UMass Boston

Theatre Arts BA

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Apply theory to practice via live performance, production work, and undergraduate research.

Unleash your creativity, passion, and talent in the world of performing arts with the Theatre Arts program at UMass Boston. Immerse yourself in a diverse range of theatrical practices, from acting and directing to stage design and production, and experience the transformative power of storytelling and live performance.

Theatre Arts Values:

  • We train our students in state-of-the-art facilities, exposing them to current technology, quality equipment, and contemporary approaches. 
  • In classes and productions, we follow industry standards, preparing our students with one-on-one mentoring, group collaboration, and peer mentorship to succeed in a highly competitive field.
  • We provide curricula that take our students from theory to practicum, and from applied production work to internships.
  • We promote undergraduate research that allows our students to participate in regional and national conferences such as KCACTF and USITT.

In this program, you will:

  • Demonstrate the ability to read closely, to think critically, to speak eloquently, and to write effectively
  • Gain advanced skills in one or more areas of theatre arts concentration
  • Acquire a wide range of skills practiced in theatre arts, including acting, design-technology, stage management, and dramaturgy
  • Follow best practices during production, including rehearsals and performances
  • Exercise the ability to work collaboratively and collectively

This Semester's Production

Clue: On stage based on the screenplay by Jonathan Lynn
Directed by Michael Fennimore
New Voices, New Stories: A Celebration of Student Playwrights
Short plays by Megan Feudo, Meg Geslin, Leo Khomiakov, Denis Lemus, Vanessa Medeiros, Anna Pumphrey and Laura Melo dos Santos
Directed by Carrie Ann Quinn, Anna Pumphrey and Nakatto D. Nassozi

 

Plan Your Education

How to Apply

Apply for Admission

Please review the first-year and transfer apply pages for important information about application requirements, deadlines, and application status check.

Apply as a First-Year Student

Apply as a Transfer Student

Financing Your Education

Become a Beacon and pursue your passion in UMass Boston’s diverse, supportive environment. Many students across our 200+ undergraduate and graduate programs receive financial aid—providing access to an education that’s exceptional and affordable. Click below to learn more about financial aid opportunities and deadlines.

Financial Aid Deadlines & Application Process

Scholarships for First-Year & Transfer Students

Deadlines & Cost

Early action deadline: November 1; Regular Decision Deadline: June 15

Financing Your Education

Become a Beacon and pursue your passion in UMass Boston’s diverse, supportive environment. Many students across our 200+ undergraduate and graduate programs receive financial aid—providing access to an education that’s exceptional and affordable. Click below to learn more about financial aid opportunities and deadlines.

Financial Aid Deadlines & Application Process 

Scholarships for First-Year & Transfer Students

For additional information regarding tuition and fees, please visit the Bursar’s Office or send an email to Bursar@umb.edu.

Curriculum

Major: 12 courses, 4 Practicums – 40 credits

  • THRART 105, 205, 305, 405 (Practicum 1-4) 1 credit each. Important: students must take all four, and two must be in design/technology
  • THRART 201 (Theatre History: Origins–1660) 3 credits
  • THRART 202 (Theatre History: 1660–Present) 3 credits
  • THRART 122 (Costume Construction) 3 credits
  • THRART 123 (Theatre Crafts I) 3 credits
  • THRART 125 (Introduction to Design) 3 credits
  • THRART 236 (Acting I for Theatre Arts Majors and Minors) 3 credits
  • THRART 337 (Directing) 3 credits
  • 2 Dramatic Literature Courses 3 credits each
  • 3 Advanced Theatre courses (any 300 or 400 level class) 3 credits each 

In all, a minimum of twelve semester courses and 4 practicums in Theatre Arts is required for graduation.

A THRART Independent Study can count towards the Advanced Theatre course requirement, the application and instructions are HERE.  

Students pursuing a Senior Honors in Theatre Arts can find the Honors Proposal application and procedures HERE.

Graduation Criteria

Performing Arts Department Grading Policy:

  • No Music or Theatre majors/minors may take any of the classes required for their major/minor as Pass/Fail.
  • Students must receive at least a C- in the classes that are required for the major/minor. Lower grades (D+ or below in courses required for the major/minor must be taken again to count.
  • Students must have a GPA of at least 2.5 in the courses required for the major/minor in order to graduate with the major/minor.

Contact

Performing Arts Department Location: University Hall, Room 2247, Second Floor

Phone: 617.287.5640
Email: performing.arts@umb.edu

Carrie Ann Quinn, Chair, Performing Arts Department
CarrieAnn.Quinn@umb.edu

Administrative Contacts

Tanya Williams, Administrative Assistant
Tanya.Williams@umb.edu

Bill Doncaster, Outreach Coordinator
Bill.Doncaster@umb.edu

Joshua Kohler, Production Manager
Joshua.Kohler@umb.edu

Program Coordinators

Sommer Forrester, Music Program Coordinator, Sommer.Forrester@umb.edu

Robert Lublin, Theatre Arts Program Coordinator, Robert.Lublin@umb.edu

Danny Swain, Dance Program Coordinator, Daniel.Swain@umb.edu

UMass Boston Orchestra Spring 2023

Performing Arts Department

Learn more about UMass Boston's Performing Arts Department, past performances, and upcoming shows and opportunities in theater, dance, and music.

Explore Our Performing Arts Department
Students rehearse in the orchestra in university hall.

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