Theatre
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A Bachelor of Arts in Theatre provides broad opportunities while focusing on your specific interests, such as acting or design. You develop a comprehensive understanding of theatre through diverse topics, gain experience through internships and collaborate closely with theatre faculty and local professionals.
Our theatre program trains and supports you in the many arts, crafts, and traditions of theatre, with a focus on developing actors, designers, technicians and historians. Guided by experienced mentors, you receive intensive, hands-on training, build analytical skills and gain professional exposure in the Greater Kansas City area.
- Program Type: Major
- Academic Unit: Conservatory
- Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts
- Standard credit hours: 120
- Delivery Mode: In-person
- Typical Program Length: 4 years
- Typical Course Load: 4-5 per semester
- Estimated Program Cost: $55,560
- * All rates or costs are for illustrative purposes only. Estimated cost is calculated by multiplying the appropriate 2025/2026 UMKC academic year resident rate by standard credit hours. Fees are NOT included in the calculation. Your hours and total costs may differ, depending on transfer hours, course choices, academic progress, program- and university-specific fees, and your qualified tuition rate. Learn more about tuition and financial aid.
Why UMKC
Vibrant arts district
Immerse yourself in a dynamic arts community with opportunities to perform and work behind the scenes at renowned venues, including the Unicorn Theatre, The Coterie, Kansas City Repertory Theatre, Kansas City Actors Theatre, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, Starlight Theatre and the Kansas City Music Hall.
Chances to shine
Showcase your talent through nearly 500 performances produced annually by the Conservatory.
Contribute to community
Make a difference by participating in the Conservatory Academy, which serves 2,400 Kansas City community members each year through private lessons, group classes, festivals and workshops.
After Graduation
As a theatre major, you unlock a wide range of career possibilities in the creative arts. The skills, practices and methodologies gained from theatre courses are not only valuable within the industry but also applicable to other fields and essential for personal and professional growth.
Potential careers
- Actor
- Director
- Costume designer
$51,208
Median salary/year
* Based on data from Lightcast.io for Actors (27-2011.00)
Potential Courses
Theatre History I
Explore the development of theatrical art, including the physical stage, technical production elements, dramatic literature and audience behavior from its primitive origins to the 18th century.
Script Analysis
Focus on reading scripts theatrically to create a coherent production. Through intensive analysis of various plays, you'll study form, structure, genre, character, language, theme and action — essen…
Stage Management I
Examine the duties and responsibilities of a stage manager, with particular emphasis on organizing and conducting rehearsals and performances, adhering to professional practices and understanding unio…
Related Programs and Pathways
How to Apply
- Gather your materials
- Official transcripts.
- Names and locations of previous college(s) or high school(s) and dates you attended.
- Citizenship, residency and visa information (if applicable).
- ACT/SAT test scores (optional). Required if you would like to be considered for applicable scholarship opportunities.
- Transcripts and test scores from domestic and international undergraduate students may be sent in after the Dec. 15 Conservatory application deadline but must be received by UMKC Admissions by Feb. 1.
- Complete the online application
- No application fee for domestic undergraduate students — $75 for international students.
Application Dates
To Start Classes in Fall
Apply by: Jan. 15
Classes begin in August
Estimated Tuition Per Semester
$6,945
Resident Rate
(per semester)
$9,840
Heartland Rate
(per semester)
$16,868
Nonresident Rate
(per semester)