At Buffalo State, hands-on experiences set the stage for success in the professional world.
Our Stage and Screen Arts (formerly Theater) majors are engaged in experiential learning from their first semester. This happens in production, workshops, community partnerships, mentorships, internships, and pre-professional development. The Theater Department focuses on providing learning and engagement by coordinating professional opportunities, networking, and access to the area's theater, film, and dance communities.
In-class work gives students the tools needed to engage in the real-world experiences that will support their goals.
Whether your focus is onstage, backstage, in front of a camera, or you are pursuing another career, we can meet you where you are and help you get where you want to go.
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Degree Offered
Stage and Screen Arts, B.A. (formerly Theater, B.A.): The B.A. in Stage and Screen Arts prepares students for creative and technical careers in performance, production, and design across stage, film, television, and digital media. Emphasizing hands-on experiences, historical context, and artistic innovation, the program fosters collaborative skills, critical thinking, and professional readiness in a dynamic curriculum that merges classical techniques with emerging technologies.
Where Our Alumni Work
Our program prepares students for a wide variety of careers in stage and screen:
- Actor/Performer
- Agent
- Arts Reviewer
- Choreographer
- Costume Designer
- Dance Teacher
- Dancer
- Director
- Front-of-House Manager
- Lighting Technician
- Makeup Artist
- Producer
- Props Manager
- Pyrotechnic Engineer
- Script Writer (Film, TV)
- Set Designer
- Set Manager
- Sound Engineer
- Special Effects Producer
- Stage Manager
- Vocal Coach
- Wardrobe Assistant
At Buffalo State, we believe that the best way to learn is by doing. Our program is designed to give students multiple experiences and opportunities both in and outside of the classroom. Applied learning experiences include professional internships, community outreach projects, involvement with arts-related organizations, teaching at local elementary and high schools, and on-the-job experiences. Below are just a few ways majors can get involved:
Casting Hall Productions
Buffalo State's student-operated and funded theater production company serves as co-producer for the theater season. It allows students to gain practical experience across all aspects of production, including publicity, costume and set construction, technical staffing, production management, and budget management.
The Anne Frank Project
This annual campus-wide social festival uses storytelling as a vehicle for community building, conflict-resolution, and identity exploration. Students can participate in AFP by leading workshops and performances, as well as volunteering to support the logistical needs of this ever-growing festival.
Friday Night Live!
Buffalo State's student improv troupe. The free performances are held on several Friday nights throughout the semester in the Flexible Theatre in the Savage Theater and Communication Building.
New Student Showcase
Performance and design opportunities are available throughout your college experience, but we get you started your first semester! Held annually in November, the New Student Showcase introduces our newest majors to the Theater Department's faculty and students.
Students have the opportunity to participate in summer research fellowships and work with faculty. Some projects have included interdisciplinary work and capstone writing and performance projects. Many students participate in Buffalo State’s Student Research and Creativity Conference each year.
Students are also encouraged to pursue internships with local, regional, and national theaters
- Road Less Traveled Productions
- Shea's Performing Arts Center
- Irish Classical Theater Company
- Theater of Youth
- Shakespeare in Delaware Park
Accomplished Faculty
Our faculty have earned degrees from well-known and respected graduate schools and continue to work professionally.
Active Alumni
Our alumni leverage the skills learned at Buffalo State by contributing in a meaningful way to their communities on a local, national, and international level. They are working in and involved with a never-ending variety of roles in the world of theater.
Dedicated Performance Spaces
Our two theaters and two studios are dedicated learning labs first and performance spaces second. Ensuring our students' education is at the forefront.