Berea College

What you'll study

The Drama programme at Berea College balances practical studio work, production experience and academic study in theatre history and theory. Core studio modules typically include Acting (voice and movement), Scene Study, Stagecraft, Lighting and Sound Design, Costume and Scenic Design, and Directing. Academic courses cover Theatre History and Dramatic Literature, Playwriting, Dramaturgy and approaches to theatre criticism. Students also participate in production practicum and labs each semester, taking roles onstage and in technical or management capacities, and complete a senior project or capstone that demonstrates creative and scholarly development.

Alongside theatre-specific classes, students follow Berea’s liberal arts curriculum, including courses in writing, humanities, social sciences and arts entrepreneurship. The programme emphasises collaborative creation, community-engaged projects and training in multiple disciplines so graduates gain versatility across performance, design, production and administration.

Entry requirements

Applicants to Berea College are considered on the basis of academic record, personal statement and demonstrated commitment to the college’s mission. For the Drama programme prospective students should be prepared to submit a short portfolio or to attend an audition or interview that showcases performance or design work; requirements vary by applicant and are discussed with the department. Successful applicants typically present a high-school diploma or equivalent, a record of engagement in arts activities (school productions, community theatre, technical work or independent projects) and references from teachers or directors.

All students at Berea participate in the college’s student work programme as part of their educational experience. Berea’s admissions process and any audition guidelines are outlined by the college and the Department of Theatre & Dance; applicants should contact the department for specific preparation advice.

Career prospects

Graduates with a Bachelor’s in Drama from Berea move into a wide range of careers across the performing arts and related fields. Common pathways include professional acting and directing, stage and production management, lighting and sound design, costume and scenic design, dramaturgy and play development. Other career options include arts administration, producing, community and educational theatre, arts advocacy, and freelance theatre-making. Many graduates also pursue postgraduate study in performance, design, theatre studies or arts administration, or combine theatre training with teaching credentials to work in school and youth theatre environments.

The programme’s practical training, production credits and small cohorts help students build portfolios and professional networks; internship opportunities and community partnerships provide additional experience for entering the regional and national arts sector.

Why study at Berea College

Berea College offers an intimate learning environment with small class sizes and close faculty mentoring in theatre. The college is distinctive for its commitment to access and a student labour programme that integrates meaningful work experience into the undergraduate education. Theatre students benefit from frequent production seasons in campus performance spaces, opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, and a curriculum that foregrounds community engagement and social relevance in the arts.

Studying drama at Berea allows you to develop practical skills across acting, design and production while being part of a liberal-arts community that supports creative risk-taking and civic engagement. The Department of Theatre & Dance places emphasis on real-world experience, mentorship and preparing students to be adaptable practitioners in a variety of theatre and arts careers.