Theatre

Degree Granted
BFA
Degree Level
Undergraduate
Location
Garden City

Join one of the best colleges for performing arts in the country and prepare for a rewarding career in theater.

Why Earn Your BFA in Theatre?

What can you do with a degree in theatre? You can perform on the stage or in television series or film projects, teach acting or develop your own stage plays, media channel or video productions. You can pursue directing, production or arts communications, playwriting or work behind the scenes doing set design, costumes, sound, stage management or lighting. Or you can be involved in community engagement through theatre.  

Why Major in Theatre at Adelphi University in New York?

  • Receive one-on-one attention in small classes from our world-class faculty.
  • Gain experience and insight as you participate in an Adelphi production or a master class with guest stars on our award-winning stages.
  • Attend exciting performances in the cultural capital of the world and make valuable connections.

Isuri Wijesundara ’18: Immersed in the Performing Arts

Isuri Wijesundara ’18, a theatre arts major now studying at the Yale School of Drama, is featured in Adelphi’s Spring 2022 episode of The College Tour on Amazon Prime.

Published:

To study theater at Adelphi University is to find accomplished working professors, friends-for-life classmates, the proximity of New York City and a legacy of successful, supportive alumni. Adelphi trains “people of the theater,” said Maggie Lally ’82, associate dean of faculty programs and associate professor of theater. “The professional experience of our faculty and their…

Adelphi PAC a Top 35 University Performing Arts Center

Adelphi University’s Performing Arts Center has been recognized among the 35 Best University Performing Arts Centers in the U.S. by Clickit Ticket—which described it as “a haven of creativity” and one of “the best places in the United States to see dynamic student productions as well as those by world-renowned artists.

$80,090* * based on Adelphi University Career Outcomes Survey & NACE First Destination Survey, Class of 2022
the average annual salary of our 2022 baccalaureate graduates—that’s 29% higher than the national average
based on Adelphi University Career Outcomes Survey & NACE First Destination Survey, Class of 2022

I am passionate about theater because it is an exciting and dynamic art form that can entertain or challenge an audience. I’m invested in the success of every student and view their education as a collaborative endeavor between myself and the student.

Sean Sullivan Associate Professor, Department of Theatre

Concentrations and Minors

Acting

Our acting concentration prepares you for work on stage or screen. You’ll learn the vocal and physical skills required of an actor and participate in a wide array of performance activities, including chamber theater, cabaret, solo and ensemble work. Only acting majors and minors are allowed to audition for departmental productions; every student is guaranteed performance opportunities and may earn many more through auditioning.

Design/Technology

As a major in theater design/technology, you’ll train in the many aspects of design and technical functions of the performing arts, including set and costume design, props, drafting, lighting design and pulling it all together as a producer. You’ll analyze and compare the historical, critical and aesthetic contexts in which the dramatic tradition has developed. In your third year, faculty will review your portfolio and advise you on which area—theater technology, scenic design, costume design, lighting design or stage management—you should specialize in.

Minors in Theatre

Ideal for students who have a passion for theater, a minor allows students to specialize in either theater acting or theater design/technology. The theater minor is compatible with any course of study and allows you to express your creative abilities regardless of your major.

Exceptional Hands-On Learning

As a student in our theater arts program, you’ll participate in more than 20 productions in the Adelphi University Performing Arts Center, recently named one of the 35 Best University Performing Arts Centers in the country. And you’ll benefit from master classes taught by stars from the entertainment world.

Adelphi’s close proximity to New York City gives our students the opportunity for class trips to attend musicals, plays and theatrical performances. Recently, our fourth-year students successfully landed internships with companies large and small in the metropolitan area, including:

Program Info

Application Requirements

To apply for this program, submit the appropriate application requirements.

Transformative Educational Opportunities

All undergraduate students have the opportunity to apply for the following programs to expand their educational landscape:

  • The Honors College – fostering intellectual perspectives and critical skills
  • Levermore Global Scholars – preparing students to become global thinkers and leaders
  • Study Abroad – providing opportunities to experience another culture and see the world from a new perspective

Awards & Recognition

Contact
Phone Number
Location
Performing Arts Center 256



Contact
Phone Number
More Info
Location
Nexus Building First Floor
Hours
  • Mon, Tues, Wed, Thu: 8:30 am – 6:00 pm Fri: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
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