BA Theatre is a 3-year undergraduate program that focuses on Drama and Theatre performance. It is a Performing Arts specialization in theatre drama. The curriculum covers Acting Techniques, Voice & Speech Training, Movement & Body Language, Theatre History (Indian & World), Dramatic Literature, Playwriting/Scriptwriting, Stagecraft, Drama History, Live Performance, Drama Texts, etc. It trains learners to perform on live stage as an actor.
Those with 50% marks in 10+2 from any discipline can enrol in this program. Qualifying CUET UG is also one of the eligibility criteria for many universities. However, some universities consider 12th grade merit or conduct aptitude tests as a selection matrix.
The B.A in Theatre course fee ranges between INR 50,000 to 1,00,000, depending on institute type. Some of the best colleges that offer the course are National School of Drama, Goa University, LPU, Bharati Vidyapeeth, etc .
Graduates with BA Theatre can start working as an actor, director, stage manager, or theatre director with production houses. Salary of such job roles highly depends on the experience, recognition, project size, budget, and production house.
Table of Contents
BA Theatre Course Highlights
The key highlights of BA Theatre course are tabulated below.
What is a BA Theatre Course?
A BA Theatre is an undergraduate program that explores the theoretical and practical aspects of theatre.The program focuses on acting, directing, playwriting, stagecraft, and technical theatre.
- It covers theatre history, dramatic literature, and critical analysis.
- It also involves hands-on experience in staging plays and managing productions.
- Learners get to develop creative, intellectual, and collaborative skills applicable beyond the stage.
- It serves as a strong base for higher studies in Theatre (Producing/Directing/Film making) and Acting field.
Why Study BA Theatre?
Pursuing BA Theatre offers you career benefits with versatile skills.
- Passion Pursuit: It is an ideal for individuals having deep passion about storytelling, performance, and live arts.
- Skill Diversification: The program builds strong communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
- Creative Expression: The curriculum provides a structured environment to explore and develop artistic talents.
- Career Pathways: It opens doors to various roles in entertainment, education, and cultural sectors.
Who should study BA Theatre?
BA Theatre is a good fit for those aspiring for an acting career. Individuals dreaming of acting, directing, or writing for stage, film, or TV can start their career with this program.
- People who thrive in team environments and enjoy working closely with others can work in this field by collaborating with Producers, Theatre Managers, Other actors, and Film-makers.
- Students interested in human behavior, history, literature, and cultural contexts will find this program very interesting to shape their career in.
- People committed to rigorous training, rehearsals, and the demanding nature of theatre production will excel in BA Theatre
BA Theatre Eligibility Criteria
Aspirants looking to enrol in BA Theatre must have obtained 50% in 10+2 from a recognised board. Students may be required to clear CUET UG for an admission.
Having a prior experience of Theatre is not mandatory but those with some stage experience will be given preference for admission.
BA Theatre Entrance Exams
BA Theatre admission is mainly based on CUET UG. Some universities grant admission based on 12th grade scores or they may conduct their own screening test to admit students in the BA Theatre course.
BA Theatre Colleges in India
In India, BA Theatre is offered by several colleges under the category of BA (Performing Arts). Applicants have to verify the available specialization in BA for their chosen university/college. Given below are some of the best BA Theatre colleges:
BA Theatre Admission Process
BA Theatre admission is based on CUET or 12th grade scores. Many universities conduct their own screening or Aptitude Test along with PI to test Drama Skills. The admission process varies between colleges. Hence, applicants are advised to go through the application process and selection criteria before applying.
Lovely Professional University (LPU) offers a B.A. (Theatre) program, and also a BPA (Bachelor of Performing Arts) Theatre Arts program, which is a 4-year course. The admission process for both generally follows a similar pattern. Here's a breakdown based on the latest available information (primarily for the 2025 academic year, but always cross-check with the official LPU website for the most current details):
Step 1: Visit the official LPU admission website admission.lpu.in and register on LPUADMIT with your basic details (Email ID, Name, Country, Mobile Number, Gender, and Password).
Step 2: Log in to your LPUADMIT account. Fill in all the required details in the online application form accurately.
Step 3: Pay the application fee online through the provided payment gateway and submit the application.
Step 5: After fulfilling the initial formalities and if you meet the eligibility, the university may issue an "Offer Letter (OL)" for provisional admission. You can download this from your online portal.
Step 6: Candidates will have to transfer the required program fee to the university's bank account as mentioned in the Offer Letter.
After a successful transaction, upload the payment transaction proof within the stipulated time on the portal.
Step 7: Once your payment is confirmed and all conditions are met, the university will issue an "Acceptance Letter (AL)."
Documents Required:
- Original Marksheet of 10th and 12th grade
- School Leaving Certificate
- Caste Certificate (if applicable)
- Birth Certificate
- ID Proof (Aadhar/ PAN/ Passport)
- Passport-size Photograph
- Entrance Exam Score Card
BA Theatre Course Syllabus
BA Theatre subjects involve theoretical and practical learning of Drama, History of Theatre, Performance on Stage, Languages, Natak Shastra, etc.
The table below represents the BA Theatre syllabus taught at Goa University.
BA Theatre Job Opportunities in India
BA Theatre graduates can find work in production houses or theatres in collaboration with producers, stage managers, and production houses. They can also work as scriptwriters, content creators, voice artists, or even as costume managers in production houses.
The table below details some of the best BA Theatre jobs with recruiters and average salary range.
BA Theatre FAQs
What are the career opportunities beyond acting with a BA Theatre degree?
A BA Theatre degree opens doors to diverse roles like Stage Manager, Overseeing Production Logistics, or Theatre Director. Graduates can also become Playwrights or Scriptwriters and work on crafting compelling narratives. They also can pursue careers in Set, Costume, Lighting, or Sound Design. Additionally, some opportunities that can be explored are administration, drama teaching, event management, and as voice artists or content creators.
How does a BA Theatre degree prepare students for the professional world?
BA Theatre cultivates invaluable transferable skills highly sought after in any profession. Students get to develop strong communication, public speaking, and presentation abilities. They learn critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and adapt quickly to dynamic environments.
What are some common challenges faced by BA Theatre graduates?
A primary challenge faced by BA Theatre graduates is the highly competitive nature of the performing arts industry. This often leads to initial financial instability and irregular work. Graduates may face intense competition for roles and projects, requiring continuous self-promotion and networking.
Are there opportunities for interdisciplinary studies or double majors with a BA Theatre?
Yes, there are many universities that offer opportunities for interdisciplinary studies or double majors. Students can combine their BA Theatre with subjects like English Literature, Psychology, Sociology, History, Communication, or even Business. This broadens their academic foundation and enhances critical thinking. It makes them versatile and open up a wider array of career paths.
