At a glance
48 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
€63k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Bachelor's
Level
- Dual-institution programOpen to Barnard, Columbia College, and General Studies students
- Thesis-based capstoneOriginal research or artistic project
- Practical experienceCourses in acting, directing, design, and more
- Full season productionsOpportunities in Minor Latham Playhouse and Glicker-Milstein Theatre
- New York City locationAccess to a vibrant theatrical capital
- Collaborative learningWork with professional theatre artists and peers
The Theatre major at Barnard College, open to students from Barnard, Columbia College, and General Studies, offers a distinctive approach to drama, theatre, and performance. This program combines foundational coursework in Western and non-Western performance traditions with practical training in acting, directing, design, dramaturgy, playwriting, and management. Students will then specialize in a particular area, culminating in advanced thesis work, which can be an original research essay or an artistic project. The department fosters an environment of imaginative engagement with the past, present, and future through intellectual and embodied inquiry. It views theatre as both an artistic and social practice, essential for developing critical thinking, creative expression, and collaborative skills necessary for a sustainable and equitable future. Students will learn to critically assess theatrical performances, create with proficiency in a chosen area of practice, and understand the historical, cultural, and social contexts of performance.
Careers
Graduates of the Theatre program develop strong writing, performance, and collaborative skills that are highly valued in diverse professional settings. Many alumni pursue advanced studies in MFA and PhD programs, leading to careers in professional theatre, humanities, theatre, and performance studies academia.
- Actor
- Director
- Designer (Set, Costume, Lighting, Sound)
- Dramaturg
- Playwright
- Stage Manager
- Production Manager
- Academic (Humanities, Theatre, Performance Studies)
Frequently asked questions
- What is the annual tuition fee for international students in the Theatre BA program?
- For the 2026-2027 academic year, the annual tuition for international students is $73,120 USD. This fee includes various charges like the Student Health Service Fee, Class Fee, Computer Fee, and Student Government Charges, but does not cover Student Health Insurance.
- What are the estimated annual living costs for a residential student in this program?
- Estimated annual living costs for a residential student in 2026-2027 are $26,358 USD. This estimate includes housing, meals, books/supplies, miscellaneous expenses, and transportation. Commuter costs are lower.
- What are the career prospects for graduates of the Theatre program?
- Graduates develop strong writing, performance, and collaborative skills valued in diverse professional settings. Alumni often pursue advanced studies or careers in professional theatre, humanities, and performance studies academia.
- How do students declare the Theatre major?
- Barnard students can declare the Theatre major at any time. Columbia students have a specific selection period in their second year, with all students needing to declare by the spring semester of their sophomore year. Prior to declaration, students should meet with the Department Chair or their advisor and submit the required declaration forms.
- What kind of practical experience is offered in the Theatre program?
- The program offers practical training in acting, directing, design, dramaturgy, playwriting, and management. Students can also gain experience through full season productions in the Minor Latham Playhouse and the Glicker-Milstein Theatre.
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Fees
Tuition (international)For 2026-2027, annual tuition is $73,120 USD. This includes a comprehensive set of charges such as the Student Health Service Fee, Class Fee, Computer Fee, and Student Government Charges. It does not cover Student Health Insurance.
Tuition (home)For 2026-2027, annual tuition is $73,120 USD. This includes a comprehensive set of charges such as the Student Health Service Fee, Class Fee, Computer Fee, and Student Government Charges. It does not cover Student Health Insurance.
LivingEstimated annual living costs for a residential student in 2026-2027 are $26,358 USD. This includes housing ($14,054), meals ($9,204), books/supplies ($1,200), miscellaneous expenses ($1,830), and transportation ($1,070). Commuter costs are lower.
The cost of attendance is based on a 9-month academic year (September 8, 2026, to May 3, 2027) and may vary by academic classification, campus housing, and state residency. Books, supplies, miscellaneous personal expenses, and transportation are estimates. Housing and meal costs vary based on room assignment and student status (first-year or upperclass). Federal Student Loan Fees of approximately $50 are also included for federal TIV borrowers.
How to apply
1. Contact an Admissions RepresentativeIdentify and contact your regional admissions representative for personalized guidance throughout the application process.
2. Declare your Major (for current students)Barnard students can declare the Theatre major at any time. Columbia students have a major-selection period in their second year. All students must declare by the spring semester of their sophomore year.
3. Meet with Department Chair/Advisor (for current students)Before declaring the major, schedule an appointment with the Department Chair or your undergraduate advisor.
4. Submit Major Declaration Forms (for current students)Complete the online Theatre Major Declaration Form available on the Department of Theatre website. Barnard majors must also submit the Barnard Major Declaration Form via Slate.
5. Introduce yourself to the Department Administrator (for current students)Visit the Theatre Administrator in 333C Milbank Hall to be added to the departmental listserv for important updates.
Frequently asked questions
What is the annual tuition fee for international students in the Theatre BA program?
+
For the 2026-2027 academic year, the annual tuition for international students is $73,120 USD. This fee includes various charges like the Student Health Service Fee, Class Fee, Computer Fee, and Student Government Charges, but does not cover Student Health Insurance.
What are the estimated annual living costs for a residential student in this program?
+
Estimated annual living costs for a residential student in 2026-2027 are $26,358 USD. This estimate includes housing, meals, books/supplies, miscellaneous expenses, and transportation. Commuter costs are lower.
What are the career prospects for graduates of the Theatre program?
+
Graduates develop strong writing, performance, and collaborative skills valued in diverse professional settings. Alumni often pursue advanced studies or careers in professional theatre, humanities, and performance studies academia.
How do students declare the Theatre major?
+
Barnard students can declare the Theatre major at any time. Columbia students have a specific selection period in their second year, with all students needing to declare by the spring semester of their sophomore year. Prior to declaration, students should meet with the Department Chair or their advisor and submit the required declaration forms.
What kind of practical experience is offered in the Theatre program?
+
The program offers practical training in acting, directing, design, dramaturgy, playwriting, and management. Students can also gain experience through full season productions in the Minor Latham Playhouse and the Glicker-Milstein Theatre.