Georgia Southwestern State University

Georgia Southwestern State University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Drama & Theatre Arts, a general theatre major with several emphasis options focused on performance, communication, and production. While the program is modest in size, it delivers a well-rounded curriculum aimed at developing students’ creativity, professionalism, and critical engagement with theatre practice.

Students begin with foundation courses in acting, script analysis, theatre history, and stagecraft, followed by upper-division coursework tied to their emphasis—whether that’s performance, design/technical theatre, or emerging media. Practicum opportunities allow undergraduates to participate in university productions in front of or behind the scenes, earning credit and building essential experience.

Though small, GSW’s program benefits from hands-on mentorship and manageable class sizes, allowing students meaningful roles in departmental productions and events. The university also hosts theatre-related performances via its music and emerging media programs, including musical theatre productions, cabaret shows, and student-driven dramatic presentations.

GSW’s offerings are facilitated through the Department of Music, Communication & Emerging Media, which emphasizes training across multiple creative media. Theatre students can engage with collaborative productions, digital media design, and performance initiatives supported by a mix of performance venues and media labs on campus.

Graduates leave GSW with transferable credits, performance and production experience, and portfolios that support graduate study or entry-level theatre work. Although the program is not nationally ranked, its affordability, close faculty support, and integrated arts environment make it a solid starting point for students pursuing creative careers in theatre, media, or arts-related work.