Theatre Arts

• We are nationally accredited through the National Association of Schools of Theatre
• We participate annually in the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival in Region VII.
• Our liberal arts approach provides theoretical and practical courses that prepare our students for careers or advanced degrees.
• The program produces plays and dance concerts each year that train our majors in every aspect of production.
• Our connection with the Film and Television Arts Program allows our students to gain valuable experience acting for the camera and on real sets.
• Through the School of the Arts, our students have access to unique professional internship opportunities:
  • The Beck Scholars Program
  • The Sun Valley Field School
• We have strong professional partnerships with local and national theatrical organizations, providing our students with professional connections and opportunities. Our community partners include:
  • Sun Valley Playwright’s Residency
  • Idaho Dance Theatre
  • Boise Contemporary Theater
  • Idaho Shakespeare Festival
  • The Liberty Theatre Co.
  • Mirror Studios
     

A degree in theatre arts provides versatile and transferable skills that employers value. As a theatre arts student at Boise State, you’ll build a valuable toolkit:

• Communication: Theatre majors learn how to clearly and effectively communicate. They develop strong oral and written skills, thriving in roles that require public speaking and persuasive writing.
• Budgeting: Theatre majors learn to work creatively within financial constraints. They gain experience planning budgets, allocating resources, and making smart tradeoffs to bring productions to life.
• Resilience: Within our supportive community, theatre students learn how to build inner resources and a strong mindset to face challenges and learn from setbacks.
• Problem Solving: In the theatre, you have to think on your feet, adapting effectively when plans or constraints shift. Our students become practiced problem-solvers who can quickly assess challenges and make informed decisions.
• Emotional Intelligence: Whether interpreting a role or through collaborative technical work, theatre cultivates an understanding of others. Our students become fluent in navigating complex environments.
• Organization and Project Management: Students work under tight deadlines, manage limited resources, and bring projects from concept to completion. They graduate with strong project-management skills.
• Technical/Artistic Talents: Theatre graduates learn what goes into a production. From on-stage acting classes to backstage set design, they walk away with knowledge and skills related to theatre.
• Collaboration: Theatre students work closely with people of diverse backgrounds, roles, and perspectives. They learn to collaborate effectively, communicate clearly, and support team success.
• Initiative: Productions demand proactive thinking, so theatre majors learn to anticipate needs, take ownership of tasks, and solve problems independently.
• Flexibility: Theatre students adapt quickly, whether adjusting a scene, revising an idea, or responding to unexpected challenges.

No! Once you are admitted to Boise State University, simply declare a major in Theatre Arts.

We stage four productions per year, with two each semester. There are additional production opportunities through our student groups, such at the Theatre Makers Association and the Improv Club.

Our typical production calendar looks like this:

• October – A staged reading in collaboration with the Sun Valley Playwright’s Residency
• November/December – “A Charlie Brown Christmas” or “A Christmas Carol” (alternating years)
• February – A staged reading
• April – Shakespeare or a musical (alternating years)

Our auditions are open to all Boise State students and community members. We give priority to our current students to provide them with as much experience as possible.

Yes! The Theatre Arts Program provides annual scholarships. We award around $25,000 total each year. Individual award amounts vary between $450 to $2500.

Additionally, there are numerous scholarships available through Boise State University. Simply fill out the Boise State Scholarship Application and you’ll be auto-matched to awards.

Yes! Boise State University Theatre Arts Department is a participating member of the Kennedy Center/American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF), which promotes and recognizes excellence in collegiate drama. As a member of Region VII, Idaho students compete with students attending from other universities in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Northern California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington and Wyoming.  In addition, students also compete as participants in the Northwest Drama Conference. Each year, more than 900 productions and 18,000 students participate in KCACTF nationwide.

All of our ticketing is handled through the Morrison Center Box Office. You can purchase tickets on their website, by visiting the Box Office during business hours, or calling the Box Office: (208) 426-1111

Yes! All current Boise State students and employees get one free ticket to any Boise State Theatre Arts performance*. Simply present your Boise State ID to the Box Office during business hours.

*Morrison Center performances are not eligible.

The cost of parking is included in your ticket purchase. Event parking is available in the West Reserve lot and Brady Garage.

For directions to the Morrison Center, please visit their website below.

Boise State Theatre Arts productions are staged in the Danny Peterson Theatre and on occasion on the Main Stage of the Morrison Center. The Danny Peterson Theatre is housed within the Morrison Center.

The Morrison Center is conveniently located on the campus of Boise State University, with a spectacular view of the Boise River. To access the Main Hall, enter from the double glass doors on Cesar Chavez Lane. This is on the opposite side of the building from the parking lot. We suggest following the sidewalk from the Brady Parking Garage on the West side of Earle Street.

*The Academic Entrance is no longer available for Main Hall events.