Craft and Share Compelling Stories with Liberty’s BA in Theatre Arts – Playwriting and Directing Degree
Liberty University’s Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Theatre Arts – Playwriting and Directing is a comprehensive program designed for aspiring playwrights and directors who are passionate about the art of storytelling and who want to develop skills in creating and bringing theatrical productions to life. Throughout this program, you can receive hands-on training, theoretical knowledge, and practical experience in the craft of playwriting and directing, empowering you to become a versatile and innovative theatre professional.
As you pursue your bachelor’s degree in directing and playwriting, you can learn about the art of writing compelling scripts, explore diverse dramatic forms and genres, and develop your own distinct voice as a playwright. Additionally, you’ll study the principles and techniques of directing, gaining insights into the creative process, collaboration with actors and designers, and the effective realization of a vision on stage. You’ll also explore topics that are applicable to both theatre and film, allowing you to examine the connection between these 2 art forms and gain expertise that’s applicable to both industries.
As a student in this program, you will have numerous opportunities to apply your skills and knowledge in practical settings. Liberty University offers state-of-the-art facilities, including theatres and rehearsal spaces, where you can showcase your work through workshops and performances. You will work closely with experienced faculty who are passionate about mentorship and guiding you in honing your craft. Upon graduation, you can be equipped with a comprehensive understanding of playwriting and directing, ready to embark on a fulfilling career in theatre, film, television, or other related fields.
Why Choose Liberty’s Bachelor’s Degree in Playwriting and Directing?
Gain the hands-on theatrical experience you need through our academic productions and jumpstart your career with the opportunity to earn professional credits through our very own Alluvion Stage Company. Here, you can benefit from our tradition of creating and performing original works from start to finish, allowing you to receive in-depth stage experience. Not only that, but you’ll learn from faculty members who embrace their Christian faith and are active professionals specializing in many areas, such as acting, voice, songwriting, directing, dance, choreography, stage movement, stage combat, lighting, design, drama ministry, and theatre history. Our playwriting and theatre directing degree is built around teaching the art of theatre in order to impact the culture for Christ.
As a residential student at Liberty, you’ll have ample opportunity to connect with your peers and professors, fostering a supportive, collaborative community. For instance, you can connect with other young theatre professionals through our chapter of Alpha Psi Omega. Additionally, our various student clubs, community groups, and Convocation gatherings on campus give you a chance to build relationships and grow in your academic, personal, and spiritual life.
At Liberty, we strive to cultivate a culture of excellence. We participate in the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF), the Virginia Theatre Association (VTA), and the Southeastern Theatre Conference (SETC). In addition, our top-notch facilities – such as the Tower and Black Box Theaters – provide valuable space for you to participate in productions and learn how to use industry-standard equipment. Our regional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) also demonstrates the quality of our programs and helps ensure that you receive a rigorous, respected education.
What’s the difference between the BA and BS in Theatre Arts?
The main difference between the Bachelor of Arts and the Bachelor of Science is that the Bachelor of Arts includes a foreign language component. This valuable addition to your education broadens your horizons and equips you with an extra skill that can enhance your versatility in the realm of theatre arts. On the other hand, if you opt not to study a foreign language, the Bachelor of Science offers the advantage of extra elective credits, allowing you to tailor your coursework to align with your personal and professional goals.
What Will You Learn in Our Directing and Playwriting Degree?
The core courses in this program cover a broad range of theatrical topics, from acting and stagecraft to theatre history and script analysis. You’ll also study theatrical design, stage management, and the integration of faith and art. By understanding how Christian faith and values can be incorporated into stage productions, you can create shows and performances that highlight important messages and help point people toward the truth of the Gospel.
Within the playwriting and directing specialization, you’ll complete an acting workshop, which can help make you a better writer and director by allowing you to understand what a production is like from the cast members’ perspective. Additionally, you’ll dive into motion picture directing, giving you a chance to branch out into other industry areas. From there, you’ll examine various theories and methodologies in the art of directing and learn how to craft scripts that are creative and keep audiences invested in your stories. By melding all of these skills, you can carry out important behind-the-scenes work in theatre and coordinate productions effectively to make a masterpiece.
Lastly, you’ll have several opportunities to receive practical experience and training for your future career. You’ll complete 2 theatre practicums as well as a seminar focusing on establishing a career in professional theatre. Your senior capstone course will give you culminating chance to apply you’re the skills and techniques you’ve learned throughout the program – so you can build your portfolio and enter the workforce with confidence.
View the Degree Completion Plan and check out our featured courses below to learn more about what you’ll be studying!
Featured Courses
CINE 202 – Introduction to Motion Picture Directing
THEA 320 – Directing
THEA 431 – Playwriting
THEA 432 – Writing for Drama Ministry
Highlights of Our Bachelor’s Degree in Directing and Playwriting
- You will study under professors with years of real-world experience in professional productions who have a passion for teaching you how to create innovative theatre that glorifies God.
- Our bachelor’s in theatre arts program produces graduates of distinction who have achieved roles as production manager for Carnival Cruise Lines, dresser for Broadway’s WICKED, and actor in “The Walking Dead.”
- Our students recently received a research grant to write and perform Bloodroot: The Ballad of Clinch Mountain, a play highlighting the achievements of women in both content and production.
- You will have opportunities to network with other young professionals through our chapter of Alpha Psi Omega.
- Our Tower and Black Box Theaters allow you to gain experience in designing, directing, and performing in a variety of spaces.
- Our professional Alluvion Stage Company provides you with opportunities for additional experience beyond student productions.
Playwriting and Theatre Directing Degree Information
- Residential
- 120 total credit hours
- Transfer in up to 75% of your total degree
- This program falls under our School of Communication and the Arts
- All declared Bachelor of Arts theatre students must complete a production interview once admitted to Liberty University, with the option of pursuing an audition as well
- View the Degree Completion Plan
- View our course catalog
Potential Career Opportunities for Graduates of Our Playwriting and Directing Program
- Director
- House manager
- Performing arts coordinator
- Play submissions editor
- Program director
- Scriptwriter
- Special events coordinator
- Speechwriter
- Stage manager
- Theatre manager
Admission Requirements for Liberty’s Playwriting and Directing Major
Every application is reviewed by the admission committee on a case-by-case basis, meaning there are no set minimums for acceptance. However, all applicants must submit the following documents* for admission:
- Admission application
- Official high school transcripts
- Official college transcripts (if applicable)
- Results from the CLT, SAT, or ACT are not required for admission, but may be used in consideration for merit-based aid.
- Admission essay
*Note that additional documentation may be requested by the admission committee after your application has been received.
