More Program Specifics
Understand the courses you’ll take, the curriculum requirements to meet, and the concepts you’ll gain mastery of. This program also offers a minor program option. Get the detailed information you’re looking for.
Theatre BA
With our Theatre bachelor's degree, all the world’s a stage–put yourself at the center of it.
Launch your career onstage or behind the scenes with RIC's Theatre Program.
RIC's Theatre Program doesn’t just teach you to perform, it prepares you with the tools and experiences necessary to build a career in the theatre world, whether it’s acting on stage, singing and dancing in a musical theatre ensemble, writing for the stage, or working behind the scenes on lighting, costume design and production. RIC Theatre graduates are prepared to bask in the spotlight – or operate it.
Theatre Career Opportunities
- Actor
- Director
- Theatre operations manager
- Acting coach
- Stage manager
- Lighting technician
Why Earn a Theatre Bachelor's Degree at Rhode Island College?
- Theatre majors choose one of four concentrations – performance, musical theatre, design/technical theatre and general theatre – enabling students to tailor their studies to their career goals.
- Those pursuing a Theatre degree have the opportunity to perform in three different pre-professional troupes: Mainstage, Musical Theatre and Growing Stage.
- Faculty are experienced professionals who have worked in respected local and regional theatre companies, as well as organizations like the American College Theatre Festival and New England Theatre Conference.
- Funding for theatre students is available through talent awards and employment opportunities – like working backstage, in our costume shop or in our box office.
- Topics covered include: theatre production, acting, lighting, playwriting, dance and audition techniques.
hotel_class
Start Your Theatre Dream - Audition Soon!
Auditions are required for music, theatre, and dance majors at RIC.
You don't need to wait to be admitted to RIC to audition, but we recommend that you have your Admissions application completed by your audition date.
Join us December 4, 5 & 6 at 7:30 pm and December 6 & 7 at 1 pm for an original performance that weaves together acting, dance, and song to explore how we curate, perform, and search for connection in the digital age.
- event_note -
- access_time Various times
- place Helen Forman Theater
The RIC Advantage
To increase exposure, prominent guest artists and ensembles are regularly brought to campus – such as Broadway's John Rapson (Sweeney Todd), Alex Cruz (Moulin Rouge), Chicago vocal coach Beckie Menzie, and master acting teacher Kari Margolis. Additionally, each year many students work alongside actors, directors, and company managers in internships at local theatres.
Our Theatre Faculty
Our strong dedication to teaching goes hand in hand with our professional theatre activity. We have worked with respected theatre companies such as Trinity Rep, Gamm Theatre and Guthrie Theatre.
Mr. Alan J. Pickart
- Professor
Jennifer J. Walrad
- Associate Professor
Mr. William M. Wilson
- Professor
Ms. Lila P. Kane
- Instructor
Our Theatre Adjunct Faculty
Mr. Aaron C. Andrade
- Adjunct Faculty I
Mr. Michael H. Dates
- Adjunct Faculty I
Jeffrey M. Church
- Adjunct Faculty I
Mrs. Ranee B. Csigay
- Adjunct Faculty I
Kerry R. DeLaGarza
- Manager
- Costume Shop/Theatre
Katryne M. Hecht
- Assistant Professor
Steven Pennell
- Adjunct Faculty I
Ms. Alexandra M. Rickoff
- Adjunct Faculty I
Mr. Taylor A. Santoro
- Adjunct Faculty I
Patricia A. Tulli Hawkridge
- Adjunct Faculty I
Ms. Nicole Brown Frechette Shaw
- Adjunct Faculty II
Hear From a Student
Joe DeLeo
“I would love to be Bill Wilson, professor of musical theatre. Bill and Gel, the director of dance, inspire us to be better and to do great things. They instill in us a passion for what we do. If I can instill that in someone else, I think it would be the greatest gift.”
– Musical Theatre Major
A Professor Who Loves His Work and His Students
From regional theatre, to corporate gigs, from concert tours to Disney World, there’s so many ways you can apply a technical theatre degree.
Program Details
How to Apply
To qualify for acceptance as a BA in theatre major, you must be admitted to Rhode Island College (following the general undergraduate admission procedures) and successfully complete a theatre audition. You do not need to be admitted to audition, but we recommend that you at least complete your admissions application by your audition date.
Course Information
Our theatre program curriculum allows theatre majors the opportunity to seamlessly add a double major or minor, complementing their theatre education with other performing arts disciplines.
Concentrations
Performance Concentration
The Performance Concentration will give you practice in a great variety of acting styles, ranging from Greek tragedy and Restoration comedy to melodrama and psychological realism.
Musical Theatre Concentration
Should you prefer Stephen Sondheim and Cole Porter, you will be pleased to know that Rhode Island College offers the only program in musical theatre in Southeastern new England. The Musical Theatre Concentration includes courses in music theory, singing and dance to provide training in all the skills you will need for success in this ever-popular field.
One way to sharpen your movement skills for acting is through the study of dance. Students in the performance areas should be aware that Rhode Island College offers a minor in dance and sponsors a highly respected dance company.
Design/Technical Theatre Concentration
The technical staff for theatrical productions may not appear on stage, but their presence is certainly evident. Without their expertise in the areas of lighting, costume, makeup and set design, the magic of theatre would disappear. If you are interested in making the magic happen from behind the scenes, you should consider a concentration in design/technical theatre.
General Theatre Concentration
The General Theatre Concentration is designed for students who want flexibility and diversity in pursuing their interests within the theatre arts. You will take a broad base of courses in preparation for multiple career paths with the ability to then customize your program of study to pursue other area in greater depth.
Program/Learning Goals
Upon completion of this program, students will have:
- an understanding of the role theatre plays in the community, the professional arena and for the individual
- a fundamental understanding of collaborative issues as they relate to play production
- basic knowledge of the varied disciplines in the theatre and their inherent interconnectedness
- the ability to effectively complete production-specific problem solving in varied disciplines
- the skills needed for future academic and professional growth
Minor in Theatre
Declaring a minor allows you to explore other areas of interest and make interdisciplinary connections. Minor areas at RIC complement and reinforce all major areas of study. By declaring a minor, you can set yourself apart as a candidate for job, internship and volunteer opportunities.
Take the Next Step!
Department of Theatre and Dance
RIC's Department of Theatre and Dance doesn’t just teach you to perform, it prepares you with the tools and experiences necessary to build a career on or directly related to the stage.
- emailwwilson@ric.edu
- phone401-456-9883
- placeRoberts Hall 216
