Otterbein College

What you'll study

The BA provides a common theatre core and elective choices from design and production areas and performance fields. Course options include design, technology, costumes, stage makeup, stage combat, choreography, dance, and TV/Film. Students participate in mainstage productions starting in their first year and collaborate closely with faculty to shape a degree plan aligned with their career goals. The programme’s learning outcomes (KMERI) require students to develop a professional resume and portfolio; apply classroom learning to practical productions; communicate and collaborate effectively in written, oral, and visual forms; understand the collaborative stages and elements of theatrical creation (playwriting, dramaturgy, text analysis, acting, directing, set, light, costume, sound design, construction and production); gain broad knowledge of theatrical literature from ancient to contemporary; and demonstrate a professional attitude in classes and productions.

Entry requirements

The BA is intended for independent, motivated students with clear intent and focus. From the outset, students work with faculty to chart a specific degree plan. BA students commonly pursue double majors or minors (examples at Otterbein include education, music, creative writing, business, film studies, journalism/media communication, women gender studies, dance, and communication). Specific admissions criteria are set by Otterbein University and are not detailed on this page.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared to enter theatre professions—particularly directing, playwriting, and stage management—or to continue to graduate study (MA, MFA, or PhD). Many BA students undertake senior internships, though internships are not required and are contingent on availability in the professional theatre and screen industries and on student readiness. The program readies students for entry-level roles through hands-on production experience and the creation of a resume and portfolio.

Scholarships & funding angle

While the course page does not list specific scholarships, BA students typically explore institutional scholarships, production-related assistantships, and external internship funding. Building a portfolio and engaging in early production work can strengthen applications for performance- or production-based funding and competitive internships.