a large group of theatre majors perform on stage in colorful costumes

School of Theatre and DanceTheatre Arts Production and Practice Bachelor's Degree

  • BA

About the Theatre Arts Production and Practice Major

As a leader behind the scenes, you have the vision and initiative to organize and manage a production from beginning to end. In the Theatre bachelor’s degree program at Columbia College Chicago, you’ll start by getting a solid education in theatre history and theory, and then choose a concentration in directing, playwriting, or stage management.

Examples of Theatre Careers 

  • Arts administrator
  • Director
  • Dramaturg
  • Playwright
  • Producer
  • Stage manager
  • Theatre educator
  • Theatre technician

The Student Experience

The Theatre Arts Production and Practice program is for leaders who want to make theatre happen. You’ll gain a strong foundation in theatre history and theory and develop a professional focus in one of three areas. Through close faculty mentorship and hands-on practice, you’ll prepare for a career in the theatre industry and build a portfolio of professional-quality work.

  • Develop leadership skills through practiceOur practice-based curriculum is designed to give you experience leading teams and working through real challenges with faculty mentors. Great leaders in theatre are well-rounded. The program brings three key leadership roles together in practice: the writer, the director, and the stage manager.
  • Explore concentrations

    You’ll choose a concentration in your second year of study. No matter which concentration you choose, you’ll start with foundational courses to build context for your artistic practice

a theatre directing student works behind the scenes

CONCENTRATIONS

  • Directing
    • Direct at least three productions, starting with a scene, then a 20-minute play, and finally a full 90-minute production.
    • Develop a professional portfolio of work and take a business course that will provide an overview of directing in all theatre contexts, from professional shows to schools to community engagement.
    • Develop your creative voice and perspective and learn to work in a collaborative team with designers, stage managers, technical teams, and performers.
    • Get hands-on experience working in both commercial and not-for-profit theater as well as creating and touring with projects around the world.
    • Gain the tools needed to take risks and push the limits of what you and others thought possible.
  • Design and Technology
    • Learn about lighting, scenic, costume, makeup, and sound design.
    • Gain the technical skills involved in scenic construction, costume construction, and lighting technologies.
    • Collaborate with peers and faculty on the design of one-act plays and full-length productions.
    • Collaborate on the artistic process that requires close cooperation among directors, designers, technical teams, and performers.
    • Develop your portfolio and participate in a dedicated Career class to build a comprehensive portfolio, sharpen interviewing skills, and explore a wide range of career opportunities.
  • Playwriting
    • Learn how to create unique stories and captivating characters for the stage.
    • Write short scenes, move on to one-act plays, and full-length plays. In the classroom, your scripts will
    • Submit your scripts to be performed in staged readings and workshop productions for live audiences, which culminates with the fully produced Playwriting Senior Showcase.
  • Stage Management
    • Conduct and organize every detail of a production, from casting to rehearsing to running the show.
    • Coordinate schedules, run rehearsals, track props and blocking, and collaborate closely with directors.
    • Learn industry standards for paperwork and show calling.
    • Learn to create a safe, comfortable environment for the entire cast and crew on a number of shows, including large-scale musicals, dance productions, one-acts, and devised theatre.
    • Watch professional stage managers direct rehearsals and call shows at theaters like Chicago Shakespeare, Steppenwolf, Lyric Opera, and Joffrey Ballet.
  • Theatre Arts
    • Have the flexibility to craft your own path and learn across the various disciplines of Theatre to become a well-rounded and versatile artist capable of engaging in a variety of disciplines.  
    • Gain multiple skills to prepare you for the many rewarding and challenging opportunities of a career in the performing arts. 
    • Work alongside faculty to determine the path that is best for you.  

Career Readiness

Through close faculty mentorship and hands-on practice, you’ll prepare for a career in the theatre industry and build a portfolio of professional-quality work.
  • Real-world experience

    Internships and preprofessional experiences are essential for emerging leaders in the theatre world. An internship will immerse you in a professional theater, expand your experience in the industry, and show you firsthand how professional directors, playwrights, and stage managers lead teams. We host two internship fairs each academic year, with attendees ranging from representatives of prominent theaters like Steppenwolf, Victory Gardens, and the Goodman to those of small storefronts.

  • Chicago: a theatre hub

    Chicago is one of the greatest theatre cities in the world. You’ll immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant theatre scene and see productions on a regular basis. Living in Chicago means you’ll have countless opportunities to see new work, staged readings, and network with professional directors and producers. Our faculty members have deep ties in the industry and help students find work opportunities.

Alumni Spotlight

Rose Hamill headshot

Rose Hamill ’16

Stage Manager, The Factory Theatre

98%

of 2023 grads are employed, enrolled in continued education, or pursuing their creative practice.

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