Theatre arts
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Step into the spotlight
Gain hands-on training for your career in professional theatre with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Arts. In this rigorous program, you’ll master the skills to create, perform and produce live theatre as both an individual artist and a collaborative team member. From acting and directing to scenic, costume and lighting design, you’ll engage in every aspect of theatrical production.
The B.F.A. program offers two areas of emphasis: performance (acting/directing) and DTM (design, theatre technology and management). Your individual courses are selected in consultation with an advisor, so your degree is tailored as closely as possible to your career goals and interests. Get your B.F.A. in Theatre Arts to gain hands-on experience, creative training and real-world opportunities through student and community productions to prepare you for a professional career in the performing arts.
Overview
Related Topics
Performance plus experience
Degree fit
This program could be a great fit if you:
- Love performing, designing or creating stories for the stage.
- Are passionate about collaborating with others to bring productions to life.
- Want hands-on experience in acting, directing, set, costume and lighting design, and production management.
- Thrive in creative, fast-paced and team-oriented environments.
- Are considering a future career in professional theatre, film or other performing arts industries.
Career outcomes
Current job openings
780 in ID, WA, OR, MT and HIPotential careers and mid-career salaries
- Postsecondary Art, Drama, and Music Teachers • Postsecondary Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers
$82,694 - Fashion Designers
$92,149 - Set and Exhibit Designers
$49,974 - Actors
$52,442 - Producers and Directors • Media Programming Directors • Talent Directors • Technical Directors and Managers
$69,277
* Career data provided by Lightcast.
Financial aid and scholarship opportunities
Financial aid
Paying for college can feel overwhelming, but U of I’s Financial Aid Office is here to help. Our experienced financial aid counselors can assist you in exploring financial aid options, making informed financial decisions and addressing common concerns.
To maximize aid and scholarship possibilities, be sure to complete your FAFSA. For information on FAFSA deadlines and answers to common questions, visit the University of Idaho FAFSA website.
Plan ahead — estimate your cost of attendance with U of I’s Cost Calculator.
Scholarships
Unlock scholarship opportunities at University of Idaho! When you apply to U of I, you're automatically considered for scholarships. We also offer a variety of scholarships based on experience, background and academic programs that student can apply for to help pay for college.
Explore available scholarships on our scholarships website.
Clubs and involvement opportunities
Hands-on learning
In addition to selecting from acting, musical theatre, design, directing and stage technology courses, you may experience:
- Participation in the production of plays and musicals
- Annual trips to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival
- Summer study abroad option to Mexico City in summer session
- Participation in national theatre festivals like American College Theatre Festival (ACTF)
Fellowships
- Rex Rabold Fellowship - Oregon Shakespeare Festival
- Ari Keever Trajectory Fellowship – Boise Contemporary Theatre
Theatrical interest areas
- Musical theatre opportunities are available. Please contact Jess Hirsh (jhirsh@uidaho.edu) to get involved.
Application information
Undergraduate applications open each September and admissions are processed on a rolling basis. Qualified students are admitted and considered for scholarships and financial aid as applications are received.
As a BFA Theatre Arts student, you can select from one of two emphases: performance and design, management and technology. You will select coursework for your 30-credit BFA emphasis in consultation with an advisor. The BFA degree is tailored as closely as possible to your specific needs and interests. A full list of courses that you may pursue as part of your BFA is available in the U of I Catalog.
You are highly encouraged to contact faculty who teach in specific areas of the program for more information about coursework in the following areas:
- Kelly Quinnett: Acting
- Jess Hirsh: Musical theatre
- Craig Miller: Directing
- Rob Caisley: Playwriting
- Sarah Fogarty-Morrison: Dramaturgy and theatre history
- Michael Brandt: Technical direction
- Abigail Coleman: Costume design
- Raven Bouvier: Lighting design
- Ginger Sorensen: Costume technology
Explore admission requirements and apply on our Admissions website.