Drama and Theatre Arts Degree

The drama and theatre arts field of study is focused on performance and performers involved in the process. The term drama comes from the Greek word meaning “action”. Today, a drama performed in a theatre by actors upon a stage before a live audience includes an active mode of production often including music and dance. Get more details below including other Virginia colleges that offer drama and theatre arts degrees.

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Washington and Lee University

Also known as Washington and Lee

5817 Wesleyan Drive, Virginia Beach, VA

About
Washington and Lee University, located in Lexington, Virginia, was founded in 1749. The school was originally known as Augusta Academy, but has its name changed in 1776 to Liberty Hall, later Liberty Hall Academy, in response to the revolutionary fervor that had become part of the American identity. In 1796 the school was given $20,000 dollars in stocks as an endowment from President George Washington, preventing the school's closure. The school was renamed Washington Academy, later Washington College, in appreciation of the endowment. In 1865 General Robert E. Lee became president of the institution, and remained so until his death five years later. The school was then renamed to Washington and Lee University.

Academics
W&L has two separate schools for academic programs, with the College focusing on the liberal arts and humanities and the Ernest Williams II School of Commerce, Economics, and Politics covering fields within the scope of the school. In total there are 41 academic programs available to graduates, though all freshman students begin their education at the College. Students may throughout their four years take elective courses offered at both schools. The law school provides juris doctor and master of law degrees through its programs.

Programs offered include:

• Chemistry
• Accounting
• History
• Philosophy
• Law

Admissions and Financial Aid
Students interested in enrollment must submit an application along with all pertinent transcripts and test scores as well as two teacher recommendations and one counselor recommendation. The submitted application will be reviewed and students notified if they have been admitted into the school.

Financial aid is available in the form of grants, loans, work study programs and scholarships. Students in need of financial assistance must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and submit it along with their most recent tax information in order to determine eligibility and awards. Scholarships may be awarded by the school, through federal programs, or by private scholarship granting committees and organizations.

Students Enrolled in the Drama and Theatre Arts Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. Washington and Lee offers a bachelor's degree program in drama and theatre arts.

Students by Gender (2019)

Students by Race (2019)

Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.

Career Options for Graduates

Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary

Description

Teach courses in drama, music, and the arts including fine and applied art, such as painting and sculpture, or design and crafts. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Actors

Description

Play parts in stage, television, radio, video, motion picture productions, or other settings for entertainment, information, or instruction. Interpret serious or comic role by speech, gesture, and body movement to entertain or inform audience. May dance and sing.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, actors employment is expected to grow at a rate of 9.6% from 2014 to 2024

Producers

Description

Plan and coordinate various aspects of radio, television, stage, or motion picture production, such as selecting script, coordinating writing, directing and editing, and arranging financing.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, producers employment is expected to grow at a rate of 9.1% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
  • Total Employment: 380
  • Average Hourly Rate: $30.35
  • Average Annual Salary: $63120

Entertainers and Performers, Sports and Related Workers, All Other

Description

All entertainers and performers, sports and related workers not listed separately.

Source: Job descriptions, estimated salary and wages, and projected job growth are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).