Theatre and Media Arts
Department of Theatre and Media Arts
Administration
Chair: Megan Sanborn Jones
Department Information:
D-581 HFAC
801-422-6645
tma_secretary@byu.edu
Advisement Center:
157 WCSE
801-422-3777
cfacadvise@byu.edu
Admission to Degree Program
Several degree programs—Acting, Media Arts (major and minor), Music Dance Theatre, and Theatre Education in the Department of Theatre and Media Arts are limited enrollment and have an application process. The Theatre Arts Studies programs (major and minor) are open enrollment. Please see the college advisement center for specific details at their website https://advisement.cfac.byu.edu/ or by phone at 801-422-3777.
The Discipline
BYU's theatre programs—Theatre Arts Studies, Theatre Arts Education, Acting, and Music Dance Theatre—invite students to explore the possibilities theatre provides for artistry, collaboration, and service. The programs emphasize the balance between practical theatre training and critical engagement. They provide extensive opportunities for production in classroom settings, workshops, and fully-mounted productions both at BYU and at external venues.
The BYU Media Arts Studies program is designed to educate students on a foundation of film history, theory, and criticism, along with fundamental production competencies. Possible areas of emphasis include critical studies, fiction production and non-fiction production.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Department of Theatre and Media Arts is to promote literacy, creativity and spirituality by exploring their interrelatedness in the arts of theatre and media, in an effort to illuminate and confirm truth and the infinite potential of the human soul, as authored by the Savior Jesus Christ.
Career Opportunities
The Theatre programs provide training and experience in all areas of theatre, from performing to playwriting, from teaching to technical production.
The Media Arts Studies program provides a foundation and basic experience in analyzing, conceptualizing, writing, directing, and collaboratively producing nonfiction, fiction, and new media. For skill development and specialization, students may select an area of study from the following: critical studies, fiction production, or non-fiction production.
For an area of interest study list, contact the advisement center or the department office.
General Information
Students interested in the Media Arts Studies major should declare the Media Arts Studies pre-major under the Change Major link in MyMAP. Declaring the Media Arts Studies pre-major does not guarantee entrance into the Media Arts Studies program, which is a limited enrollment program. An application is required for entrance into the major and minor programs. Students applying to the Media Arts Studies program must have completed or be enrolled in TMA 102 and TMA 187 at the time they submit their application. See the media arts program description for details.
The Theatre Arts Studies major (or minor) is an open enrollment program. Students interested in general theatre studies, dramaturgy, playwriting, directing, stage management, critical studies, or design and technology (costume, lighting, makeup, scenic, or sound), should declare the theatre arts studies major (or minor), under the Change Major link in MyMAP.
Students interested in the Theatre Arts Education major should declare the Theatre Arts Education pre-major under the Change Major link in MyMAP. Declaring the pre-major does not guarantee entrance into the theatre arts education program. Students must fulfill particular requirements for entrance. See program description for details.
Students interested in BFA acting should declare the Acting pre-major under the Change Major link in MyMAP. Declaring the pre-major does not guarantee entrance into the BFA program, which is a limited enrollment program. Students must fulfill particular requirements for entrance. See program description for details.
Students interested in Music Dance Theatre (MDT) should declare the MDT pre-major under the Change Major link in MyMAP. Declaring the MDT pre-major does not guarantee entrance into the MDT program, which is a limited enrollment program. Students must fulfill particular requirements for entrance. See program description for details.
Students interested in the Animation limited enrollment program should contact the Design Department for application requirements.
Graduation Requirements
To receive a BYU bachelor's degree a student must complete, in addition to all requirements for a specific major, the following university requirements:
The University Core, consisting of requirements in general and religious education.
At least 30 credit hours must be earned in residence on the BYU campus in Provo as an admitted day student
A minimum of 120 credit hours
A cumulative GPA of at least 2.0
Be in good standing with the Honor Code Office
Students should see their college advisement center for help or information concerning the undergraduate programs.
Graduate Programs Available
This department also offers graduate degree programs. For more information, see Graduate Studies.
