BA in Theatre - Acting 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 affiliated with LORT D (League of Resident Theatres) and the University/Resident Theatre Association (U/RTA). Our academic department and CBT share complete alignment in purpose and operations. Undergraduate students can pursue a four-year Bachelor of Arts in Theatre with general studies or specialized tracks in Honors, Acting, or Design and Technology, while graduate candidates may enroll in our three-year Master of Fine Arts program with specializations in Acting, Costume Design, Lighting Design, Scenic Design, or Sound and Media Design. This unique synergy between academic offerings and The Clarence Brown Theatre positions us among the country's premier university theatre programs. Our MFA candidates are drawn from top-tier national programs, while our BA curriculum 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, while continuously enhancing our infrastructure, artistic quality, and national profile.