Theatre
The Theatre Program at William Carey University offers a comprehensive and immersive experience for students passionate about the performing arts. With multiple avenues to a degree, including three Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) degree concentrations in the areas of Musical Theatre, Script Writing, and Theatre for Young Audiences, and a traditional Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree with concentrations in Performance and Design, our program is designed to prepare students for a wide range of careers in theatre. Our approach combines rigorous professional training with a strong foundation in the liberal arts, ensuring our graduates are well-prepared to enter the diverse and dynamic field of theatre.
Talent Scholarships are available for majors and non-majors. (A reduced amount may be offered for non-majors) Auditions may be scheduled by contacting the theatre office. (video submissions are acceptable as well)
Perspective students may be awarded a talent scholarship based on their audition/interview/portfolio review. Contact the Theatre office for additional information at 601.318.6218.
Program Overview
Hours
The B.F.A. degree requires 120 credit hours for completion, with most students finishing within the traditional four-year timeframe. However, motivated students can complete the degree in as little as three years.
The B.A. degree comprises 128 credit hours and is structured to be comfortably completed within four years. This program also offers the flexibility to pursue a double major, allowing students to expand their skill set and career opportunities while still graduating on time.
Delivery Method
The majority of our program is delivered through traditional in-person classes, ensuring a hands-on, interactive learning experience that is crucial for theatre arts education. Select courses offer virtual or hybrid formats for added flexibility. Notably, the B.F.A. in Script Writing can be completed entirely online, accommodating students who require more adaptable study options.
By choosing the Theatre Program at William Carey University, students embark on a journey that blends artistic passion with professional training, all within a supportive and community-oriented environment.
Applicant Prerequisites & Requirements
Prospective students must:
Meet all undergraduate admissions requirements of the University
Complete an online application & pay application fee
Submit official transcripts via eScript or mailed from the institution
Have a minimum high school GPA of 2.0 and a minimum score of 20 on the ACT or 1030 on the SAT
Career Outlooks
The field of theatre offers a vast array of career opportunities beyond performing on stage. Graduates of the William Carey University Theatre Program are equipped to explore diverse roles within the industry, including but not limited to:
- Theatre Education and Acting Coaching
- Choreography and Dance Instruction
- Voice-over Artistry
- Puppeteering
- Production and Directing
- Stage and Artistic Management
- Scriptwriting
Our program’s focus on family-friendly productions ensures our graduates are versatile and can cater to a broad audience, enhancing their employability in the theatre industry and related fields.
Set Yourself Apart
William Carey Theatre program is a smaller theatre program dedicated to producing quality family-friendly productions. That is to say that our productions, while not always geared to younger audiences, are safe entertainment for the whole family. Even in our more challenging works the commitment to family-safe entertainment means that we will tell important and even challenging themed stories but are keeping in mind our commitment to the values of our community.
Our program, being smaller, allows the student to explore the world of theatre through numerous design, technical, and performance opportunities. These opportunities afford the student the chance to experience the various avenues of work within the theatre production process and the chance to hone their future career paths. Students are more than a number. Our smaller size creates personalization with the faculty mentors to shape the student's training toward a successful career path.
The program at William Carey Theatre is committed to new and innovative works. Our program boasts numerous original mainstage works produced by both students and faculty. Over the past 23 years, we have developed and produced an impressive 18 original mainstage works. Beyond our original work, our program is continually exploring and innovating ways to tell stories in new and exciting ways.
William Carey University Theatre believes in our university’s motto of “Expect great things from God and attempt great things for God.” This commitment to excellence drives our program to produce the highest quality work possible. Competing with the national organization The Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF), WCUTheatre has one of the highest numbers of regional and national winners in the state. Our students faire exceptionally well in this competition even when competing against graduate students from other programs. Our small program has won both the state Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts and the local Pine Belt Award. However, we aren’t stopping there. The students and faculty continually collaborate on new and exciting projects and avenues to share our voice with not only our local audience but also the world.
Required Courses
Find Your Calling
Embark on a journey to discover your passion and purpose at William Carey University. Here, education goes beyond textbooks, blending innovation, faith, and learning to prepare you for not just a career, but a calling.
Hattiesburg
710 William Carey Parkway | Hattiesburg, MS 39401
theatreandcommunication@wmcarey.edu | (601) 318 - 6218