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All Majors & Minors

Theatre

Degree

Bachelor of Arts, Major, Minor

School/College

College of Arts & Sciences
Theatre students performing on stage while dressed in early 19th century costumes.

Fairfield's Theatre program is tailored to each student's unique interests. All majors and minors will work closely with theatre faculty to determine a personalized course of study for their interests and career aspirations. 

What You'll Learn and Do

Follow your interests

At Fairfield, the Theatre Program encourages students to let their passion lead them while preparing for their future careers. To diversify their education, students can pursue a double major in theatre and English, psychology, sociology, history, communications, and more.

Take your bachelor's degree further

Students interested in becoming theatre educators in the K-12 system can double-major in theatre and English and add a minor in Education. A fifth year of study leads to a Master’s in Education, and students are ready to enter the workforce on a stable career path.

Build a strong foundation for your future

Students will take courses that examine theatre both in theory and in practice. Hands-on positions with Theatre Fairfield productions– such as actors, stage managers, designers, and more– ensure that students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills that will aid them in future endeavors.

Learn by doing

There are internship opportunities with Theatre Fairfield, the resident company on campus. These positions give undergraduates insight into organizing crews, marketing shows, managing audience relations, and dramaturgy. In other words, theatre students obtain real-life experience in the theatre business. In addition, students secure internships in neighboring New York City or right here in Connecticut.

Theatre Fairfield

Theatre Fairfield is Fairfield University’s resident production company run by the Theatre Program. The company performs in the Quick Center for the Arts. We think of Theatre Fairfield as our practical laboratory, where students and faculty members experiment and refine concepts they are learning in the classroom. Participation in Theatre Fairfield productions is open to all University students, regardless of their major or minor.

One actor sits on a couch on set while an actress stands behind him.

Find Out More

Course Requirements

Theatre Major (BA)

33 credits

Theatre Minor

18 credits

Contact Us

Undergraduate Admission
admis@fairfield.edu
(203) 254-4100

Performance Spaces

  • An aerial view of a black box theatre.

    Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts

    Conveniently located on campus, the Quick Center for the Arts' Wien Experimental Theatre is home to Theatre Fairfield, the professional theatre production wing of Fairfield University's theatre program. The 40’ by 40’ black box theatre provides the flexibility needed to customize the space for a wide variety of theatrical performances. It also boasts a newly installed audio system, professional lighting, and projection capabilities.

  • An aerial view of Canisius Hall.

    Canisius Hall

    Designed in collaboration with Fairfield University architect Curt Krushinsky, Canisius Hall, Room 15 has been converted into an adaptable, interactive performing arts laboratory that serves as both a classroom and rehearsal studio for Theatre Fairfield. The spacious, one-level room has been outfitted with two video projectors and screens, a washable rubber floor that supports movement and dance, tables and chairs built on casters for easy mobility, and a utility sink for cleaning paint brushes, costumes, and other items used in design and tech classes.

Career Outlook

Fairfield University’s Theatre program lets students follow their passion for performance into various professional experiences.

Internships

Recent Placements

  • Roundabout Theatre, New York City, NY
  • Long Wharf Theatre, New Haven, CT
  • Honolulu Theatre for Youth, Honolulu, HI
  • The Berkshire Theatre Festival, Stockbridge, MA
  • Ogunquit Playhouse, Ogunquit, ME

Alumni Employers

  • Fox Television
  • Westport Country Playhouse
  • Actors Equity Association
  • Manhattan Theatre Club
  • Long Wharf Theatre
  • Utah Shakespeare Festival
  • Denver Theatre Center
  • Harold Prince Productions
  • Riverdance

My various theatre internships, in conjunction with my major in theatre management, proved to be extremely valuable to my growth as a theatre artist.

-Maggie Greene

Student Learning Outcomes

Theatre as an Art Form

Gain factual knowledge of theatre as an art form.

Fundamentals & Theories

Learn the principles and theories fundamental to theatre.

Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving

Learn to improve critical thinking and problem-solving skills through course material.

Skill-Building

Develop specific skills integral to the theatre profession.

Creativity

Develop creative capacities.

Self-Expression

Develop the capacity to express oneself both orally and in writing.

Research

Learn to find resources for answering questions and solving problems.

Analyze

Learn to analyze and critically evaluate ideas, arguments, and points of view.

Resources for Student Success

The University Career Center serves Fairfield University students with comprehensive career support services, programming, and resources.

Visit the Career Center

Fairfield supports the scholarly success and intellectual growth of our students by providing various resources on campus including the Science Center, Writing Center, DiMenna-Nyselius Library, and more.

Academic Support at Fairfield

Every year, theatre students have the opportunity to apply for four competitive scholarships to serve as production interns for Theatre Fairfield. Interns have the option to assist faculty and guest artists in the areas of business, marketing, public relations, and technical theatre. Students gain invaluable professional experience in running a theatre operation, which serves them well when applying for outside internships and paying jobs in professional theatre. All students may apply for these scholarships once they are enrolled in the theatre program. Applications from incoming first-year students will not be accepted.

In addition to production internships, Theatre Fairfield also offers internships in all facets of theatre, from stage management and design to managing our costume shop. Students eligible for Federal Work-Study Grants frequently combine the internships with their work-study positions. Our faculty is also happy to work with students to create new internship opportunities with Theatre Fairfield, and strongly support students applying for internships at producing theatres throughout the U.S. and the world.

Professor Judy Primavera, PhD of the Psychology Department is pleased to offer a fellowship instituted in 2005 in memory of her daughter, Jamie Alaine Hulley, who was a talented artist in the visual arts, dance, theatre, and writing. This annual fellowship provides one student with $1,500 in living expenses to support a non-paying summer internship in any of the arts. The internship can be a part of an established program (e.g. summer stock or other theatres like Westport Country Playhouse, Manhattan Theatre Club, etc.) or one of the student's devising.

Fairfield's Theatre program encourages study-abroad opportunities and has had students in England, Germany, France, and Scotland. We also help place students in summer internships for actors, designers, and technicians both in the U.S. and in Europe.

Learn More

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Get started at Fairfield.

Get In Touch

  • 1073 North Benson Road
    Fairfield, CT 06824

  • (203) 254-4000

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