Theatre, B.A.
Whether students take center stage or stay behind the scenes, CBU's theatre program cultivates their theatrical skills with classes in acting, design and theatre history.
Program Intro
Students in CBU's theatre bachelor's program apply what they learn in the classroom in CBU's award-winning productions. Since faith is integrated into the curriculum, CBU's theatre major produces professionals who model Christ in the theatre world.
Why Study Theatre at CBU?
Make lifelong friendships and thrive in community
Our program gathers weekly for Community Time. During these times the students and faculty worship together in song, scriptural devotions, prayer and times of sharing. We use this time to invite Christian theatre professionals, two or three times each semester, to share their experiences.
Perform in venues around the world
We have a musical theatre touring group, which is a small audition group of students who perform at schools, churches, homeless shelters and community groups. The show is between 45 minutes to an hour long and gives an overview of the musical theatre genre from Rodgers and Hammerstein to Lin-Manuel Miranda. Alumni have performed in Shakespeare by the Sea, the Disney Cruise Line, children’s theatres, and Off-Broadway theatres, and have studied abroad at the Theatre Academy London, Trinity College in Ireland, and the University of Westminster in England.
What You'll Learn
- B.A. students in theatre will identify, integrate and evaluate a personal worldview,
as well as Biblical principles, in the creation of theatrical works.
- B.A. students in theatre will analyze and assess the historical development of world
theatre and movements, and principles of dramatic structure.
- B.A. students in theatre will develop proficiency in one or more areas of emphasis,
(performance, design/technical) and demonstrate competency in all areas of theatrical
production.
- B.A. student in theatre will exhibit inclusive and collaborative skills and model professional production techniques, in the creation of unique works of public performance.Program Details
THE 232: Play Structure and Analysis
This course is designed to introduce the student to the skills of dramatic analysis, theatrical research, writing, and critical thinking.
THE 353: Directing I
Students will practice the craft by presenting in-depth research and script analysis and directing scene work.
THE 441: Auditioning
This laboratory class provides theatre students with a place to practice audition skills and create a repertoire of audition pieces.
- Design/Technical Theatre Concentration
- Performance Concentration
Zachary Bortot
Associate Professor of Theater
Office Phone: 951-552-8689
E-mail: zbortot@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: Wallace Theatre
Lee Lyons, M.F.A.
Professor of Theatre
Program Director, Theatre
Office Phone: 951-343-4919
E-mail: llyons@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: Wallace Theatre
Student Opportunities: Theatre Productions
All CBU students are encouraged to participate in our productions. Students work with faculty and staff on all aspects of production including set design, costumes, lighting and sound design, stage managing and even assistant directing. This creates a truly collaborative environment where students grow and flourish.
Career Possibilities
Theatre majors can apply their field of study to a variety of careers. Some careers listed below may require further education.
- Film Actor
- Theatre Actor
- Set Designer
- Director
- Lighting Designer
- Sound Designer
- Stage Manager
- Playwright
- Producer
- Dancer
Related Programs
Next Steps
Join our community. At CBU, you’ll be challenged to become an individual whose skills, integrity, and sense of purpose glorify God and distinguish you in the world.