In the Department of Theatre at the University of Tennessee we are dedicated to creating rigorous educational programs that are fully integrated with the operations of a professional theatre serving our region. We believe that the best way for students to learn the art of theatre is to study in the studio and then to practice alongside first-rate professionals. This dual mission informs everything that we do.
The Department operates The Clarence Brown Theatre (CBT), a LORT D Equity theatre, and is a member of the University/Resident Theatre Association (U/RTA). The Department and the CBT are fully integrated in all aspects of mission and function. We offer a four-year Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and a three-year Master of Fine Arts in Theatre with concentrations in Acting, Costume Design, Lighting Design, and Scenic Design.
The integration of our academic programs with The Clarence Brown enables us to compete among the finest University theatre programs in the nation. Our MFA programs recruit nationally among the most elite professional programs, and our BA program is a leader in the region, offering a strong liberal arts degree with exceptional performance, design, and other production opportunities.
Our department and our theatre are strong and growing stronger. The Clarence Brown Theatre is a pillar of the east Tennessee arts community. Many of our shows sell out, and 35,000 people attend CBT shows each year. We enjoy the strong support of University leadership. The Clarence and Marian Brown Endowment, the state of Tennessee, and generous support from our community provide us with a stable fiscal foundation, and we are developing new resources to better our facilities, creative excellence, and national reach.
We encourage you to learn more about us from this website. Just follow the links above. You are also more than welcome to come to UT for a visit, to have a closer look at all we have to offer. We can set up meetings with faculty, a tour of our facilities, or an audition. And while you are here, you can enjoy a wonderful evening at one of our shows!