Take your training to the next stage by majoring in theatre
Take your passion for performance to the next level with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre at USC Upstate. Guided by nurturing faculty, you’ll gain the skills to shine both on stage and behind the scenes. Our program offers concentrations in performance and production, with opportunities to perform locally and on global stages. Ask about scholarships that are available—start your journey today!
Program Highlights
Whether center stage or backstage, our program offers abundant opportunities to perform, produce, design, and direct. Develop a solid foundation in theatre history, dramatic literature, and technique.
Why USC Upstate?
Experience a supportive and inclusive atmosphere that uses consent-based practices. You’ll be an active participant from your first day, collaborating with others and applying what you’re learning.
Your Future Path
Emerge a confident theatre artist, equipped for both on- and off-stage roles. Our alumni find success in major markets, earning Screen Actors Guild (SAG) cards and thriving in diverse theatre settings.
learn more about the program!
The academic catalog gives you detailed information about the major, courses, and any additional requirements. To complete the theater undergraduate degree, you will need 120 credit hours.
You can also reach out to your admissions counselor who can assist you in your next steps.
International Exposure
Perform on global stages through summer internships in London and other study abroad opportunities. Participate in the International Youth Arts Festival and see what your global peers are doing.
The Rose Theatre in London, England – In 2010, a special agreement was signed allowing students to intern at The Rose Theatre in Kingston Upon Thames, London during a five-week summer term. The current Rose Theater is based on the Elizabethan-era Rose Theatre in London, where the plays of Christopher Marlowe and early plays by Shakespeare were staged.
Experiential Learning
Engage in numerous main stage and studio productions each semester, earning course credits and valuable hands-on experience. Join professional organizations and enrich your theatre journey.
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Students have been employed at Disney, Universal Studios, Jenny Wiley Music Theatre, theatres in New York and Los Angeles, Santa Fe Opera Company, The Berkshire Theatre Festival, The Greenville Little Theatre, The Spartanburg Little Theatre, Palmetto Light and Sound, and professional regional theatres, among others.
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The Upstate of South Carolina has many venues for theatre majors and internship possibilities. They include:
- The Rose Theatre in London, England – In 2010, a special agreement was signed allowing students to intern at The Rose Theatre in Kingston Upon Thames, London during a five-week summer term.
- The Warehouse Theatre, Greenville, SC
- Centre Stage, Greenville, SC
- The Chapman Cultural Center, Spartanburg, SC
- The Spartanburg Little Theatre, Spartanburg, SC
- Spartanburg Youth Theatre, Spartanburg, SC
- Glow Lyric Theatre, Greenville, SC
- South Carolina Children’s Theatre, Greenville, SC
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- SCSTA (South Carolina Speech and Theatre Association)
- The South Carolina Speech and Theatre Association is a professional organization that promotes the study of all areas of performance and oral communication: acting, oral interpretation/performance studies, theatre, broadcasting, public speaking, discussion and debate, and speech/theatre education. SCSTA serves both the public and private schools and the colleges and universities in South Carolina through three spring festival competitions, and through recognition of outstanding contributors to our efforts.
- KCACTF (Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival)
- The Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF) is a national theatre program dedicated to the improvement of collegiate theatre in the United States. Focused on the celebration of diverse and exciting theatre, KCACTF involves students from more than 600 colleges and universities throughout the United States.
- SETC (Southeastern Theatre Conference)
- Southeastern Theatre Conference is the strongest and broadest network of theatre practitioners in the United States. We provide extensive resources and year-round opportunities for our constituents. Our services, publications, and products contribute significantly to the careers of emerging artists, seasoned professionals and academicians. SETC energizes the practical, intellectual and creative profile of theatre in America.
- SCTA (South Carolina Theatre Association)
- South Carolina Theatre Association, a subset of the Southeastern Theatre Conference, was founded to create, cultivate, and connect theatre professionals, educators, participants, students, and patrons across the state of South Carolina.
- USITT (United States Institute for Theatre Technology)
- The United States Institute for Theatre Technology, Inc. (USITT) connects performing arts design and technology communities to ensure a vibrant dialog among practitioners, educators, and students.
- Alpha Psi Omega (ΑΨΩ)
- Alpha Psi Omega is a National Theatre Honor Society for participants in collegiate theatre. It began in the early 20th century as result of the growing interest in dramatic arts among colleges and universities throughout America, with the aim of encouraging dramatic production at every step in a person’s academic career.
- SCSTA (South Carolina Speech and Theatre Association)
Next Steps
Discover all that USC Upstate has to offer you We’re here to make this journey personal and informative, so let’s get started!
We’ll share a wealth of valuable information tailored just for you. You’ll receive details about your major, critical scholarship opportunities, financial aid information, and exclusive events that will help you confirm that USC Upstate is the perfect fit for you.
Your next goal is to secure admission to USC Upstate, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Aim for a GPA above of 2.5 to ensure your smooth entry into our vibrant academic community.
Stay in the loop and be part of our community by following us on our various social media channels. Our Admissions Instagram account is your window into life on our campus. You’ll get a taste of the vibrant atmosphere and learn about events and important deadlines that matter to you.
Scholarships
$25,000 in acting scholarships and technical assistantships awarded annually
Audition Information:
Performance Scholarship: If you are interested in auditioning for a Performance Scholarship, please contact Lee Neibert, Director of Theatre, at neibert@uscupstate.edu or (864) 503-5987 to schedule an audition.
Technical Assistantship: If you are interested in a Technical Assistantship, please contact Barry Whitfield, Technical Director, at bwhitfie@uscupstate.edu or (864) 503-5880 to schedule an interview.
We’re thrilled to be a part of your journey toward success. Let’s connect, explore, and thrive together at USC Upstate!