B.A. in Accounting
Lycoming's B.S. in Accounting provides two tracks for students: a 150-credit hour t...
B.A. in Theatre
Williamsport, Pennsylvania
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The B.A. in Theatre at Lycoming College provides a rich blend of practical training and theoretical understanding, recognizing theatre as a multifaceted art form and a vibrant industry. Students are encouraged to get involved in productions as early as their first year, gaining invaluable real-world experience. The program offers various concentrations, including Acting, Directing, Musical Theatre, Design & Technology, and Stage Management, allowing students to tailor their studies to their specific interests and career aspirations. The department prides itself on its intimate thrust stage (Mary L. Welch Theatre) and a flexible black-box space (Dragon's Lair Theatre), providing ample opportunity for hands-on learning and performance.
Curriculum: The Theatre curriculum at Lycoming College combines practical training with an exploration of theatre history and dramatic literature. Core courses introduce students to various aspects of production, including "Understanding Theatre," "Introduction to Acting," and "Fundamentals of Production Design." Students also gain hands-on experience through "Theatre Performance Practicum" and "Theatre Leadership Practicum," where they participate in mainstage productions as actors, crew members, or in leadership roles like assistant directors or designers. Upper-level courses delve into specialized areas based on the chosen concentration, such as "Introduction to Directing," "Modern Drama," and "Special Topics in Theatre." The curriculum is designed to create well-rounded theatre practitioners with a strong understanding of both the artistic and technical elements of the stage.
Research Focus: Research in the Theatre program at Lycoming College primarily takes the form of artistic inquiry, practical experimentation, and scholarly analysis of dramatic literature and theatre history. Students engage in in-depth script analysis, historical research to inform performance and design choices, and the exploration of various theatrical methodologies. Opportunities exist for students to produce their original plays, small-scale productions, and showcases in the Dragon's Lair Theatre, which serves as an experimental space. Students also engage in capstone experiences tailored to their artistic needs, allowing them to articulate their unique artistic voice. Faculty, who are accomplished professionals in their fields, mentor students in these creative and scholarly endeavors.
Industry Engagement: Lycoming College places a significant emphasis on practical industry engagement for its Theatre students, directly preparing them for professional careers. The department maintains a full production schedule, providing numerous opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience as actors, directors, designers, technicians, and stage managers. Students work with state-of-the-industry equipment in the Mary L. Welch Theatre and benefit from professionally equipped scene and costume shops. The college actively encourages students to audition for and interview with professional companies and summer theatre programs, providing guidance, portfolio preparation, and audition coaching. Lycoming also offers opportunities to watch productions and receive guided tours of facilities at renowned venues like the Shaw Festival and attend productions in New York City with faculty, fostering valuable networking. A newly developed partnership with the Community Arts Center in downtown Williamsport, a large professional venue, provides additional collaborative opportunities.
Global Perspective: A global perspective is integrated into Lycoming College's B.A. in Theatre through the study of diverse dramatic literature and theatrical traditions from around the world. The curriculum exposes students to various cultural expressions of theatre, fostering an understanding of how theatre reflects and shapes societies globally. While specific study abroad requirements are not detailed, Lycoming College actively encourages international experiences, which can significantly broaden a theatre major's understanding of global performance practices. The exposure to different cultural contexts through plays and discussions prepares graduates to appreciate and contribute to the rich, international tapestry of theatrical arts.
Location
Williamsport, Pennsylvania
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
USD 49258
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 70 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 50 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 100.
Lycoming College is attracting talented international students by offering generous and competitive scholarship opportunities. These scholarships help make a high-quality liberal arts education accessible and affordable for students from around the world, fostering a diverse and vibrant campus community.
Merit-Based Scholarships: All international applicants to Lycoming College are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships there is no separate application required. These scholarships reward academic excellence, leadership, and extracurricular achievements.
Renewable Scholarships: Scholarships awarded to international students at Lycoming are renewable for up to four years, provided that students maintain satisfactory academic progress and good standing with the college. This continuity offers financial stability throughout the undergraduate journey.
Need-Based Aid: In addition to merit scholarships, Lycoming College offers limited need-based financial aid to international students who demonstrate financial need. Students may be required to submit additional documentation to be considered for this aid. Need-based support complements merit awards to further reduce the overall cost of attendance.
Specialty Scholarships and Awards: Lycoming College occasionally provides targeted scholarships based on students’ fields of study, leadership qualities, or unique talents. International students are encouraged to inquire about available departmental awards or special grants during the admissions process.
A Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Theatre from Lycoming College provides graduates with a distinctive and highly transferable set of skills, blending artistic expression with practical technical knowledge and collaborative abilities.
Actor/Performer: While highly competitive, Lycoming's rigorous training in acting, voice, and movement, coupled with extensive performance opportunities, prepares students for professional careers in stage, film, television, or commercial acting.
Stage Manager: Theatre majors with strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills are well-suited to become stage managers. They oversee all aspects of a theatrical production, from rehearsals to performances, ensuring smooth operations and communication between all departments.
Technical Director/Lighting Designer/Sound Designer: For those passionate about the technical aspects of theatre, graduates can specialize in technical direction (overseeing all technical elements), lighting design, or sound design. These roles require a deep understanding of equipment, safety, and creative problem-solving. (Average annual US salary for Theater Technical Director: ~$115,510 as of June 2025, ZipRecruiter).
Costume Designer/Shop Manager: Graduates with an interest in fashion, history, and character development can pursue careers as costume designers, bringing characters to life through their clothing, or manage a costume shop, overseeing the creation and maintenance of theatrical wardrobes.
Theatre Director: Building on their understanding of dramatic literature, acting, and production, graduates can pursue directing roles, guiding the artistic vision of theatrical productions from conception to performance. This often involves further training or assistant directing roles initially.
Production Manager (Theatre/Events): Graduates can apply their skills in logistics, budgeting, scheduling, and team coordination to become production managers in theatre companies, event planning firms, or entertainment venues, overseeing the overall execution of projects.
Arts Administrator/Marketing Specialist: A theatre background provides excellent skills for managing arts organizations. Graduates can work in roles such as marketing, fundraising, public relations, box office management, or educational outreach for theatre companies, museums, or cultural institutions.
Drama Therapist (with further graduate study): A B.A. in Theatre provides a strong foundation for pursuing a master's degree in drama therapy. These professionals use theatrical techniques and processes to help individuals explore emotions, improve communication, and achieve personal growth in therapeutic settings.
Events Manager/Coordinator: The organizational, collaborative, and problem-solving skills honed in theatre production are highly transferable to event management, from corporate conferences to festivals and concerts.
Educator (Drama/English/Communications): With additional teacher certification, theatre graduates can teach drama, English, or communications at the K-12 level. They can also work as drama coaches, workshop facilitators, or directors of school and community theatre programs.
