College of Arts and Sciences
Theatre Arts
College of Arts and Sciences
Theatre Arts
Ignite Your Passion for Theatre at NMSU
At New Mexico State University, the theatre arts program offers a dynamic and immersive education for aspiring artists, designers, and scholars. Whether you're drawn to the spotlight or the creative process behind the scenes, our program provides hands-on experience and personalized mentorship to help you hone your craft and prepare for a successful career in the performing arts.
Admission Deadlines
There are no fixed deadlines*
- Total classes: 40
- Total credit hours: 120
- Cost per credit hour: $223.58**
Delivery Format
In-person
Career Pathways
A degree in Theatre Arts equips you with a powerful blend of creativity, collaboration, communication, and technical skills—qualities that open doors in the performing arts and many other industries.
- Stage Actor
- Film/TV Actor
- Voice Actor
- Scenic Designer
- Lighting Designer
- Theatre Director
- Theatre Teacher (K-12, with certification)
Degree questions, answered
Have questions about the Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts? Fill out our inquiry form.
Why Choose NMSU Theatre Arts?
Whether you're looking to perform, design, direct, or write, NMSU theatre arts provides the training and opportunities to bring your artistic vision to life. Join us and be part of a program committed to excellence in the arts.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Our Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Theatre Arts offers emphasis in acting, musical theatre, costuming, scenic and lighting design, sound design, directing, playwriting, and stage management.
- Experienced Faculty: Learn from a dedicated faculty with diverse professional backgrounds, including Broadway, film, television, and regional theatre.
- Practical Experience: Engage in main-stage productions from day one, gaining real-world experience in acting, design, and production.
- Collaborative Environment: Benefit from a low student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention and fostering a close-knit artistic community.
Students preparing to teach in public schools may qualify for certification by completing the Bachelor of Science in Education degree with theatre arts as a teaching field.
State-of-the-Art Facilities
Train and perform in the $38 million ASNMSU Center for the Arts, a modern venue equipped with advanced technology and designed to enhance your educational experience.
Scholarships Available
Get up to 100% of tuition covered with the New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship.**
The Theatre program includes a strong emphases in acting, musical theatre, new works, and design/technical theatre.
The Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts consists of 120 credits. To earn this degree, you need to complete all University degree requirements, which include General Education requirements, Viewing a Wider World requirements, and elective credits with 48 credits in courses numbered 300 or above. A minimum of 62 credits with a grade of C- or higher in theatre arts is required for the major. Theatre Arts does not require a second language.
Take classes like:
- THEA 1221 – Beginning Acting
- THEA 1223 – The Art of Theatre
- THEA 2310 – Stagecraft
- THEA 2993 – Theatre Workshop
- THEA 345 – Costume Practicum
- THEA 347 – Lighting Practicum
The Musical Theatre concentration is designed to provide students with training in musical theatre performance, including singing, dancing and acting.
The Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts consists of 120 credits. To earn this degree, you need to complete all University degree requirements, which include General Education requirements, Viewing a Wider World requirements, and elective credits with 48 credits in courses numbered 300 or above. A minimum of 62 credits with a grade of C- or higher in theatre arts is required for the major. Theatre Arts does not require a second language.
Take classes like:
- THEA 1221 – Beginning Acting
- THEA 1223 – The Art of Theatre
- THEA 1222 – Stage Movement
- THEA 2993 – Theatre Workshop
- THEA 306 – Script Analysis
- DANC 2460 – Dance for Musical Theatre
The Design/Technical/Management concentration equips students with the skills and experience needed to work behind the scenes in theatrical productions. Students gain hands-on training in areas such as stagecraft, costuming, lighting, sound, scenic design, and stage management, preparing them for careers in technical theatre, production management, or further graduate study in related fields.
The Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts consists of 120 credits. Students must complete all University degree requirements, which include: General Education requirements, Viewing a Wider World requirements, and elective credits with 48 credits in courses numbered 300 or above. A minimum of 62 credits with a grade of C- or higher in theatre arts is required for the major. Theatre Arts does not require a second language.
Take classes like:
- THEA 1223 - The Art of Theatre
- THEA 2310 - Stagecraft
- THEA 1415 - Running Crew I
- THEA 346 - Scenic Practicum
- THEA 347 - Lighting Practicum
- THEA 395 - Directing I
Ready to take the next step?
Request Information
Scholarships and Financial Aid
At NMSU, we strive to offer competitively priced tuition to keep your tuition costs affordable. If you need financial aid, we’re ready to work with you to determine the best ways to finance your education.
Financial assistance includes loans, grants, and scholarship opportunities. To apply, use NMSU’s convenient Scholar Dollar$ one-stop scholarship application, which serves all students in the NMSU system.
NMSU students are also eligible for loans and grants. The first step in applying for financial aid is to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more about financial aid opportunities at NMSU.
Contact Financial Aid
Phone: 1-888-729-6678
Email: financialaid@nmsu.edu
Accreditation
New Mexico State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Specialized accreditation from other accrediting agencies is also granted for some programs. NMSU’s accreditation ensures that your education meets high-quality standards and that your credits are transferable.