Prospective Students

Performing Arts Studies at Lees-McRae College

As a student in Performing Arts at Lees-McRae College you will have the choice of receiving a B.A. (Bachelor of Arts) or a B.S. (Bachelor of Science) in Performing Arts Studies or Theatre Arts Education, or a B.F.A. (Bachelor of Fine Arts) in Musical Theatre.

A degree in Performing Arts Studies will provide you with a full liberal arts undergraduate education, prepare you for graduate study or work in a variety of artistic disciplines, as well as give you the skills for work in other fields such as management, publicity, marketing, etc.

The B.F.A degree in Musical Theatre is rooted in the liberal arts tradition of Lees-McRae College and provides training across all areas of the performing arts, while paying careful attention to the complete musical theatre performer and to the growth of the BFA student as a whole person.

Students are accepted into the BFA program through an audition process at the end of their first year.

Audition Dates

All scholarship auditions are scheduled on Saturdays as follows:
March 17, 2012 (BFA Auditions)
April 21, 2012

Performing Arts also offers the Theatre Arts Education (TAE) Program in conjunction with the Education Program. This program offers a rigorous course of study and culminates in a student teaching experience. The TAE Program ensures that the student completes courses in education and performing arts over the course of four years. Students complete certification and are fully qualified to teach after graduation, and we currently have a 100% placement rate in the field.


Degrees Offered

Performing Arts Studies, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

Performing Arts Studies, Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Musical Theatre, Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.)

Theatre Arts Education, K-12


First Year Opportunities?

Our students are able to participate in multiple activities from the moment they walk on to campus! During a typical first semester it is not uncommon to have a role in a main stage production, an informal "coffee house" evening, or a student directed scene or dance. Check out our pages specifically for PA Prospective Students to find out what activities are waiting for you!


Why Choose Lees-McRae College's Performing Arts?

  • During the first year of enrollment opportunities are extended to our students in performance, technical theatre and management
  • 85% Job placement of Performing Arts Studies majors for summer and post graduation employment
  • Small and friendly class environment fostering both individualized study and a collaborative work process, and a desirable faculty-student ratio
  • Self-designed curriculum centered around a challenging core of required knowledge and skill
  • Critical and creative thinking skills take center stage in all areas of study
  • Internship Opportunities ranging from performance with Equity stage company to management training with area arts organizations