Albright College

What you'll study

The programme blends practical studio work, production experience and academic study. Core areas typically include acting technique, voice and movement, stagecraft and technical theatre, scenography and costume, directing, playwriting, dramatic literature and theatre history. Students progress from foundational courses in performance and production into intermediate and advanced seminars where they specialise or pursue concentrations.

• Acting: scene study, improvisation, audition technique, Shakespeare and contemporary repertoire
• Voice and movement: breath, phonation, speech for actors, Alexander or other movement approaches
• Design and production: scenic design, lighting, sound, costume construction, stage management
• Directing and dramaturgy: script analysis, rehearsal process, collaborative directing projects
• History and theory: survey of dramatic literature, modern theatre movements, theatre criticism
• Playwriting and new work development: script workshops, new-play labs and readings
• Capstone and performance practice: semester-long productions, senior project or thesis

Students gain practical experience through department productions, a student-run theatre company and technical assignments on mainstage and black-box shows. The liberal arts curriculum allows you to combine theatre study with complementary minors or majors—such as English, education, film or arts management—and there are opportunities for internships with regional theatres and arts organisations.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a high-school diploma or equivalent. Typical academic expectations include a solid secondary-school record; many successful applicants present strong grades in arts and humanities subjects. For performance tracks, the department usually asks for an audition (either live or via recorded video) showcasing two short contrasting pieces and possibly movement or song, depending on the focus. Design and production applicants may be asked to submit a portfolio of creative work or documentation of technical theatre experience.

• Academic transcript demonstrating readiness for college-level work
• Personal statement outlining theatrical interests and goals
• Letters of recommendation (often including at least one from a teacher or theatre professional)
• Audition or portfolio for performance, design or technical concentrations
• Interviews may be requested for scholarship consideration or special programmes

Albright’s admissions process also takes into account extracurricular theatre experience and potential for growth; students without formal training but with strong potential are often encouraged to apply.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a wide range of careers across the performing arts and related fields. Typical paths include:

• Actor, performer and voice artist in theatre, film, television and new media
• Director, assistant director and company manager
• Stage manager, production manager and technical director
• Scenic, lighting, costume and sound designers
• Playwrights, dramaturgs and literary managers
• Arts administrators, producers and cultural organisation staff
• Teaching at community or secondary level and progression to graduate teacher training
• Further study in MFA, MA or conservatory programmes, or entry into allied creative industries such as film, television, event production and arts marketing

Because the programme is housed in a liberal arts college, graduates also move into careers outside the arts where communication, collaboration and creative problem‑solving are valued—such as education, nonprofit leadership and media.

Why study at Albright College

Albright offers a small, student-centred theatre programme where undergraduates receive substantial hands‑on experience in all aspects of production. Class sizes are intimate, allowing close mentorship from faculty who are active practitioners and scholars. The college supports a regular season of mainstage and studio productions that give students roles both onstage and behind the scenes.

The college’s location in Reading, Pennsylvania provides access to regional cultural networks and internship opportunities, with larger professional theatre scenes within easy reach for study visits and work experiences. Students benefit from the college’s interdisciplinary approach—easy cross-registration with other departments, study-abroad options and the ability to pair theatre with complementary majors or minors. Practical training, performance opportunities and career-focused advising help prepare graduates for both continued study and professional work in the arts.