Build the skills necessary to thrive in your creative career through Brenau University’s Theatre Department. At Brenau, our faculty of professional actors, directors, playwrights, dramaturgs, costumers, technicians and educators will not only pass their knowledge and expertise to you, they’ll help you get your foot in the door with professionals in your field. You’ll gain real-world experience and network with successful industry professionals, so you can jump straight into the field right after you graduate. Whatever part of the theatre industry you’re passionate about, we are here to help you find your spotlight.

Why Brenau Theatre?

  • Become a part of the Gainesville Theatre Alliance (GTA), a nationally-recognized departmental collaboration between Brenau and the University of North Georgia 
  • Put your skills into practice in productions starting in your first semester at Brenau 
  • Receive guidance and mentorship from faculty members who have worked on Broadway and in national touring companies
  • Utilize Brenau’s performance spaces, including the historic Pearce Auditorium and Hosch Theatre 
  • Atlanta’s thriving film and television scene is less than an hour away, so you’ll be able to apply your skills to a creative career without having to leave the state of Georgia
Testimonials
Sarah Kay
I know that I’m constantly growing thanks to teachers that pour their all into their classes and students. Thanks to a wide array of different acting methods and singing techniques that have been taught over the last three years I’ve been in the program, I have an entire toolbox to pick from.
Sammy Nelson
It’s still crazy to me that we have a group of people that come to see every show we do because they enjoy it. It’s nice to have a part in that, and feel like you’re a part of something bigger than yourself. I wouldn’t change anything for the world. I want to keep doing this.
Julia Rodriguez
I have walked away with the ability to confidently identify myself as a capable costume designer and technician. I take on challenges as a costumer that terrify me, but I know I can handle them now because of it. This degree will not be handed to you, but your professors will fight for you and with you to ensure you earned it in.

Choose your path

Each degree program runs for 8 semesters, on-ground in Gainesville

  • College of Fine Arts & Humanities, Theatre

    Bachelor of Arts in Theatre

    Undergraduate / BA
  • College of Fine Arts & Humanities, Theatre

    Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting for Stage and Screen

    Undergraduate / BFA
  • College of Fine Arts & Humanities, Theatre

    Bachelor of Fine Arts in Costuming for Film and Theatre

    Undergraduate / BFA
  • College of Fine Arts & Humanities, Theatre

    Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre

    Undergraduate / BFA
  • College of Fine Arts & Humanities, Theatre

    Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Design and Technology

    Undergraduate / BFA

BA vs. BFA: What’s the difference?

At Brenau, we have two paths for our theatre students. Students who prefer a conservatory-style immersive experience should look into the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree programs. Students in any of these four programs will focus specifically on their area of specialization and fill their studies with these courses. Students in the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre or the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting for Stage and Screen programs will also apply their training in sold-out productions in Brenau’s two theatre spaces, as well as GTA’s additional theatre spaces. Students must audition or submit a portfolio for acceptance into all BFA programs.

If you want more flexibility in your studies, either because you’re not sure what area of theatre interests you, or because you want to double major or join an athletic team, you should consider the Bachelor of Arts in Theatre. This customizable program lets you try out many different areas of the theatre, including directing, acting, dramaturgy and technical theatre, so you can figure out what you are passionate about. The BA programs give you the practical skills you need for a career in the creative arts.

All Theatre programs have the opportunity to apply for a theatre talent scholarship during the audition or interview.

Audition & Admissions

Schedule your audition today

The Bachelor of Fine Arts programs in Acting, Musical Theatre, and Theatre Design and Technology accept 15 students per academic year. The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Costuming for Film and Theatre accepts 8 students per academic year. The Bachelor of Arts in Theatre program has no cap. Before you can be admitted into the program of your choice, all students must be accepted to Brenau and pass the audition or interview. All degree programs require an audition or interview to receive a Theatre Talent Scholarship. Scholarships are awarded based on talent, commitment, and academic performance.

Brenau University awards its own scholarships based on academic performance and financial need.

It is preferred that students interview in person at one of our on-campus audition events. If you can not get to campus, an audition/interview can be scheduled via Zoom by emailing Pamela Workman, Chair of Theatre, at pworkman@brenau.edu. You may also find our faculty at various theatre conferences and auditions such as Pittsburg Unified, ThesCon Georgia, and Georgia Theatre Conference. Auditions or portfolio reviews may include questions concerning professional goals and why you would like to study at Brenau.

To schedule an in-person interview, visit the Audition page for Gainesville Theatre Alliance.

For a free application, visit the Brenau University apply page.

For more information about Brenau University, financial aid, scholarships, etc, contact Admissions at admissions@brenau.edu.

On-Campus Audition Dates

  • Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025 in Brenau University’s John S. Burd Center
  • Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026 Online (Design/Tech areas only)
  • Saturday, April 18th, 2026 in UNG-Gainesville’s Performing Arts Building

Audition and Portfolio Review Requirements

BFA in Acting for Stage and Screen

  • Upload your resume and headshot during registration
  • Prepare two 60-second contrasting monologues

BFA in Musical Theatre

  • Vocal: Prepare Two selections of musical theatre or pop repertoire that contrasts in style and decade of composition. Each cut may be up to 32 bars each, but should not exceed 60 seconds in length. In addition, please have the full version of your audition songs as well as any other performance-ready musical theatre or pop repertoire.
  • Acting: Prepare one monologue from a play, not from monologue books. This may be 45-60 seconds in length.
  • Dance: The dance call will be in group format and will last approximately an hour in length. It will include a quick warm-up, technique across the floor combinations, a ballet portion, and a jazz/MT combination. No prior dance experience is necessary. Wear shoes you can dance in and clothes you can move in.

BFA in Costuming for Film & Theatre and BFA in Theatre Design & Tech 

  • Upload your resume and portfolio during registration
  • Prepare to present your portfolio and field relevant questions

BA in Theatre seeking Theatre Talent Scholarship

  • Any items listed above based on interested areas of study

Brenau’s Performing Arts Facilities

Pearce Auditorium

Pearce Auditorium is a 700-seat, 19th century opera house. It was dedicated on May 21, 1897, as “the largest of its kind” in the South. The auditorium is used for performances by Brenau’s theatre, dance and music departments. The space also serves as a venue for graduation ceremonies, awards ceremonies, and community shows and events.

Hosch Theatre

The Hosch Theatre — named after its donor, Mary Helen Roop Hosch — is the largest performance space in the John S. Burd Center for the Performing Arts. The theatre seats 350 people and is frequently used for performances by Brenau theatre, dance and music students. Members of the Hall County community also use the space for high school plays and musicals, spelling bees, choir shows and other events.

Our Faculty & Staff

Contact us today

Pamela Workman
Chair of Theatre, Associate Professor of Theatre, Director of Theatre Design & Technology, & Resident Costume Designer
770-538-4354
pworkman@brenau.edu