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New name, enhanced curriculum, beginning Fall 2025: The B.F.A. in Theatre Arts has been renamed to B.F.A. in Contemporary Theatre Making.

Contemporary Theatre Making Degree

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Contemporary Theatre Making

Department of Theatre

B.F.A. Program Creates Multidimensional Theatre Makers

Formerly known as the B.F.A. in theatre arts, the B.F.A. in contemporary theatre making: directing, devising and playwriting is a rigorous 125-credit program that prepares artists for the theatre of tomorrow. This innovative program provides students with the skills to create, develop and produce theatre.

With our emphasis on generating new work, multi-disciplinary collaboration with professionals and peers in directing, playwriting and devising, and hands-on experience through our student-run theatre companies, students in this program graduate ready to meet the demands of an ever-evolving industry.

All students in this unique and exciting program begin with two years of study in theatre-making techniques that include:

  • Playwriting
  • Directing
  • Devised Theatre
  • Improvisation
  • Acting
  • Stage Movement
  • Voice and Speech
  • Theatrical Intimacy and Stage Combat

Along with a comprehensive introduction to theatre-making techniques, students choose one of three concentrations:

  • Directing
  • Playwriting
  • Self-Directed Studies

Point Park students perform a show in the University's Pittsburgh Playhouse.

Contemporary theatre-making majors choose from various areas of emphasis within the Conservatory of Performing Arts, or from a wide range of university offerings, to personalize their undergraduate training and complete their concentration.

Options include areas of study in: 

  • Advanced Directing
  • Advanced Playwriting
  • Theatrical Design
  • Technical Production
  • Film Production
  • Screenwriting
  • Stage Management
  • Education
  • Psychology
  • Creative Writing
  • Sports, Arts, Entertainment and Music Business

Students choosing to pursue a concentration in self-directed studies may audition for a minor in musical theatre and/or dance during their freshmen or sophomore year. 

Exceptional academic counseling also allows interested students to pursue a double major, a minor or one semester of study abroad. Students may — with summer coursework — complete the degree in three years.

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"By participating in the program, students have the opportunity to write, direct, devise, perform and grow into the multi-hyphenate theatre maker that is necessary in today's industry."

Mady Thetard '26

Hands-On Experience Inside and Outside of the Classroom

Students learn from faculty who have trained and worked on stages around the world. Acclaimed guest artists, including playwrights, directors, and casting directors regularly come to campus to conduct classes and workshops.

In collaboration with Bridges Theatre Company, our student-run ensemble, contemporary theatre making majors can learn about all aspects of creating and presenting a four-show season. In addition, those who study advanced directing serve as the directors of our semiannual One Act Festivals

Learn more: MinorsCoursebook | Course Descriptions

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