Ball State University
About
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
Degrees & Programs
Degrees
BA, BFA
Majors / Emphases
Acting, Musical Theatre, Dance, Design and Technical, Stage Management, Directing, Theatre Education
Audition requirements
You must apply to and be accepted by Ball State University to be considered for admission into the Department of Theatre and Dance.
An audition is required for admission into our bachelor of fine arts (BFA) degree programs. An interview is not required for admission into our bachelor of arts/bachelor of science (BA/BS) degree programs, but we strongly encourage you to schedule an interview for scholarship consideration.
Policies and procedures specific to audition and interview days and locations will be provided directly to the applicants in their confirmation email that will come from auditions@bsu.edu 2 weeks prior to the student's scheduled audition/interview.
Contact Information
- Website URL
- Programs Website
- Phone
- 1-765-285-8740
- theatrestu@bsu.edu
Social Media
Alumni
Alumni profiles
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Famous Graduates
Musical Theatre Alumni: Meghan "Collins" Conley, Matt Glassner, Dylan Cole Passman, Grace Rex, Adam B. Shapiro
Acting Alumni: Jessica Ervin, Talley Beth Gale, Joe Lino, David Merten, Erin Neufer, Mary Taylor, Meg Warner
Videos
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