Point Park University’s Innovative B.F.A. in Theatre Arts Program Prepares Artists for the Theatre of Tomorrow

"The B.F.A. in theatre arts gives artists an opportunity to be prepared for the theatre of tomorrow. It supplies students with the skills to create, develop and produce art with an emphasis on creating new work, collaborating with their peers in directing, playwriting and devising. Theatre arts students can present their work in the intimate Rauh Theatre in the state-of-the-art Pittsburgh Playhouse."

Richard Keitel, M.F.A.

What are some of the distinctive advantages of Point Park’s innovative B.F.A. in theatre arts program?

The B.F.A. in theatre arts is distinctive from other programs because it gives artists an opportunity to be prepared for the theatre of tomorrow. It supplies students with the skills to create, develop and produce art with an emphasis on creating new work, collaborating with their peers in directing, playwriting and devising. Theatre arts students can present their work in the intimate Rauh Theatre in the state-of-the-art Pittsburgh Playhouse.

In what ways is this pre-professional degree valuable and versatile to multidimensional theatre artists?

It is very valuable to students because the nature of the coursework and opportunities are versatile and tailored to students finding and following their passions. Our goal is to create multidimensional theatre artists by having them study directing, playwriting, devised and ensemble courses and create exciting work.

What opportunities are available for students to make new theatre at Point Park?

The theatre arts students, in collaboration with the Bridges Theatre Company — our completely student-run group, have opportunities to learn about artistic leadership, producing, marketing and publicity and all aspects of creating a four show season. Additionally, theatre arts students who study advanced directing are the leaders of our One Act Festival.

Where have graduates of your program landed internships and jobs?

Our theatre arts students have landed internships and jobs at various theatre companies around the city and country. Point Park's Raecine Singletary '21 interned and was an assistant director at Pittsburgh Public Theater, and Malle Winters '20 interned and now works at Shakespeare & Company in Massachusetts.

What should prospective students and their parents know about this program?

Our program is for all the students who love theatre and want to have the opportunity to follow their passions and learn about all aspects of this world. We encourage our theatre arts students to study abroad for a semester during their junior year.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Students in the program have the option to choose a concentration in self-directed studies, directing, playwriting and/or pursue a minor, a double major, study abroad and may, with summer coursework, complete their degree in three years.

In Their Own Words: Meet Theatre Arts Students & Alumni

Jacob Bartosh '22

"The B.F.A. in theatre arts is the most contemporary form of theatre training I could receive at any university … The real magic of this major is that it is like a ‘choose your own adventure game’ of the theatre world. Exploring it at Point Park has been one of the greatest joys of my life."

Nathan Kelly '22

"The B.F.A. trains you for nearly every aspect of theatre: directing, playwriting, dramaturgy, teaching, devising, as well as performing. I know by the time I graduate from Point Park I will be ready to take on the theatre world."

Caitlin Mayernik '21

"Opportunities in the theatre arts program have shaped me into a well-rounded artist with a bold voice in the next generation of theatre creators. I’ve always admired people who create and perform their own work, and this program is giving me the tools I need to do that."

Faith Debelius '22

"The theatre arts degree has opened new realms of creativity to me as an artist … With the flexibility and variety of paths available, the degree allows me to become a well-rounded performer, artist and theatre maker, as well as pursue a minor that further aids my studies. The program’s expansiveness broadens my skillsets and allows me to explore theatre from more than one avenue."

Vivienne Fairfax '21

"The theatre arts program is the perfect opportunity for artists who are drawn to the innovative energy of a field that is always challenging the bounds of the world around us … I no longer see myself as any one thing (actor, designer, director, writer), but as a multitalented artist who can pull from experience of all of these disciplines to offer a rounded perspective and an adaptable skillset to the theatre industry."

Raecine Singletary '21

"I don't think I would have found directing without Point Park's theatre arts program. I came into this program as an actor, which I still am, but I've found a new passion. I give Point Park a lot of credit for preparing and helping me find my career path. Point Park has taught me to be a hardworking and valuable artist who is confident in my work."

Malle Winters '20

"Studying directing in Point Park's theatre arts program has had a huge influence on me, and I was lucky to be able to test myself in a professional setting. I feel totally prepared as both a director and performer because of my training at Point Park."