BA in Theatre
Manhattanville University — Purchase, NY
About this program
Manhattanville University's BA Theatre program is grounded in a liberal arts education and augmented by practical training under faculty who bring New York-area professional experience into the classroom. From the start, the program emphasizes theatre as both art and civic expression, preparing students to explore performance and production with intentional creativity. Early coursework introduces students to core areas including acting, voice & speech, stagecraft, directing, and dramatic literature. As they advance, students may specialize in acting or technical theatre while continuing to engage in both onstage and backstage roles. Students participate in at least two mainstage productions and one production practicum each year, gaining real-world experience across disciplines like directing, lighting design, stage management, and scene work. Performance is frequent and varied, with familiar classics as well as student-led projects and experimental works linked to New York City creative networks. A permanent senior thesis project allows majors to reflect their artistic interests in a culminating production or written component. The program's proximity to New York City enhances internship, networking, and career pathways, and students graduate with experience in acting, design, stage management, playwriting, and arts administration.
Audition & application overview
- Requires a live or recorded audition
- Requires a monologue
- Requires a dance audition
- Requires an essay
In Person and Virtual
See the full requirements and deadlines
Create a free PerformrGO account to see this program's exact deadlines, contacts, prescreen and audition details, and to track your application alongside every other school on your list.
Sign Up Free