B.A. in Women & Gender Studies
Queens College offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs across variou...
B.A. in Drama and Theatre
New York City, New York
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The B.A. in Drama and Theatre at Queens College is designed to cultivate well-rounded theater practitioners and scholars. The program aims to provide a strong liberal arts foundation alongside specialized training in various aspects of drama and theater, including history, literature, acting, directing, stage management, design, and technical theater. Students are encouraged to develop their individual talents and skills through a lively calendar of departmental productions, ranging from plays and musical theater to operas and dance concerts. The program serves as an excellent foundation for graduate study in drama or related fields, or for those seeking careers in performance, production, or arts education.
Curriculum: The curriculum is broad and hands-on, providing students with a foundational understanding of both the artistic and technical elements of theater. Core courses typically include "Play and Performance: Introduction," "Introduction to Acting," "Introduction to Design for the Theatre," and "Introduction to Technical Theatre." Students also delve into the historical evolution of theater through courses like "History of Theatre from Antiquity to the Renaissance" and "History of Theatre from the Renaissance." Electives cover specialized areas such as directing, playwriting, costume design, lighting design, scenic design, voice and articulation for the actor, and various theater workshops (e.g., Shakespeare, Black Drama, Musical Theatre). The program emphasizes practical experience through participation in departmental productions, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in a real-world setting.
Research Focus: While "research" in drama and theatre takes a different form than in scientific disciplines, the faculty in the Department of Drama, Theatre & Dance at Queens College are often practicing professionals—actors, directors, designers, and scholars—actively engaged in their craft and in critical inquiry. Their "research" involves exploring historical theatrical practices, analyzing dramatic literature, developing new performance methodologies, investigating contemporary theatrical trends, and devising original works. Faculty expertise informs the curriculum, exposing students to cutting-edge ideas and techniques in the field. Students are encouraged to engage in their own forms of "research" through in-depth script analysis, historical context exploration for productions, and potentially independent study projects on specific theatrical movements, playwrights, or performance theories. The college library provides extensive resources for drama and theatre studies, including historical and critical information, play collections, and images of productions.
Industry Engagement: Queens College's B.A. in Drama and Theatre program benefits significantly from its location in New York City, a global epicenter for the performing arts. The department emphasizes practical experience and professional development. Students have ample opportunities to perform in and work on full-scale departmental productions, building a resume of experience. The college also encourages and supports students in pursuing internships with a wide array of performing arts organizations in NYC, including theaters, production companies, and cultural institutions. The Center for Career Engagement and Internships at Queens College actively connects students with these opportunities, providing career advising and resources. Guest lecturers, workshops, and masterclasses by industry professionals further bridge the gap between academic study and the professional world, offering invaluable insights and networking avenues.
Global Perspective: The B.A. in Drama and Theatre at Queens College inherently fosters a strong global perspective through its curriculum, which explores diverse theatrical traditions from around the world and across historical periods. Students delve into the history of theatre from antiquity, encompassing classical Greek and Roman drama, Renaissance plays, and modern and contemporary works that often reflect global cultural movements and social issues. The multicultural nature of Queens College's student body, representing numerous linguistic and ethnic backgrounds, further enriches this global outlook. This diverse environment encourages students to consider different cultural interpretations of performance, storytelling, and human experience, preparing them to contribute to a globalized arts community and understand the universal power of dramatic expression. The exposure to various forms of dance (including Asian and African dance within the department) also contributes to this global understanding of performance.
Location
New York City, New York
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
USD 19207
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 60% 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 61 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 44 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 100.
Queens College, United States of America, is supporting international students through various scholarship opportunities designed to recognize academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement.
Merit-Based Scholarships: Queens College offers a range of merit-based scholarships specifically available to international students. These awards are typically granted based on academic achievement, standardized test scores, and overall potential. Some scholarships are automatically considered during the admissions process, while others may require separate applications.
Queens College Foundation Scholarships: The Queens College Foundation administers several scholarships funded by alumni and donors. These scholarships reward outstanding academic performance and community service. International students are encouraged to explore these opportunities and apply early to maximize their chances of receiving aid.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at Queens College provide scholarships for students excelling in their respective fields. International students can inquire within their chosen department about specialized awards, grants, and assistantships that may be available during their studies.
External Scholarships: Queens College encourages international students to seek external scholarships offered by governments, private organizations, and international education foundations.
Queens College, a vital part of the City University of New York (CUNY) system, offers a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Drama and Theatre.
Actor/Performer: This is a direct path for many drama graduates. They can pursue acting roles in theater (Broadway, Off-Broadway, regional, community), film, television, commercials, or voice acting (for animation, audiobooks, video games). This path often requires resilience, continuous training, and networking.
Stage Manager: Essential to any production, stage managers oversee all practical and technical aspects of a theatrical performance. They coordinate rehearsals, manage cues, ensure smooth transitions, and serve as the central communication link between the director, cast, and crew.
Theatre Director: Graduates with a strong artistic vision can pursue directing, guiding the creative and practical interpretation of a script from conception to performance. This involves working closely with actors, designers, and the production team to bring a play to life.
Arts Administrator/Manager: For those interested in the business side of the arts, this role involves managing the operations of theaters, production companies, cultural centers, or non-profit arts organizations. Responsibilities can include fundraising, marketing, programming, budgeting, and personnel management.
Technical Theatre Professional (Lighting, Sound, Set, Costume Design/Technician): Graduates interested in the behind-the-scenes magic can specialize in various technical roles. This includes designing and operating lighting, sound, or scenic elements, or working as a costume or prop maker. These roles require a blend of artistic vision and technical proficiency.
Drama Teacher/Educator: A B.A. in Drama and Theatre provides an excellent foundation for teaching drama and theater arts at the K-12 level (often with additional education certification) or for leading workshops in community theater programs. Some may pursue higher degrees to teach at colleges.
Playwright/Screenwriter: With their deep understanding of dramatic structure, character development, and storytelling, graduates can pursue careers as playwrights (writing for the stage) or screenwriters (writing for film and television). This path often involves freelancing and developing a portfolio of original works.
Event Planner/Manager: The organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage complex logistics learned through theater production are highly transferable to event planning. Graduates can manage corporate events, concerts, festivals, or private functions.
Public Relations/Marketing Specialist: Strong communication skills, charisma, and the ability to tell compelling stories make drama graduates well-suited for roles in public relations or marketing. They can work in various industries, crafting messages, managing media relations, and promoting brands or individuals.
Community Arts Worker/Outreach Coordinator: These professionals engage communities through artistic programs, workshops, and performances. Graduates can work for non-profits, cultural institutions, or government agencies, using theater as a tool for social engagement, education, and community development.
