M.S. in Computer Information Systems
The M.S. in Computer Information Systems at NEC is a 36-credit program that can typical...
B.A. in Theatre
Henniker, New Hampshire
INTAKE: Jan, Aug & Oct
Program Overview
The B.A. in Theatre at New England College is a four-year, 120-credit program that offers an immersive and future-focused approach to theatrical education. Students are involved in theatre productions from their first semester, participating in three annual shows: a major fall production, a winter staged reading, and a spring production. This practical involvement extends to learning and applying every technique and tool used in theatrical settings. The program also includes an immersion program with NEC's summer professional company, The Open Door Theatre, providing a professional experience. Graduates are prepared for careers both on and behind the stage, as well as for roles in other fields that value creative thinking and strong communication skills.
Curriculum: The 120-credit B.A. in Theatre curriculum at NEC is composed of 46 credits in Theatre Core Courses, 42 credits in the Liberal Arts & Sciences Core Curriculum, and 32 general elective credits. Theatre Core Courses include foundational skills such as "Acting I" and "Acting II," "Speech for the Performer," and "Movement for the Performer." Students also delve into the technical and analytical aspects with courses like "Stagecraft I" and "Stagecraft II," "Production Analysis," "Play Analysis," "Directing," and "The Design Process." Literary study is integrated through "Survey of Western Drama" and "Shakespeare." A "Theatre Capstone" course and a "Summer Professional Immersion Experience" culminate the practical learning, allowing students to create an audition package or technical portfolio.
Research Focus: The B.A. in Theatre at New England College has a strong applied and practical focus on performance and production, rather than traditional academic research that culminates in a thesis. The program emphasizes "digging into every facet of the theatre to better understand ourselves" and "challenging each other in every corner of the theatre to better understand each other." Students engage in "play analysis" and "production analysis," which involve critical interpretation and understanding of theatrical works. Faculty members are active theatre-makers whose research interests often involve creating new devised theatre pieces, exploring aging and illness through performance, and collaborating with playwrights on new works. This indicates a research approach embedded within the creative process and the exploration of theatre's societal impact.
Industry Engagement: New England College's B.A. in Theatre program boasts significant industry engagement through its intensive, hands-on production experience. Students are involved in three annual shows from their very first semester, gaining practical skills in acting, directing, design, and stage management within the state-of-the-art Rosamond Page Putnam Center for the Performing Arts. The program includes an "immersion program with our summer professional company, The Open Door Theatre," providing a direct link to professional theatre practice. Faculty members are "professionals from all areas of live and recorded performance," bringing their real-world expertise into the classroom and mentoring students. The program aims to prepare students for a "seamless transition to a professional career" by developing audition packages and technical portfolios.
Global Perspective: The B.A. in Theatre at New England College implicitly integrates a global perspective by exploring "every story we tell, every character we play, every set we build, every light we shine, and every world we create elevates us." While a specific "Global Theatre" course isn't explicitly listed in the core, the study of "Survey of Western Drama" implies a historical and cultural journey through various theatrical traditions. Moreover, faculty research interests, such as devised theatre pieces that have toured internationally (e.g., Brazil and Portugal), expose students to global theatrical practices and cross-cultural storytelling. The liberal arts and sciences core curriculum at NEC includes a "Global Perspectives" course, further broadening students' understanding of diverse cultures and their forms of artistic expression. The inherent nature of theatre, which often reflects and comments on universal human experiences, naturally lends itself to a global understanding.
Location
Henniker, New Hampshire
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 40178
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 80 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 65 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
New England College (NEC) is supporting talented international students by offering a range of merit-based scholarships designed to make quality education more accessible and affordable. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, leadership, and other achievements, helping to reduce the financial burden of studying in the United States.
Merit-Based Scholarships: All international applicants to NEC are automatically considered for merit scholarships during the admission process. Awards vary based on the student’s academic record, test scores, extracurricular involvement, and leadership qualities.
Presidential Scholarship: One of the most prestigious awards, the Presidential Scholarship, is granted to exceptional international students with outstanding academic credentials.
Athletic Scholarships: NEC offers athletic scholarships to international students who demonstrate exceptional skill and commitment in NCAA Division III sports. These scholarships are awarded based on athletic performance, team needs, and coach recommendations, providing support while balancing academics and athletics.
Specialized Program Scholarships: Certain academic departments at NEC may offer scholarships targeting high-achieving students pursuing degrees in fields such as Business, Cybersecurity, Education, Creative Writing, and Health Sciences. These targeted awards help attract top talent and support focused areas of study.
Graduates of New England College's B.A. in Theatre are equipped with a versatile range of skills that are highly transferable to a variety of professions, both within and outside the performing arts.
Actor/Performer: Pursues roles in theatre, film, television, commercials, or voice acting, utilizing their performance skills, character development, and stage presence.
Director (Theatre/Film): Leads the artistic vision of a production, guiding actors, overseeing design elements, and making creative decisions to bring a script to life.
Stage Manager: Oversees all aspects of a theatrical production from rehearsals through performances, ensuring smooth operations, managing schedules, and coordinating communication between departments.
Set Designer/Scenic Artist: Conceptualizes and creates the physical environment for a production, including scenery, props, and backdrops, often working with carpenters and painters.
Costume Designer: Researches, designs, and creates costumes for characters in theatrical productions, film, or television, considering historical accuracy, character psychology, and practical needs.
Lighting Designer: Develops and implements lighting plots and cues to create atmosphere, highlight action, and define space for live performances, film sets, or events.
Arts Administrator/Manager: Manages the operations of theatre companies, performing arts venues, or non-profit arts organizations, handling budgeting, marketing, fundraising, and programming.
Drama Teacher/Educator (K-12 or Community): Teaches theatre arts, acting, and production skills to students in schools or community settings, fostering creativity and self-expression (may require additional education licensure).
Event Planner/Coordinator: Applies organizational, logistical, and creative skills to plan and execute a wide range of events, including corporate functions, conferences, or public spectacles.
Marketing/Public Relations Specialist: Utilizes strong communication, storytelling, and creative thinking to promote theatre productions, arts organizations, or other businesses, engaging with audiences and media.
