Theatre Arts, B.A.
Whether students take center stage or work behind the scenes, CBU’s Theatre Arts program cultivates their theatrical skills with classes in acting, design, and musical theatre.
Program Intro
Students in CBU’s Theatre Arts bachelor’s program take what they learn in the classroom and apply it on stage with CBU’s award-winning productions. With four productions a season, one play and one musical each semester, students have numerous opportunities to develop the skills required of the discipline.
As a university committed to The Great Commission, faith is integrated with our season selection process and Theatre Arts curriculum. Our professors are not only practicing Christians, but also active in the profession. Students receive focused attention, guidance, and encouragement from professors who care about whole-person formation.
Beyond productions and coursework, a variety of professional-training experiences await students, led by industry professionals. From master classes to internships to networking events, students can get plugged into the industry before they graduate. Our major cultivates professionals who can model Christ as they pursue their calling in the entertainment industry.
Why Study Theatre at CBU?
Develop professional skillset
With four productions a year, two plays and two musicals, students are acquiring first-hand the skills necessary to be successful in the profession through performance and design opportunities. Our students are cultivated as actors, technicians, and designers who can collaborate with a production team to take a script from the page to the stage with professionalism.
Make lifelong friendships and thrive in community
Students in our program gather weekly for “Community Time.” During these gatherings students and faculty worship together through song, scriptural devotions, prayer, and small group discussion. This time also features guest speakers from the entertainment industry, who speak to faith integration in their specific fields.
Faculty and staff come alongside students to mentor and guide them through the creative process. As a private institution, students enjoy smaller class sizes, more focused attention from professors, and more numerous practical opportunities to apply their skills.
Perform, train, and teach in venues across the nation and around the world
Our Musical Theatre Tour group performs at schools, churches, homeless shelters, and community groups. The review is an hour long and presents an overview of the musical theatre genre from Rodgers and Hammerstein to Lin-Manuel Miranda. There are also touring educational workshops in which our students serve as co-teachers with a faculty mentor, providing training in areas such as movement, voice, and acting. There are also opportunities to study abroad and take productions to international festivals. Our alumni have performed with a variety of companies including Shakespeare by the Sea, Disney, and Off-Broadway. Many have gone on to graduate studies abroad at the Theatre Academy London, Trinity College in Ireland, and the University of Westminster in England.
What You'll Learn
- Critical Analysis
B.A. Theatre Arts students will employ accurate analysis of dramatic structure through written and oral critique of theatrical literature and production. - History & Practice
B.A. Theatre Arts students will demonstrate understanding of the historical development of theatrical practice. - Faith Integration
B.A. Theatre Arts students will identify and incorporate biblical principles into theatrical practice. - Collaboration
B.A. Theatre Arts students will model professionally competitive skills of collaboration and inclusion in the creation of unique theatrical works. - Production
B.A. Theatre Arts students will demonstrate competency in production of performative works of art (performance, design/technical).
THE 211: Fundamentals of Stagecraft
This course offers an introduction to the basic construction methods, materials and techniques employed in the scene shop. Students will also develop skills in producing large-scale scenic painting and texturing effects through multiple in-class projects.
THE 230: Acting for the Camera
Students will learn strategies for building truthful performances in a multi-camera studio environment. Participants will refine acting techniques through monologues, sensory exercises, and beginning scene study work. Open to all students.
THE 270: Musical Theatre Song Study I
Song Study 1 is a musical theatre performance workshop course designed both to create a foundation of knowledge of the industry repertoire and to continue growth in acting and musicianship. Students will first learn to apply their character/text analysis skills to songs, as well as understand the impact of style, time period, and genre in musical theatre. Students will memorize and perform new material each week as they explore composers from Gilbert & Sullivan (1870s) up to the Golden Age with Rodgers and Hammerstein II (1950s).
- Design for Stage and Screen
- Performance for Stage and Screen
- Musical Theatre
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
I absolutely love theatre arts, and I love the effect it can have on people. There is an amazing community within the department, and the professors are absolutely fantastic. I want to perform professionally in theatre and musical theatre, and later I would like to teach and direct theatre. The theatre department is a great place for people to grow in their art as well as their faith! I have learned how to integrate my faith into my art.
Sarah Bare '21
I’ve always loved theatre and I believe it’s what God has called me to do. I like the community in this program; I've learned more about myself in my two years here than anywhere else. I hope to go to Broadway, and CBU is giving me the skills I need to succeed in a very competitive field.
Mark McMillan '19
I have always loved literature and theatre and the combination of the two seemed like the most natural option. I hope to either perform or work in costumes and/or makeup in theatre or film. The professors here truly care about your individual education and the people I have met have been so uplifting and encouraging.
Emily Feaster '19
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.