UCSB | THEATER

Theater Overview

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Dedicated to the study and practice of theater in all its phases, the Department of Theater and Dance offers a wide range of classes appropriate for non-majors pursuing a liberal arts education and for majors preparing for a professional or educational career. The department currently awards the Bachelor of Fine Arts and the Bachelor of Arts degrees on the undergraduate level and the Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degrees on the graduate level.

All degree programs emphasize the study of dramatic literature and history as well as studio courses and participation in the production program. The Department of Theater and Dance was established under the leadership of Dr. Theodore W. Hatlen with the assistance of Dr. Stanley L. Glenn in 1964, when it separated from the Department of Speech. In 1967, Dr. William R. Reardon expanded the graduate program to include the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, and in 1983, the Bachelor of Fine Arts in acting was added. UC Santa Barbara is one of few schools in the country to offer this B.F.A. program.

While the general education needs of the University are supported by the department through numerous course offerings and a very active performance program, the department's approximately 240 undergraduate majors and 25 graduate students reap the benefits of a department committed to excellence
situated in a large university. The size of the department's faculty and their active involvement presents the student with excellent faculty mentorship.

In a typical year, the department produces five main stage drama productions (which include the UCSB New Plays Festival) and two modern dance concerts. The productions represent the various periods and styles taught in the academic programs, ranging from the classics to contemporary dramas and comedies to original works. Additionally, the department offers graduate and undergraduate directed one-act plays, and dance studio presentations.

For those interested, a comprehensive resource handbook from the department's Production Unit is available.

CAREER CHOICES

Opportunities in professional theater have greatly increased during the last two decades with the expansion of theater centers in many cities and with the development of regional theatres throughout the country. The competition for jobs, particularly acting, remains keen, but the record of UCSB theater graduates is impressive.

Theaters that have employed UCSB alumni include the Berkeley Repertory Theatre, Seattle Repertory Theatre, San Diego's Old Globe Theatre, the Guthrie Theatre, and the New York Public Theatre as well as on-Broadway, off-Broadway, and off-off-Broadway. Some graduates establish their own theatres. Two which continue to grow since their beginnings in the mid-1970s are the San Diego Repertory Theatre and Santa Barbara's Ensemble Theatre. Prior to their senior year many students begin working summers at the Oregon, Utah and Colorado Shakespeare Festivals, Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts, and Santa Rosa Summer Repertory Theatre.

In addition to professional theater, many graduates work in film, television, radio, commercials, and modeling. There are also opportunities, particularly in design and technical theatre, for employment by opera and dance companies or by amusement industries.

The theater major may also seek teaching opportunities in secondary and higher education. Parks and recreation departments are other sources of employment.

Not all theater majors choose to pursue careers in the performing arts. Instead, they use the communication skills, the understanding and appreciation of the humanities, and the personal growth and development which they have gained in the degree program to enter such fields as law, public relations, business, banking, and administration. Other graduates, upon receiving their bachelor's degree, continue their education at UCSB or elsewhere to earn masters and doctoral degrees.

Recipients of the M.A. have gone on to teaching careers in high schools, community and four-year colleges, to further graduate works, and to careers in professional theatre. Holders of the Ph.D are currently on the faculties of such institutions as Stanford University, UCLA, SUNY Buffalo, the University of Texas and Texas A&M.

Maintained by the Dept. of Theater and Dance. Photos and content © 2008 University of California.
Contact: webmaster@theaterdance.ucsb.edu | Last updated October 11 2007 05:10:42 PM

If any of this material is not accessible to you, please contact our department at (805) 893-3241 and we will provide alternatives.