The Mission
The Department of Theatre Arts is dedicated to providing all students with a dynamic educational experience which will result in their becoming both creative artists and able craftspersons, well prepared to enter the professional world of theatre.

The Theatre Arts major affords students a unique combination of theory and practice. The curriculum offers a solid foundation in history, literature, and the theory of theatre, giving relevance and meaning to students' artistic endeavors. In addition, Participation in theatre productions provides students with an understanding and insight into the tools and techniques of theatre.

The Program
The Theatre Arts Department at New Paltz offers the Bachelor of Arts and the Bachelor of Science degree.

The New Paltz Theatre Arts Department offers a pre-professional training program within the context of a liberal arts education. This approach provides the student with a broad education in many areas of learning throughout the university, together with specialized study in the various offerings of the Theatre Department. Although the New Paltz theatre student undergoes specialized study in one aspect of theatre while in the department, the student graduates with substantial knowledge about various aspects of theatre. Our philosophy is to create an all-around theatre person by the end of the educational experience. This approach promotes a full appreciation of the art of theatre, and presents a wide spectrum of possibilities to the student.

The Department has an active production program, mounting four to six Mainstage shows per year in our two venues. These works include major musicals, classical works, and contemporary dramas. In addition, students produce from six to ten student-directed experimental pieces in the alternative Black Box studio.

Accreditation
The Department of Theatre Arts is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre.