BS in Theatre Arts – Playwriting & Directing

Unleash Your Creativity and Tell Stories That Captivate with a BS in Theatre Arts – Playwriting and Directing

Dive into the world of theatrical storytelling with our Bachelor of Science (BS) in Theatre Arts – Playwriting and Directing. In this program, you can explore the inner workings of theatre production, learn how to craft compelling narratives, and prepare to direct captivating performances. Our directing and playwriting degree draws from a range of theatrical traditions and forms, allowing you to gain well-rounded knowledge, skills, and experience that can help set you apart in this competitive industry.

As you pursue your bachelor’s degree in directing and playwriting, you will delve into the craft of creating engaging scripts and explore a variety of dramatic styles and genres. Under the mentorship of our accomplished faculty, you can develop your unique voice as a playwright. Not only that, but you’ll also study important aspects of directing – from collaborating with performers and design teams to mastering the art of turning an abstract concept into a thrilling stage performance. Furthermore, you’ll delve into topics that apply to both theatre and cinema, so you can see how these 2 art forms intertwine and develop skills that are relevant to both industries.

As a residential Liberty student, you’ll have ample opportunity to put your newly acquired skills into practice. Our world-class theatres and rehearsal spaces allow you to gain hands-on experience through workshops and productions. You’ll also collaborate extensively with our seasoned professors, who are dedicated to guiding and nurturing your theatrical skills. Upon completing your studies, you can be prepared to impact culture as you pursue an exciting career in theatre, film, television, or other related fields.

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Why Choose Liberty’s Bachelor’s Degree in Playwriting and Directing?

Gain essential onstage experience via our student productions and kickstart your professional journey by earning professional credits through our very own Alluvion Stage Company. Here at Liberty, you’ll study under professors who incorporate their Christian beliefs into their work and have experience in many different aspects of theatre, including acting, vocal technique, songwriting, directing, dancing, choreography, stage movement, stage combat, lighting, design, drama ministry, and theatre history. As you learn from them, you won’t just develop valuable skills for your career – you’ll also gain insight into how you can use theatre to spread the Gospel and impact the world for Christ.

Liberty is committed to fostering an environment of excellence. We participate in key theatrical events such as the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF), the Virginia Theatre Association (VTA), and the Southeastern Theatre Conference (SETC). Additionally, our state-of-the-art facilities, like the Tower and Black Box Theaters, present invaluable opportunities for you to be part of productions and practice using industry-standard equipment. We are also regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), demonstrating the quality of our programs and our commitment to offering a rigorous education.

By pursuing your degree residentially at Liberty, you’ll have numerous chances to engage with your classmates and instructors, nurturing a sense of unity and collaboration in all of your courses. For example, you can establish connections with other aspiring theatre professionals through our chapter of the Alpha Psi Omega honor society. In addition, our various student clubs, community organizations, and on-campus Convocation events can help enrich your academic, personal, and spiritual growth.

What’s the difference between the BA and BS in Theatre Arts?

The main difference between the Bachelor of Arts and the Bachelor of Science is that the Bachelor of Arts includes a foreign language component. This valuable addition to your education broadens your horizons and equips you with an extra skill that can enhance your versatility in the realm of theatre arts. On the other hand, if you opt not to study a foreign language, the Bachelor of Science offers the advantage of extra elective credits, allowing you to tailor your coursework to align with your personal and professional goals.

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What Will You Learn in Our Directing and Playwriting Degree?

The foundational courses in this program cover a wide array of subjects, from acting and stagecraft to theatre history and script dissection. Other topics of study include theatrical design, stage management, and the connection between faith and art. By learning how to incorporate Christian messages and values into your productions, you can create stories and performances that glorify God and point people to Christ.

Within the playwriting and directing specialization, you’ll participate in an acting workshop, which can help enhance your writing and directing skills by allowing you to understand the actors’ viewpoint during a production. You’ll also explore motion picture directing, giving you a chance to branch out into other industry areas. Other courses will cover theories and methodologies for directing as well as how to write engaging scripts that captivate audiences. By combining all of these skills, you can become equipped to oversee the behind-the-scenes aspects of theatrical productions and guide cast and crew members toward creating a masterpiece.

In addition to learning from professors in the classroom, you’ll have many chances to gain real-world experience and professional training. You’ll complete 2 theatre practicums as well as a seminar that discusses launching a career in professional theatre. Your senior capstone course will give you an opportunity to utilize the skills you’ve learned throughout the program – so you can broaden your portfolio and prepare to launch your career upon graduation.

Review the Degree Completion Plan, and check out our featured courses below to learn more about what you’ll be studying!

Featured Courses