Recommend
Read full review“It’s definitely you get out what you put into it. It’s a ton of fun, but hard work if you expose yourself to a lot of projects.”
Difficulty
Moderately challenging
Average difficultyBased on 4 students across 2 schools.View review makeupEarly data
3.3/ 5
Share of students at each rating
Class-year breakdown needs more responses.It appears after at least two class years have 5 difficulty ratings each.
What makes this major demanding?
Worth it?
100% would recommend it
Recommend
Read full review“There’s not a whole lot of career options, but it’s the most fun you’ll ever have. If you love it enough to commit to studying it, you’re in the right spot and everything else will work itself out”
Students’ starting certainty
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PositiveEnjoyment & fit
Read full review“There’s not a whole lot of career options, but it’s the most fun you’ll ever have. If you love it enough to commit to studying it, you’re in the right spot and everything else will work itself out”
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Student paths
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What you will study and do
Curriculum and careers
The Theater major focuses on the study and practice of performing arts, including acting, directing, and stagecraft. Students learn about theater history, production techniques, and performance skills, preparing them for various roles in the entertainment industry.
Core course themes
Introduction to Acting
Covers fundamental acting techniques, character development, and performance skills for stage and screen.
Theater History
Explores the evolution of theater from ancient times to the modern era, examining major movements and influential playwrights.
Stagecraft and Design
Introduces the technical aspects of theater, including set design, lighting, sound, and costume design.
Directing for Theater
Focuses on the principles of directing, including script analysis, staging, and working with actors.
Playwriting
Teaches the basics of writing for the stage, including structure, character development, and dialogue.
Voice and Movement
Develops vocal and physical skills essential for performance, enhancing presence and expressiveness on stage.
Common roles
- Actor
- Stage Manager
- Theater Director
- Set Designer
- Playwright
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Theater by school
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Community
Big questions in Theater
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Student reviews
Difficulty & workloadPositive
I’ve never participated in any theater until college. Try it out if u r interested! It’s never too late! (Theater is not just acting, you can also be in backstage/design). Make sure you can do rehearsals from 6-10 every day.
Courses & teachingPositive
USC’s Theater program has helped me grow significantly as an actor. I have taken theater courses before at other institutions which were good, but USC is miles ahead.
Enjoyment & fitPositive
It’s definitely you get out what you put into it. It’s a ton of fun, but hard work if you expose yourself to a lot of projects.
Enjoyment & fitPositive
There’s not a whole lot of career options, but it’s the most fun you’ll ever have. If you love it enough to commit to studying it, you’re in the right spot and everything else will work itself out
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