates.
    • Together this means that GA residents pay about the same if they take all face-to-face or partially online courses as they do if they take only fully online courses exclusively; while non-residents save money by taking fully online courses.
    • One word of caution: If a student takes a combination of face-to-face and online courses in a single term, he/she will pay both all mandatory campus fees and the higher eTuition rate.
    • For cost information, as well as payment deadlines, see the Bursar's Office website

    There are a variety of financial assistance options for students, including scholarships and work study programs. Visit the Office of Financial Aid's website for more information.

  • Courses

    Downloads

    Major Required

    • THEA-1000 - Theatre Laboratory

      Attendance to all company meetings and all theatre company produced productions as specified by the Theatre Program faculty. All theatre majors and pre-majors required to enroll with a grade of S or U.

      View Instructors, Syllabi and Other Details

    • THEA-1100 - Theatre Appreciation

      An introduction for the student of the theatre experience, this course delves into analysis of both the script and the actual performance. Students will also examine current trends in theatre on broadway, off-broadway, and in regional companies. The student will be expected to attend and write about one theatre production.

      View Instructors, Syllabi and Other Details

    • THEA-2100 - Play Analysis

      The ability to effectively analyze theatrical texts is essential to scholars and practitioners alike. In this class, students will dissect a script into its basic components to better understand structure, style, theme, and other essential elements of theatre. Students will also survey representative historical genres, styles of theatrical texts, and methods of literary and dramatic criticism, as well as receive an introduction to theatre- specific research methods and resources. The course will emphasize academic analysis, but applications to theatrical production contexts will be encouraged.

      View Instructors, Syllabi and Other Details

    • THEA-2214 - Concepts in Theatre and Film Design

      In this course, students will develop the skills to express their ideas as a designer. Emphasis will be placed on the use of the elements and principles of design, and the application of them through set, costume, lighting, props, and make-up design for both theatre and film. Heavy emphasis will be placed on the use of research and the ability to develop and use appropriate language (visual and spoken) to communicate an idea as a designer.

      View Instructors, Syllabi and Other Details

    • THEA-2290 - Stage and Film Craft I

      Through lecture and hands on projects, students will learn basic scene shop and behind the scenes standards. Goal related projects will teach student how to operate basic stationary and hand tools found in the shop as well as how to read and build from CAD drawings. Basic construction techniques of how to build scenery for theatre, TV, and film will be discussed throughout the class. Heavy emphasis will be on shop safety and behind the scenes and set etiquette.

      View Instructors, Syllabi and Other Details

    • THEA-2291 - Developing a Character

      This course examines the process toward becoming an actor. Through improvisation, scene study, and monologue work, the student will begin to develop her/his own process toward developing a character.

      View Instructors, Syllabi and Other Details

    • THEA-3214 - Scenic Design

      Through lectures, demonstrations, and class projects students will learn the fundamental conventions of scenic and production design for theatre and film. Emphasis will be placed on the development of design ideas resulting from script analysis, research techniques, drawings, and models.

      View Instructors, Syllabi and Other Details

    • THEA-3290 - Costume Design

      The student will be introduced to the total process of the costume designer. This process includes play analysis, research skills, costume period and style, design problems, rendering and construction skills, organization skills, and an understanding in the principles and elements of design. Prerequisites may be waived with permission of the instructor.

      View Instructors, Syllabi and Other Details

    • THEA-3392 - Period Scene Study

      This course is in the BFA in Theatre with a concentration in Acting. The change in course title is to reflect the sequence in Acting courses for the BFA student. The change in the course description eliminates the study of Shakespearean plays because we are adding an entire course for acting Shakespeare. The pre-requisites are changing for ease with both degree programs (BFA and BA).

      View Instructors, Syllabi and Other Details

    • THEA-3394 - Directing

      An introduction to the major approaches, techniques, processes, and responsibilities associated with directing a play. Projects will include in-class directing. Prerequisites may be waived with permission of the instructor

      View Instructors, Syllabi and Other Details

    • THEA-3415 - Playwriting I: Devised Theatre

      Devised Theatre is an alternative approach to playwriting that emphasizes collaborative ensemble-based writing, community research and outreach, and social and political awareness. Utilizing improvisational techniques, community- oriented research skills and non-textual performance practices, students will explore and write plays based on their communities, interests and concerns. Prerequisites may be waived with the permission of the instructor.

