East Texas Baptist University

East Texas Baptist University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts, with optional concentrations in Performance, Design/Technical Theatre, Musical Theatre, or Theatre Arts Education (leading to K‑12 certification). Coursework spans acting, script analysis, stagecraft, directing, and theatre history, and integrates alongside core liberal arts classes in English, history, math, religion, and communication to prepare students for diverse theatre careers or graduate study within a Christian worldview.

The program emphasizes early and sustained involvement in production. Students participate in multiple main-stage productions each year—ranging from musicals and classical works to contemporary drama—offered in on‑campus auditoriums and off‑campus venues such as Memorial City Hall in downtown Marshall. Production courses such as Theatre Production/Workshop and Advanced Production/Workshop give students both academic credit and valuable experiential learning .

Hands-on technical training is central to ETBU’s mission. From Stagecraft I–III through Script Analysis and Directing I, students build practical skills in scenery, lighting, sound, costumes, make-up, and movement. The curriculum includes a required course, Christianity and Theatre, emphasizing how faith and dramaturgy intersect—a unique aspect of ETBU’s training ethos .

Students can also pursue a B.A. in Musical Theatre, combining acting, voice, dance training, music theory, and audition technique, creating a true “triple-threat” performer prepared for performance and education roles. All theatre majors audition for entry and may qualify for limited scholarships. The department invites students into leadership and design roles and supports membership in Alpha Psi Omega, the national theatre honor society.

ETBU’s program situates students within a spiritually grounded and professionally focused environment. Benefit sources include small classes, faculty mentorship, student-led Discovery Series productions, and occasionally international performance opportunities. Graduates leave equipped for roles in performance, design, direction, education, or graduate work, carrying both artistic skill and transferable competencies rooted in ethical and academic values.