Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre

Our students become well-rounded critical thinkers who are trained in musical theatre, acting and design technology, and who enjoy careers in performing arts theatres, TV, cinema, nonprofits and education.

Theatre students get to explore artistic discipline, creativity, critical insight and interpersonal communication. The BFA degree concentration in theatre offers pre-professional training to a limited number of highly motivated and talented students aiming at professional careers in the theatre industry. The BFA student can pursue one of three concentration areas: musical theatre, acting, and design and technology.

  • Gain pre-professional training to prepare you for a career in theatre
  • Learn how to share society’s stories on the stage
  • Be a part of the only BFA theatre program in Colorado

Join OnStage, our dynamic student performing arts group that produces the annual CU Fringe Festival as well as individual productions, guest artist residencies and workshops

Work alongside professionals of the Colorado Shakespeare Company each summer

Gain internship experience with professional theatre organizations, including the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Boulder Ensemble Theatre Company and Dairy Center for the Arts

Be successful.

A BFA in theatre puts students on the path to a position in the arts field and also helps make them desirable candidates for any position that requires proficiency in communication and critical thinking.

 
$53,800

Median salary of CU Boulder theatre students 1–5 years after graduation

 

Actor, educator, stage manager, producer, lighting or sound designer and costume director are common opportunities for graduates

 

Work for performing arts theaters, TV, cinema, nonprofits and education

Academic Plan & Requirements

Admission to the BFA program is based on talent, academic record, motivation, auditions and/or interviews. Our BFA enrollment is limited to ensure individual attention necessary for effective training. Interested students should identify themselves as early as possible. We offer three concentrations, in which students may apply to all three areas of concentration, but can only be admitted to one. 

  • Musical theatre: Formal application to the musical theatre concentration should be made concurrently with an application to the university. Auditions and interviews will be held at the regular spring auditions for the College of Music.
  • Acting: Formal application to the acting concentration should be made at the beginning of the spring semester.
  • Design and technology: Formal application to the design and technology concentrations should be made at the beginning of the spring semester.

And an additional degree option for theatre students: 

  • Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Theatre: For students interested in theatre as well as other areas of study, we also offer a BA program with academic courses and training opportunities in all aspects of theatre. This program is suited for students with a wide range of interests, and those who are considering a double major.

Community & Involvement

We offer students many opportunities to network with peers and faculty, further their studies, and get the most out of their undergraduate experience.

Be inspired.

The Department of Theatre and Dance has an extensive list of alumni working and performing in a variety of fields across the globe.

Some alumni of the program include:

Hayley Gocha

Co-chair of the Youth Assembly at the United Nations in 2016 and co-founder of Bee the Change. She is an Atlas Corps fellow with the Ministry of Education in Bogota, Colombia.

Producer at New York’s and in 2014 was director of audience engagement for the Broadway show Allegiance.

Chris Parnell

Co-president of Sony Pictures Television.

News & Stories

College of Arts & Sciences magazine cover