Theatre: Performance and Theatre Studies Concentration, BA
Actors, directors, playwrights, dramaturgs—this major is for anyone who loves bringing life to the stage.
In our program, you’ll engage with theatre on multiple levels—creative, intellectual, and practical. Guided by our outstanding faculty, you’ll receive conservatory-caliber training in a small class setting. As a Performance and Theatre Studies emphasis, you’ll delve into theatre history, theory and criticism, as well as performance technique and hands-on production experience. You’ll have the opportunity to attend shows throughout the Bay Area and work with a diverse range of guest artists. Your studies will culminate with a self-generated project that demonstrates mastery in your chosen field.
Students graduate well-equipped for a career in theatre, both onstage and off. Others put their critical, technical, and creative skills to work outside of the arts, in education, therapy, and beyond.
Myriad possibilities await you, and we are here to prepare you for them!
Learn more about the program
Get to know our well-respected faculty and their specialties, as artists and scholars. Or explore scholarship opportunities and an array of performance possibilities.
Performance and Theatre Studies Curriculum
Earn an Theatre: Performance and Theatre Studies, BA and a Single-Subject Teaching Credential at Saint Mary's in just four years through our Single Subject Teaching Credential Integrated Pathway!
What can you do with a degree in Performance and Theatre Studies?
A degree in Performance and Theatre Studies prepares you with a strong foundation in skills applicable to a wide variety of professions
(*Some careers may require graduate school or additional study)
Actor / Performer
Audition, rehearse, and perform for stage, film, and digital media; refine voice, movement, and scene work
Director
Lead productions from concept to performance; guide acting choices, staging, and collaboration with design teams
Playwright
Develop original scripts and adaptations; workshop new work with ensembles and producers
Dramaturg / Literary Manager
Research contexts, curate seasons, support script development, and prepare study guides and program notes
Stage Manager
Run rehearsals and performances; maintain schedules, call cues, and ensure artistic continuity
Casting Assistant / Casting Manager
Organize auditions, liaise with agents and actors, and align talent with production needs
Producer / Arts Administrator
Oversee budgets, rights, marketing, and partnerships for theatre companies and festivals
Teaching Artist / K–12 Theatre Educator (prep)
Teach acting, directing, and theatre history in schools, studios, and community programs; align lessons to standards
Community-Engaged Theatre Coordinator
Design inclusive, issue-focused performances and workshops with local organizations and diverse audiences
Additional pathways
Careers in K–12 education, event planning, project management, dramaturgy, group facilitation, inclusion/belonging work, and community outreach for nonprofits
Saint Mary's Testimonials
“Since graduating from Saint Mary's in 2019, I have worked as a teaching artist, actor, director, and dramaturg with some of the best theatre companies in the Bay Area, including American Conservatory Theatre, Berkeley Repertory Theatre, and California Shakespeare Theater, where I am currently working as the Development Associate. The greatest honor of all has been being invited to come back to teach at Saint Mary's as a Guest Artist in the Performing Arts department for the past three semesters. This has truly been a gift as I have been able to apply the knowledge and experience I gained during my school years, and share that with my current students. During my four years and beyond, I have worked with the most supportive Performing Arts and English faculty who helped accelerate my academic progress to the point of making my career dreams come true, as well as fostering my growth as an artist, activist, educator and person.”
Kimiya Shokri, Class of 2019
