The Bachelor of Arts in Theatre, offered by the Department of Theatre, represents one of several major arts concentrations within the College of Arts and Sciences. However, our reach extends far beyond our majors—Lehigh students from every academic discipline participate in theatre courses and productions. In this capacity, we serve not merely as a departmental program but as a vital resource supporting the university's broader educational mission. Like philosophy, English, or music, theatre educates a dedicated core of majors while offering a humanizing and liberalizing influence to students across all of Lehigh's colleges.
The theatre major provides comprehensive training in both theory and practice, encompassing theatrical literature, history, and production. This rigorous preparation positions our most committed students for acceptance into respected graduate programs or entry-level professional positions. Recognizing that theatre careers demand diverse skills beyond traditional B.A. curricula—and that some graduates will pursue careers outside the performing arts—we've structured the major to accommodate double majors. For students in more rigid curricula, our theatre minor offers meaningful engagement with the discipline.
Beyond academics, the department produces a full season of productions annually. Together, our academic and production programs create a comprehensive theatre experience serving majors, minors, students from across campus, and the broader community. Season planning begins a full year in advance with input from the entire theatre faculty, staff, and student representatives. We carefully consider period, genre, style, emerging artistic trends, overall balance, and educational value to create seasons that explore the finest and most challenging works of international dramatic literature across each four-year undergraduate cycle.
Empowering student artists stands at the heart of our educational philosophy. We expect students to develop leadership skills and assume increasing responsibility as they progress through the program. Properly prepared and mentored undergraduates work alongside faculty artists on productions, gaining mainstage opportunities as directors and designers that are rarely available at the undergraduate level. Additionally, students enhance their scholarly development by accompanying faculty mentors to professional, off-campus venues where they assist in creating theatre at the highest levels.