Ball State University

Ball State’s Department of Theatre and Dance offers a comprehensive and nationally recognized curriculum combining the strengths of B.F.A. training and B.A./B.S. flexibility within a liberal arts framework. BFA tracks include Acting, Musical Theatre, Design & Technology, and Dance, and require auditions, interviews, or portfolio reviews; BA/BS options such as Theatre Creation, Directing & Stage Management, Theatre Education, and Design & Technology are more flexible and suited to students interested in interdisciplinary study or dual majors.

Students participate in a robust and varied production season—typically four mainstage theatre productions and two dance concerts annually—staged in the 400‑seat University Theatre, as well as in the intimate Strother Theatre (100‑seat black box), The Cave (laboratory theatre), and dance venues. The production year frequently includes musicals, classics, devised works, and student-generated projects, giving early, hands-on creative access to students across disciplines.

Core to the program’s philosophy is mentorship by faculty, guest artists, and alumni ambassadors, with opportunities for international study, showcase performances in New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles, and workshops with theatre professionals. Scholarships are available, and audition/interview participation often opens doors to departmental awards and networking opportunities with industry.

Ball State’s facilities are designed to support immersive learning—students rehearse and perform in technologically advanced spaces and produce design work in fully equipped scene, lighting, sound, costume, and makeup studios. These resources allow students to train across theatrical disciplines with professional tools and mentorship.

Graduates leave Ball State prepared for graduate study or careers in theatre, film, education, design, and arts leadership—with an emphasis on creativity, collaboration, and empathy. The program’s alumni include working professionals on Broadway, regional theatre, film, and TV, reflecting the school’s mission to develop compassionate and adaptable artist-scholars ready to make an impact in the arts and beyond