BA in Theatre and Performance Studies

Degree Program Description

The Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Performance Studies provides students with a comprehensive foundation in theory, history, and practice of theatre and performance. The program is designed to foster artistic expression, performance, critical and cultural analysis, and professional preparation for a wide range of careers in the theatre and performing arts and other related fields. 

Through a scaffolded curriculum, students explore the rich cultural history of theatre and performance studies by developing practical skills in performance, technical production, and script analysis. With emphasis on personal growth and career readiness, students are equipped to navigate both traditional and emerging opportunities in theatre, performing arts, and beyond.

Major Program Requirements

In addition to Universitygeneral education, and College of Arts and Science requirements, students must complete 30 credit hours of TAPS courses for BA in Theatre and Performance Studies. All major requirements in the College of Arts and Science must be completed with grades of C- or higher unless otherwise indicated. All courses used to satisfy requirements for the major must be completed with a grade of C or higher.

Major core requirements18
THEATR 1990Careers in Theatre and Performance Studies I1
THEATR 2990Careers in Theatre and Performance Studies II1
THEATR 4990Careers in Theatre and Performance Studies III1
THEATR 2800WPrinciples of Script Analysis - Writing Intensive3
THEATR 3420Acting: Studio I3
THEATR 2710Introduction to Theatre History3
THEATR 2200Introduction to Performance Studies3
THEATR 2300Production Workshop I3
Electives12
Any Theatre Courses

Semester Plan

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
THEATR 19901THEATR 27103
THEATR 22003Second Language5
ENGLSH 10003Laboratory Science5
MATH 1050, 1100, or STAT 12003MO State Law Course3
Second Language5 
 15 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
THEATR 29901THEATR 23003
THEATR 34203THEATR 2800W3
Theatre Elective/Certificate Course3Theatre Elective/Certificate Course3
Behavioral Science3Social Science3
Biological, Physical, or Mathematical Science3Biological, Physical, or Mathematical Science3
Second Language3 
 16 15
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
Theatre Elective/Certificate Courses6Theatre Elective/Certificate Course3
Behavioral Science33000+ Writing Intensive3
Social Science3Humanities/Fine Arts3
Humanities/Fine Arts3Other Major, Minor, or Certificate Courses6
 15 15
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
THEATR 49901Other Major, Minor, or Certificate Courses12
Other Major, Minor, or Certificate Courses15 
 16 12
Total Credits: 120

Degree Audit

The degree audit is an automated report reflecting a student’s academic progress toward the completion of a degree. 

MU students can request a degree audit by logging in to myDegreePlanner. Students may also access myDegreePlanner via myZou, in the Student Center, click on the Academic Progress Tile, then select Request Degree Audit. The audit automatically pulls in the student’s MU course work, transfer courses and courses in progress. This is available to current students, admitted students, and those who last attended less than three terms ago.

Past MU students can request a degree audit by contacting the Academic Advising Unit of the division in which they were last enrolled at MU. For contact information, go to https://advising.missouri.edu/contact/.

Prospective students, can access a preliminary MU degree audit via https://www.transferology.com. Information on the college credits already earned will have to be manually entered before it can be evaluated against current degree requirements.

For additional details on degree audits, go to https://registrar.missouri.edu/degrees-audits/degree-audits/.

Major and Career Exploration

The University of Missouri has many resources to assist you in exploring majors and career possibilities. For guidance, visit the Majors and Careers website or view specific resources below.

  • Change your Major. If you are considering changing your undergraduate major or are choosing between several majors, schedule an appointment with an advisor in the Discovery Center by calling (573) 884-9700 or through the Discovery Center service in your MU Connect success network.
  • Decided on a Major. If you have decided on a major, visit an academic advisor in the School or College that you are interested in to discuss the process of declaring that major.
  • Identify your Interests and Strengths. If you would like to learn more about your career interests, abilities, values, and talents, visit the staff at the MU Career Center. No appointment is necessary to explore career options with one of our staff members.
  • Explore MU Majors. If you would like information about MU majors and degree programs, visit Majors at Mizzou or the Degrees, Majors (Degree Programs), Emphasis Areas, Minors and Certificates page in the catalog.

For additional major and career exploration resources, visit Major & Career Exploration in the catalog.