Major in Theatre
Loyola University Chicago’s Bachelor of Arts in Theatre strives to make the most out of a liberal arts education. By fostering work in performance, directing, design, technology, management, dramaturgy, and literature, the theatre major prepares students to enter any aspect of the theatre industry.
Our approach to theatre is based in the Liberal Arts; by offering a BA rather than a BFA, we emphasize the importance of interdisciplinary study in the formation of adaptable, well rounded theatre artists. By nurturing and educating actors, directors, administrators, playwrights, designers, and technicians, we prepare theatre artists to enter any aspect of the industry.
Production of plays is integral to all of our academic work, and we offer many opportunities for students to participate in our active production program as actors, directors, designers, dramaturges, and playwrights. We produce a season of faculty-directed plays and musicals, which often reflects the curricular and educational goals and mission of the department. The season is complimented by a diverse collection of student-generated work, ranging from fully-realized productions to shorter, more experimental projects and readings.
We also take full advantage of our location right in the heart of Chicago's thriving theatre community. Our full time faculty of eight is comprised of professional actors, directors, dramaturges, and designers. Students are afforded chances to dabble in the professional world prior to graduation with the guidance and mentorship of their professors, as well as the multitude of internship and apprenticeship opportunities available at professional theatres around the city.
Loyola University Chicago is one of eight NAST-accredited institutions in Illinois (and the only one in the Chicago metropolitan area), as well as a member of the League of Chicago Theatres and the Theatre Communications Group.
Learning Outcomes
Through completing this program, students will:
- Cultivate knowledge in the areas of Performance and Directing, Design and Technology, and History, Literature, and Criticism
- Develop a deep understanding of dramatic and structural composition
- Engage in collaborative production processes as performers, directors, designers, managers, dramaturgs, and scholars
- Foster creative environments of diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Build connections with active theatre professionals
