Bachelor of Arts in Theatre ArtsSchool of Arts and Sciences
Where you set the stage
Lights dim, a hush is heard in the audience, and enter stage right…. The world is craving and producing entertainment at unprecedented rates and the world of performance arts continues to grow. Careers span film, television, audio, commercial theatre, community theatre, playwriting, publicity, directing, stage management, set/light design, costume design, management, and marketing, the opportunities continue to open for those who have industry knowledge and experience within theatre arts.
As a Theatre Arts major pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree, you will encounter numerous opportunities, whether on stage or behind the scenes. From working in the box office and assisting with social media for productions to engaging in stage design, technical operations, directing, and acting, this interdisciplinary program is customizable for each student. You will find balance between theoretical classroom instruction and hands-on experiential learning, often taking place in the Diane Ballweg Black Box Theatre or through studio classes and workshops located on campus.
Throughout the academic year, four productions provide students with an immersive engagement in all aspects of theatre. Edgewood University is near the heart of downtown Madison, WI, which provides convenient access to a thriving arts scene and offers diverse opportunities to experience the surrounding vibrant art culture.
Madison, WI
On-campus
120
August 25, 2025
Careers within Theatre Arts
$82,510
A bachelor’s degree in theatre arts prepares you for a variety of career paths.
- Actor
- Assistant Director
- Broadcaster
- Casting Manager
- Costume Designer
- Director
- Drama Teacher
- Hair & Make-up Designer
- Lighting Technician
- Social Media Manager
- Stagehand
- Stage Manager
- Theater Technician
- Wardrobe Supervisor
- Writer
Theatre Arts by the Numbers
295
12+
4
Theatre Arts Student Spotlights
“The theatre program at Edgewood University not only offers many experiences that no other college has, but it also has a community that welcomed me in with open arms.”
“Sometimes it can be frightening. Sometimes you think you’ll forget a line, not be able to hit a note, maybe you’ll mess up a dance step. But you’ll be fine, trust me. You may doubt yourself on stage, but Edgewood has taught me that your quiet fears can turn into thunderous applause.”
“Working on and off stage at Edgewood has allowed me to learn many valuable lessons and make long-lasting relationships.”
Student Organizations
Theatre Assembly
A friendly, inviting community where students can feel free to be themselves, Theatre Assembly provides programming, events, opportunities, and community for anyone interested in theatre, regardless of major. While engaging in this active student organizations, you will also be developing leadership skills. There are a variety of events and activities that are planned, including:
- Trips to Chicago
- Student-directed stage productions
- Annual trip to American Players Theater
- Workshops on improv, fencing, Shakespeare
- Participating in the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF) Conference A
- Halloween Costume Party
- Spring Awards Banquet
Experience London’s Theater and Art History – in London!
As a theatre major at Edgewood University, you can take your knowledge to a higher level through an interdisciplinary, course titled London: Theater and Art History. This experiential course will meet on campus during the fall semester and travel to London, England during the winter interim. Study theater and art history within the concepts of social, cultural, and artistic history of London in the classroom and then travel there for two weeks of immersive experiences featuring plays, museums, and cultural sights.
Faculty Spotlights
JLeep@edgewood.edu
CDunham@edgewood.edu
JLevineThal@edgewood.edu
SNanningSorenson@edgewood.edu
AStandish@edgewood.edu
STabor@edgewood.edu
MWaldhart@edgewood.edu
Kroling@edgewood.edu
Experience the Edgewood University Legacy of Performance
Longstanding History
The Edgewood University Theatre Department has been producing plays and shows since the 1960’s, each a new experience for both actors and audiences. Today, our students can experience all aspects of the theatre – from stage crew, to costumes, to directing, to acting – with four mainstage productions a year. The Diane Ballweg Theatre provides a black box space with top equipment for technical training, that encourages creativity.
Look through our past productions and explore what’s scheduled next season!
The Diane Ballweg Theatre
The Diane Ballweg Theatre is a black box theatre that seats 120+ audience capacity and features a state-of-the-art control booth.
A Creative Haven for students
The Stream is Edgewood University’s visual and theatre arts center. This dramatic industrial structure is home to the art and theatre art programs, Diane Ballweg Theatre, and Edgewood University Gallery. Located on the southwest corner of campus, the building overlooks the surrounding woods and Lake Wingra.
The College recently received Gold LEED certification for the building, which makes it the second LEED-certified building on campus. Edgewood University became the first college or university in Wisconsin for exemplary environmental performance (2006).
The Stream Outdoor Amphitheatre
Students will perform their first show of the season in the outdoor Amphitheatre at the Stream. Enhancing the educational experience for theatre arts students, this space provides students with a unique venue offering versatility, connection with nature, and community engagement.
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