Since 1964, NU Theatre has proudly educated and entertained audiences through a variety of annual productions, giving students an artistic playground for growth and development and a heightened sense of purpose in their artistic pursuits. One-on-one mentorship with theatre faculty gives increased confidence – both on- stage and offstage – throughout every step of the experiential learning process. Our unique curriculum fuses a conservatory approach to theatre training with a liberal arts education. NU’s theatre programs require an intense schedule and disciplined focus on both academic coursework, and practical production experience.
There are three bachelor of fine arts degree (B.F.A.) programs offered by the department:
Not only will Performance students take classes in acting, voice, and dance & movement every semester, but also will be required to take specialized performance courses in commedia dell’arte, dialects, directing, physical theatre, speech, stage combat, and much more.
Under the guidance of working professionals, Design and Production students focus not only on the studio/classroom coursework, but also receive practical, individualized training in all aspects of theatre design: costumes, lighting, scenery, and sound.
Students exploring career paths other than performance or design and production may choose a theatre specialization. Specialization students spend their first two years in the BFA Performance program and transfer into the Specialization program to begin their focused coursework. Each student in the Theatre Specialization program creates a two-semester Senior Seminar project, tailored to their interests.
For prospective and transfer students seeking entry into any of our BFA programs, applicants are required to attend one of our events, typically held each Spring, to complete either an audition or an interview for their respective programs.
Feb. 2 and Feb. 16, 2025
Schedule your audition or interview for
admission into our 2025 BFA program
Niagara University Theatre, the producing entity of the Department of Theatre & Fine Arts, has been entertaining and educating audiences since 1964. Each season, typically composed of eight productions, provides students with more opportunities to apply knowledge, skills and techniques explored in the classroom.
Under the guidance of a faculty and staff consisting of working professionals, theatre students receive hands-on individualized training in all aspects of theatre. Moreover, our multi-faceted alumni network, consisting of artists with credits from Broadway, international tours, TV, and radio, can give a clarity of direction for the exciting future that awaits you.
Students have the opportunity to spend part of their summer studying abroad in London, England, as well as Rome & Florence, Italy. Each summer, one student is awarded a scholarship for full tuition and board to the five-week summer intensive Powerhouse Theater training program at Vassar College with New York Stage and Film. Students are also encouraged to pursue industry-related summer apprenticeships and performance opportunities.