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Theatre and Communication Arts

  • Bachelor of Arts
  • Minor
  • Erie, Pennsylvania
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  • Put Your Career into Play with a Theatre and Communication Arts Degree from Gannon University

    You’re a content creator, a message maker, a storyteller. Whether you are in front of or behind the scenes, you can inspire an audience in exciting ways. If this is you, Gannon’s theatre and communication arts program can help you hone your skills in writing, producing, working in teams and thinking outside the box, and put these passions at center stage through careers in the arts, media and much more.

    • Begin building your impressive resume from day one in the program.
    • Choose from various program tracks and pursue a minor in innovation and creativity to tailor your academic experience.
    • Learn from faculty who've trained with legendary talents across the globe, performed internationally and hold MFA degrees.

    Learn to Lead the Way in Theatre and Communication Arts

    • Gain the skills needed to become exceptional artists and communicators and excel in plays, musicals, journalism and broadcast media.
    • Engage in all aspects of performance, promotion and production.  
    • Learn to connect with others and create and interpret messages to be shared and experienced by audiences.

    Experience an Exceptional Learning Environment

    • Engage in digital audio and video production, graphic design, studio art, advertising and public relations, theatre design and performance, journalism and mass media communication.  
    • Perform, design and experience the Schuster Theatre’s black box-style performance space.  
    • Discover real-world internship, performance and production opportunities all within the heart of Erie’s arts and innovation district. 

    Inspire Your Academic Success

    Gain real-world knowledge through three flexible track options within one versatile degree:

    Theatre Communication Track: This track is for the student who wants to do it all with classes such as Digital Drawing and Television Production.

    Performance Track: This track focuses on the performance aspects of the craft with classes including Advanced Acting and Improvisation. 

    Design/Technical Track: This track focuses on the design and technical aspects of the business with classes such as Costume and Makeup as well as Stage Management.

    Achieve Your Possibilities

    Gannon’s theatre and communication arts program will provide you with an array of opportunities so you can:

    • Secure exciting careers with large international performing arts and media centers, independent studios, network affiliates and more.  
    • Work in acting and directing; advertising or corporate communication; audio and visual production; copywriting; scenic, lighting, sound and digital animation stage design; film and television; education; media law; journalism; nonprofit administration; public relations and more.
    • Earn an annual median wage of $40,000 - $60,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

Student Learning Outcomes

  1. The student will be able to thoroughly research and write an extended form analytical paper.
  2. The student will be able to research, write, and deliver a sustained-form business presentation using appropriate rhetorical strategies and technology.
  3. The student will demonstrate and understanding of and participation in the patterns of scholarly and productive discussion using both interpersonal and professional skills.
  4. The student will design, organize, rehearse, and perform dramatic/or non-dramatic script material.
  5. The student will be able to identify and participate in the pre-production, production and post- production processes of theatre and the digital media.
  6. The student will identify and critically describe the historical context of the media and/or the theatre
  7. The student will recognize the need for adaptability/resilience in the theatre and the electronic arts, and be able to collaborate with faculty, peers, and technology to produce quality theatrical and digital projects.
  8. The student will recognize the relationship between the work of the School of Communication and the Arts programs and the mission of Gannon University.
Seamus Clerkin

Seamus Clerkin Theatre and Communication Arts

"Gannon University has provided me with the means to dive further into my field of study in theatre and communication arts both inside and outside the classroom. I have been able to study my field, as well as gain hands-on experience. I believe in the possibilities."

Chloe Forbes

Chloe Forbes School of Communication and Arts

“The faculty and staff in the School of Communication and the Arts have challenged me to step outside my comfort zone and develop my potential as a young creative mind.”

  • Receive hands-on learning through real-world courses, projects and valuable internship experiences that prepare you to become a professional in the field.
  • 13:1Enjoy a personalized experience inspired by Gannon’s faculty experts and a low student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1.
  • Apply for generous financial aid packages and scholarship awards.

Our Faculty Experts