Bachelor of Arts in Drama
Earn Your Drama Degree in the Heart of Houston
About the B.A. in Drama Program
Train. Create. Perform. Tell Stories That Matter.
The Bachelor of Arts in Drama at the University of St. Thomas prepares students to become versatile theatre artists through intensive, hands-on training in acting, directing, playwriting, design, technical theatre, and production. Through the lens of both the liberal arts and the Catholic intellectual tradition, students explore artistic expression through the drama of live theatre production and performance.
Students do not simply study theatre. They make it.
About the Progam
Small Drama Classes Where You Can Shine
From their first year, Drama students have opportunities to perform, direct, write, design, build, stage manage, and work alongside internationally recognized faculty and working theatre professionals. With small classes and individualized mentorship, students develop their artistic voice while gaining the practical skills and experience necessary for professional theatre, graduate study, education, and careers throughout the performing arts.
Through Stoic Theatre at the University of St. Thomas, students participate in an active production program that connects their academic training directly to the professional world.
Prepare for a Career in Theatre
Professional Theatre Opportunities in Houston
Coursework includes acting, movement, directing, playwriting, stagecraft, design, dramatic literature, and hands-on rehearsal and production experiences. Students may also participate in workshops and master classes with guest artists, develop and present original work, attend professional productions, and pursue internships and other opportunities throughout Houston. Students also direct and perform in local Houston theatres such as MATCH—Midtown Arts and Theater Center Houston.
B.A. in Drama Frequently Asked Questions
What makes UST’s theatre program unique?
At UST, students receive the individualized attention of a small university while training with internationally recognized faculty and professional theatre artists in Houston, one of the largest and most diverse arts communities in the country.
What is special about the faculty in your program?
Our faculty bring professional experience as actors, directors, designers, playwrights, and theatre artists into the classroom and rehearsal room. Students receive individualized mentorship from artists whose work extends beyond the University into professional, national, and international settings. All faculty have worked in professional theatre and performance settings and have created and performed locally, nationally, and internationally.
Will I have opportunities to work with professional theatre artists?
Yes. Through Stoic Theatre, students have opportunities to work alongside working professionals. Guest artists and professional collaborators become part of the educational experience, allowing students to rehearse, perform, write, design, and create alongside established theatre artists.
Students may find themselves performing alongside professional actors, being directed by working artists, collaborating with professional designers and musicians, developing original plays, and taking the stage in professional Houston theatre venues.
What will I learn as a theatre student at UST?
The Bachelor of Arts in Drama emphasizes the development of the complete theatre artist. Students are encouraged not only to interpret existing work but also to create their own.
Through playwriting, directing, and the development of original work, students discover and strengthen their artistic voices. Through Stoic Theatre, students can participate as members of a production team and pursue acting opportunities. Students learn to collaborate in a professional theatre environment while honoring the human person and exploring the depth and breadth of storytelling through live performance.
How does UST prepare theatre students for professional careers?
Rather than waiting until after graduation to enter a professional environment, UST students begin developing professional expectations, relationships, credits, and experience while earning their degree.
Through professional collaborations, fully produced theatre, original work, and opportunities in professional Houston theatre venues, students gain experience working alongside established theatre artists while developing their own artistic voices.
Why Choose UST for Drama?
Build Your Artistic Voice Through Professional Experience
At the University of St. Thomas, Drama students receive individualized mentorship, hands-on theatre training, and opportunities to perform from their first year. Small classes allow students to work closely with internationally recognized faculty and professional theatre artists while developing skills in acting, directing, playwriting, design, technical theatre, and production.
Through Stoic Theatre, students apply what they learn in fully staged productions and may perform in professional Houston theatre venues. Grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts, the B.A. in Drama program prepares thoughtful, versatile theatre artists to pursue professional careers, graduate study, education, and opportunities throughout the performing arts.
Studying with Artists and Creatives
Communication & Performing Arts
Faculty and Leadership
Marek Ryszard Dojs
Marek Dojs is the Chair of the Department of Communication & Performing Arts and is an Associate Professor of Communication. He is an award-winning filmmaker, educator, and scholar whose work spans documentary film, media production, storytelling, communication and media studies, history, and memory studies. His scholarship is grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition, particularly its emphasis on truth, human dignity, and the formative power of culture and communication.
Director of Drama
Associate Professor of Drama
Director of Dance
Associate Professor
Assistant Professor
Fellow of the Core
Technical Theatre Director
Adjunct Professor