Main navigation
- Programs
- Subjects
- Universities
- Destinations
- Advice
The University of Tennessee's Department of Theatre is committed to developing challenging academic programs 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 manages The Clarence Brown Theatre (CBT), an Equity theatre under 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 mission and operations. Our academic offerings include a four-year BA in Theatre with specialization options in Honors, Acting, and Design/Technology, plus a three-year MFA program with concentrations in Acting, Costume Design, Lighting Design, Scenic Design, and Sound/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 programs, while our BA program stands out regionally by combining a robust liberal arts education with outstanding performance and production experiences. The Clarence Brown Theatre serves as a cornerstone of east Tennessee's cultural landscape, frequently selling out performances and attracting 35,000-40,000 annual attendees. We benefit from substantial University backing, with financial stability provided by the Clarence and Marian Brown Endowment, state funding, and community contributions. Current initiatives focus on enhancing our facilities, artistic quality, and national profile. Universal Tracking (uTrack) serves as an academic guidance system to promote timely degree completion. Full-time degree candidates must meet specific semester benchmarks, including course completion and minimum GPA standards, to maintain satisfactory progress.