UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · UNITED STATES
Theatre Arts Major
Bachelor's · Taught in en
At a glance
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Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
Bachelor's
Level
The Theatre Arts Major at the University of Pennsylvania offers a flexible curriculum designed to allow students to tailor their studies to their specific interests within performance disciplines. Beginning in Fall 2026, the program features a revised major structure requiring 14 courses. These include core introductions to theatre, dance, and performance, as well as foundational courses in technical theatre elements like lighting, sets, and costumes. Students will engage with practical studio courses, advanced studio work, and critical theory or history classes, culminating in a production or performance course and additional electives.
Curriculum
The Theatre Arts major requires 14 courses, including 2 core requirements, 7 courses distributed among 3 attribute categories (Introductory Praxis/Studio, Advanced Praxis/Studio, Critical Theory/History), 1 production course, and 4 additional electives. Students are encouraged to consult with a Theatre Arts advisor for personalized course planning.
- Year 1/2 Recommended
- Introduction to Theatre, Dance, and PerformanceTHAR 0110
- Introduction to Lights, Set, and CostumeTHAR 0130
- Attribute Courses
- Introductory Praxis/Studio Courses (Choose 2)
- Advanced Praxis/Studio Courses (Choose 2)
- Critical Theory/History Courses (Choose 3)
- Production Course
- Rehearsal and Performance or Production for PerformanceTHAR 3500/3501
- Electives
- Additional Electives (Choose 4)
Careers
The Theatre Arts Major prepares students for a variety of roles within the performing arts and related industries. The curriculum's flexibility allows students to develop skills applicable to diverse career paths.
- Performer
- Designer
- Technician
- Director
- Playwright
- Arts Administrator
- Critic
- Historian
Frequently asked questions
- What is the total estimated tuition for the Theatre Arts Major?
- Tuition for the Theatre Arts Major is charged per course unit. For Fall 2026 and Spring 2027, estimated tuition totals $83,304 for the degree, excluding General and Clinical fees.
- How many courses are required for the Theatre Arts Major?
- The Theatre Arts Major requires a total of 14 courses, including core introductions, practical studio work, critical theory or history classes, a production course, and additional electives.
- How do I declare a major in Theatre Arts?
- To declare the major, you must submit the “Declare/Update Field of Study Request Form” and schedule an advising appointment with Brooke O'Harra at boharra@sas.upenn.edu.
- What are the career outcomes for Theatre Arts graduates?
- Graduates can pursue careers as a Performer, Designer, Technician, Director, Playwright, Arts Administrator, Critic, or Historian within the performing arts and related industries.
- Are there specific scholarships available for this program?
- The LPS Scholarship Fund supports students in the College of Liberal and Professional Studies, which may include Theatre Arts majors, through donations.
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Fees
Tuition (international)Tuition is charged per course unit (c.u.). For the International Master of Public Administration (I-MPA) program, estimated tuition for Fall 2026 is $41,652 and for Spring 2027 is $41,652, totaling $83,304 for the degree. This excludes General and Clinical fees.
Tuition (home)—
Living—
The tuition rates provided are for the International Master of Public Administration (I-MPA) program and are estimates subject to change. The General Fee ($2,134 per term) covers non-instructional student support services, and the Clinical Fee ($385 per term) supports wellness services.
How to apply
1. Submit Field of Study FormComplete the “Declare/Update Field of Study Request Form” available at https://path.at.upenn.edu.
2. Schedule Advising AppointmentContact Brooke O'Harra, co-director of the Theatre Arts Program, at boharra@sas.upenn.edu to schedule an advising appointment. This meeting is crucial for officially declaring the major and receiving guidance on course planning.
Scholarships
LPS Scholarship Fund—
Frequently asked questions
What is the total estimated tuition for the Theatre Arts Major?
+
Tuition for the Theatre Arts Major is charged per course unit. For Fall 2026 and Spring 2027, estimated tuition totals $83,304 for the degree, excluding General and Clinical fees.
How many courses are required for the Theatre Arts Major?
+
The Theatre Arts Major requires a total of 14 courses, including core introductions, practical studio work, critical theory or history classes, a production course, and additional electives.
How do I declare a major in Theatre Arts?
+
To declare the major, you must submit the “Declare/Update Field of Study Request Form” and schedule an advising appointment with Brooke O'Harra at boharra@sas.upenn.edu.
What are the career outcomes for Theatre Arts graduates?
+
Graduates can pursue careers as a Performer, Designer, Technician, Director, Playwright, Arts Administrator, Critic, or Historian within the performing arts and related industries.
Are there specific scholarships available for this program?
+
The LPS Scholarship Fund supports students in the College of Liberal and Professional Studies, which may include Theatre Arts majors, through donations.