Degree in Performing Arts
Become Extraordinary!
“We must overcome the notion that we must be regular… it robs you of the chance to be extraordinary and leads you to the mediocre.” — Uta Hagen
At Averett University, the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Professional Performance is designed for aspiring performers who are ready to turn their passion into a profession. Through intensive training in acting, voice, movement, musical theatre, music, and stagecraft, you’ll develop the artistry, discipline, versatility, and confidence needed to succeed in today’s competitive performing arts industry.
Whether your goal is to perform in musical theatre, regional theatre, touring productions, cruise lines, theme parks, or other professional venues, Averett provides the individualized training, hands-on experience, and collaborative environment to help you get there. You’ll work closely with faculty who bring experience from Broadway, national tours and professional regional theatre, and learn from working artists who understand what it takes to succeed beyond the classroom.
Your spotlight starts here.
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Why Study Professional Performance at Averett?
At Averett, performance is more than memorizing lines or learning choreography—it’s about becoming a complete artist.
Students in the Professional Performance program benefit from:
- Individualized instruction from accomplished theatre and music faculty
- Faculty with Broadway, national touring and professional regional theatre experience
- A creative, collaborative learning environment that encourages artistic growth
- Comprehensive training in acting, voice, movement, directing and stagecraft
- Opportunities to develop both technical and performance skills
- Preparation for careers in theatre, musical theatre and the performing arts
Whether you’re on stage, behind the scenes or preparing for your next audition, you’ll graduate with the confidence and experience to pursue your artistic goals.
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Find the Path That’s Right for You
Averett’s Professional Performance program allows students to focus on the performance disciplines that align with their passions and career aspirations.
Musical Theatre
Designed for students who love acting, singing and dancing, the Musical Theatre concentration prepares performers to become versatile artists capable of succeeding in a wide range of theatrical productions.
Averett also offers a minor in Performance Music.
Career opportunities include:
- Musical Theatre Performer
- Professional Actor
- Singer
- Touring Performer
- Cruise Line Performer
- Theme Park Performer
- Arts Educator*
- Director*
*Additional education or professional experience may be required for some positions.
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Learn by Doing
At Averett, students spend significant time developing their craft through coursework, rehearsals and performance experiences that prepare them for professional opportunities.
Students build valuable skills through coursework in areas such as:
- Acting
- Voice and Diction
- Theatre Seminar
- Voice and Diction
- History of the Theatre
- History of the Musical Stage
- Stagecraft
- Stage Management
- Play Directing
- New York Theatre
- Conducting
- Musical Theatre
- Music History
- Music Theory
- Musical Theatre Dance
- Show Choir or Cougar Band
This comprehensive curriculum helps students become well-rounded performers while developing an understanding of every aspect of theatrical production.
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Experience Learning Beyond the Classroom
The best performers grow through experience.
Throughout the program, students have opportunities to:
- Refine their performance skills through rehearsals and productions
- Collaborate with fellow performers, directors and designers
- Develop leadership and teamwork skills
- Gain experience in both performance and technical theatre
- Learn the collaborative process that brings productions to life
These experiences help students graduate with the confidence and professionalism needed to thrive in the performing arts.
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Why Employers Value Averett Graduates
Successful performers are more than talented. They’re disciplined, adaptable and collaborative.
Averett graduates leave prepared with:
- Strong acting and performance techniques
- Vocal and movement training
- Creative problem-solving skills
- Collaboration and leadership experience
- Professional communication abilities
- A well-rounded understanding of theatrical production
- Confidence performing before live audiences
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Why Averett?
✔ Bachelor of Fine Arts professional training
✔ Faculty with Broadway and professional theatre experience
✔ Comprehensive preparation in acting, music and stagecraft
✔ Small classes with individualized mentorship
✔ Collaborative and supportive creative environment
✔ Preparation for professional performance and graduate study
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Ready to Take the Stage?
If you’re ready to transform your passion for performing into a lifelong career, Averett University’s Professional Performance program will help you develop the artistry, confidence and professional skills to succeed.
Whether your future leads to Broadway, regional theatre, touring productions or graduate study, your journey begins at Averett.
Apply today, schedule a campus visit or request more information to discover how Averett can help you bring your performance dreams to life.
