Chair's Greeting

Hello and welcome to the VCU Department of Theatre. For over 62 years, the faculty, staff and students of Theatre VCU have earned high praise for their success in the areas of academic excellence, research and theatre production.

At the undergraduate level, we offer the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree program in theatre with concentrations in performance; costume, scenic, and lighting design; stage management; and theatre education. Our curriculum provides students an education in theatre as an art form while at the same time preparing them to enter the profession or to continue training in an advanced program. We have also recently introduced the Bachelor of Arts (BA) program. All incoming students audition and are admitted as though they were pursuing the BFA degree in one of the six concentrations and students wishing to pursue a BA may do so after first completing the first two years of coursework in their BFA areas of specialization (i.e. at the beginning of the Junior year). The B.A. is designed for students who desire a program with a strong emphasis in theatre, combined with a strong liberal arts component, and a minor (or other course of directed study) in an area other than theatre. BFA students do not typically pursue minor courses of study. The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree is offered in either Theatre Pedagogy with concentrations in acting/directing; stage voice and speech; movement and stage combat; dramatic literature/dramaturgy; scenic design; and costume design or studio emphasis in either scenic or costume design. The BFA program enrolls approximately 200 students in the four degree tracks while the MFA program enrolls an average of approximately 45 students in its various degree tracks.

Throughout its 62-year history, the graduates of the program have gone on to distinguish themselves in the fields of education, television, theatre, and film.The unique combination of academic and professional practice employed by the faculty often leads to job placement for students upon graduation.

The web site provides you with specific information on the degree programs, faculty, alumni, and other related information regarding housing, financial aid, etc. Please jump inside and take a good look!

David S. Leong, Chairman
Department of Theatre
School of the Arts