BA in Theatre in Knoxville United States | University of Tennessee, Knoxville

The University of Tennessee's Department of Theatre is committed to developing challenging academic initiatives that seamlessly blend with the activities of a professional regional theatre. Our philosophy centers on students mastering theatrical arts through classroom instruction followed by hands-on collaboration with top-tier professionals. The department oversees The Clarence Brown Theatre (CBT), an Equity theatre classified as LORT D (League of Resident Theatres), and holds membership in the University/Resident Theatre Association (U/RTA). Our academic department and CBT work in complete harmony regarding both purpose and operations. Undergraduate students can pursue a four-year Bachelor of Arts in Theatre with specialization options in Honors, Acting, or Design and Technology, while graduate students may enroll in our three-year Master of Fine Arts program with concentrations in Acting, Costume Design, Lighting Design, Scenic Design, or Sound and Media Design. This unique partnership with The Clarence Brown Theatre positions us among the top university theatre programs nationwide. Our MFA candidates are selected from the country's most competitive professional training pools, while our BA program stands as a regional leader, combining comprehensive liberal arts education with outstanding performance, design, and production experiences. The Clarence Brown Theatre serves as a cornerstone of east Tennessee's cultural landscape, frequently selling out performances and welcoming 35,000-40,000 patrons annually. We benefit from robust institutional support, with financial stability ensured through the Clarence and Marian Brown Endowment, state funding, and community contributions. Current initiatives focus on enhancing our facilities, artistic quality, and national reputation through strategic resource development.