Bachelor's degree in theatre

Theatre acting majors in the School of the Arts begin coursework with Stanislavski's emphasis on character-based action, objective and truth. The curriculum expands to embrace psychological realism as defined by the American method juxtaposed with technique classes developing expressiveness in the voice and body. These skills are synthesized and applied to the work of Shakespeare and heightened styles of performance.

Acting students can enhance their theatre education with main-stage acting experience where theatre majors receive priority casting; there is no competition from graduate students.

Student actors profit from individualized mentoring by faculty directors, amplifying personal growth and collaborative creation. Because acting demands knowledge of psychology, history and language, the acting specialization is enhanced by a liberal arts education, complemented by a course dedicated to prepare students for career opportunities in the performing arts or graduate school.

The bachelor of arts in theatre design/technology at the University of Nevada, Reno allows students to receive individualized training and mentoring as backstage technicians, scenery and costume shop workers, stage electricians and as designers of scenery, costumes and lighting.

After completing basic training in the classroom, backstage and in a modern, fully-equipped lighting laboratory, scene shop and costume shop spaces, theatre design majors in the School of the Arts are asked to focus their study in two of three areas: scenery, lighting and costumes. Students then have the opportunity to deepen their understanding of one or both of these areas through coursework in stage management, automated lighting and scene painting.

The University of Nevada, Reno rolled out a newly approved B.A.-musical theatre program. Curriculum has fully considered the demands of all three fields contained in the degree (theatre, voice and dance) in an effort to build competitive, triple-threat performers. The musical theatre program is a small program housed within a large university. Here, students will receive a liberal arts education with conservatory-level training. Students are provided more one-on-one attention and an education that cultivates individualized learning. School of the Arts professors are working and practicing professionals. Their industry involvement ensures students will receive a relevant and current education. Additionally, the Department of Theatre and Dance has a close relationship with the Department of Music, which gives students access to many other classes and opportunities. The School of the Arts is devoted to nurturing and training students to help them reach their full potential as performing artists.

Please note the B.A. in musical theatre degree is an auditioned program. Acceptance to the musical theatre program is separate from acceptance to the University.

View audition requirements

The Department of Theatre and Dance at the University of Nevada, Reno also offers a minor in theatre. The minor program provides students with classroom and production opportunities. Scholarly and practical skills are developed in theatre arts including acting, directing, designing and other areas of technical theatre and children’s theatre.