      View Instructors, Syllabi and Other Details

    • THEA-4111 - Production and Performance Capstone

      A capstone course designed to build on all experiential work in the students' college career. Topics will vary with instructors. Prerequisites may be waived with permission of the instructor.

      View Instructors, Syllabi and Other Details

    • THEA-4412 - The Business of Acting

      This course is designed to prepare students for the professional world of acting – encompassing theatre, film, and television. Students will gain an understanding of the business of acting as well as learn how to promote and market oneself as a business. Students will select and rehearse scenes, monologues and/or songs for a final professional showcase.

      View Instructors, Syllabi and Other Details

    • THEA-4415 - Playwriting II

      A continuation of THEA 3415, concentrating on the theory and mechanics of traditional playwriting as well as the processes and skills of playwriting as a profession. Students will experience the writing, development and rehearsed reading of performance works.

      View Instructors, Syllabi and Other Details

    • THEA-4486 - Internship

      Permission of instructor required. Repeatable to a maximum of 6 credit hours. Opportunity for selected students to intern at theatre, film, commercial and entertainment companies.

      View Instructors, Syllabi and Other Details

  • Faculty
  • Admissions

    Guidelines for Admittance

    Each UWG online degree program has specific requirements that you must meet in order to enroll.

    Program Specific Admittance Guidelines

    All incoming freshman Theatre majors are admitted as Pre-Theatre majors while they complete at least 15 credit hours with a GPA of 2.5 or better.

    Application Deadlines

    For a complete list of application deadlines, please visit:
    https://www.westga.edu/admissions/dates-deadlines.php

    Admission Process Checklist

    1. Review Admission Requirements for the different programs and guides for specific populations (non-traditional, transfer, transient, home school, joint enrollment students, etc).
    2. Review important deadlines:
      • Fall semester: June 1 (undergrads)
      • Spring semester: November 15 (undergrads)
      • Summer semester: May 15 (undergrads)
        See program specific calendars here
    3. Complete online application
      Undergraduate Admissions Guide

      Undergraduate Application

      Undergraduate International Application

    4. Submit $40 non-refundable application fee
    5. Submit official documents

      Request all official transcripts and test scores be sent directly to UWG from all colleges or universities attended. If a transcript is mailed to you, it cannot be treated as official if it has been opened. Save time by requesting transcripts be sent electronically.

      Undergraduate & Graduate Applicants should send all official transcripts to:
      Office of Undergraduate Admissions, Murphy Building
      University of West Georgia
      1601 Maple Street
      Carrollton, GA 30118-4160
    6. Submit a Certificate of Immunization, if required. If you will not ever be traveling to a UWG campus or site, you may apply for an Immunization Exemption. Contact the Immunization Clerk with your request.
    7. Check the status of your application

    Contact

    Shelly Elman
    678-839-4704
    relman@westga.edu

  • Dates

    Specific dates for Admissions (Undergraduate only), Financial Aid, Fee Payments, Registration, Start/End of term, Final Exams, etc. are available in THE SCOOP.

  • Objectives
    • Students will demonstrate knowledge of selected plays, theatrical conventions and theatrical movements important in the formation of the modern theatre. 
    • Students will describe basic knowledge of theatre history, theory, and criticism, including research sources and methodology.
    • Students will demonstrate skills in analyzing plays, using theatre technology, and conducting research.
    • Students will express through performance, writing, speaking, and other modes of communication the results of research and critical judgement, indicated by a demonstrable ablility to reach an audience effectively through at least one of the components of theatrical art. 
    • Students will apply skills learned in courses to a variety of work and social environments. 
    • Students will illustrate awareness of the complex human condition acquired through aesthetic and intellectual perceptions as evidenced in various mode of theatrical production.
    • Students will function safely and effectively while using theatre technology.
    • Students will demonstrate knowledge of the various means (acting, directing, designing, constructing, playwriting, etc.) through which a theatrical concept is realized.