Theatre majors pursue a rigorous course of study designed to develop creative, analytical, interpretive, managerial, technical and interpersonal skills that are applicable to a wide range of professional pursuits. The emphasis of the major is on the expansive and provocative ways that the study of theatre illuminates and integrates knowledge from a variety of disciplines.

The flexibility of the Theatre major allows students to concentrate their course of study in one of the tracks below or develop a customized Theatre Studies track in consultation with the Department Chair. Please note that all practicum and accredited out of classroom experiences may be taken more than once with permission of the Chair.

Performance
Dramatic Literature
Arts Administration
Musical Theatre / Dance
Technical Theatre & Design
Theatre Studies
Theatre Education

Performance: The study and practice of performance is integral to the Theatre Department’s educational mission. In addition to classroom study, students are provided with an abundant range of performance opportunities. Each year, nearly two hundred roles are cast in the Theatre Department’s season which includes faculty, student-directed and student-written plays and musicals.

Dramatic Literature: In conjunction with related courses in the English Department, the study of Dramatic Literature provides a rich investigation of some of the greatest dramatic works in the cannon.

Arts Administration: The demand for skilled and dedicated personnel in the performing and visual arts has never been higher. This track provides interested students with an overview of the major functions of arts administrators today.

Musical Theatre / Dance: The Dance track provides interested students with rigorous, studio courses that balance the study of voice, dance, musical theatre, dance history & criticism.

Technical Theatre & Design: All Theatre majors are required to participate in technical theatre assignments during their tenure at Suffolk, and are eligible to design lighting, sound, costumes, and/or scenery in either the C. Walsh or Studio Theatre. Students are also encouraged to pursue professional production work and internships in the Greater Boston area.

Theatre Studies: This is a self-designed interdisciplinary track that combines academic interests outside the major with theatre courses with permission of the Chair.

Theatre Education: The Theatre Department participates in Teacher Education at Suffolk University. The requirements include completion of the Theatre major and the minor in Secondary School Teaching. Upon successful completion of the program individuals will be sponsored for Initial Licensure in Massachusetts. For additional details see Education and Human Services.