Certificate of Graduate Studies in Theatre Practices

Location: Online

Total Credit Hours: 15

Next Session Start: March 16, 2026

Approved Degree Plan: Download PDF

The Certificate of Graduated Studies in Theatre Practices, offered online, is designed for students seeking a broad overview in dramatic literature, directing, dramaturgy and design. Credits from this certificate may be applied to the master’s program.

Examine theories and concepts of dramatic literature and directing for the stage with an emphasis on script analysis, principles of staging, and collaborating with actors.
Investigate the process of creating a scenic, costume, lighting, or prop design.

Please complete the Request Information form on this page to learn more about this program.

Career Opportunities

This certificate may help advance your career in theatre arts by equipping you with a broad scope of knowledge in your field. Potential career fields include dramatic literature, stage production, public relations, voice over work, and talent for commercial work.

Featured Courses

Table listing featured courses with course code, name, and credit hours.
Code	Name	Credits
THE 633	Theories & Concepts in Directing	3	An in-depth examination of a variety of theories and techniques for directing live performances for the stage. Emphasis placed on various principles, techniques, and approaches to directing dramatically effective presentations. The student will participate in classroom exercise work designed to prepare the student to apply what they learn in various types of performance presentations. Emphasis placed on script analysis, principles of staging, and collaborating with actors. Residency Requirement.
THE 641	History & Criticism of the American Musical	3	Explores the evolution of American musical theatre from its origins to recent movie-adaptations. Students also examine the role of the musical theatre historian providing show research and audience within a theatrical organization.
THE 650	Shakespeare & Mimetic Theory	3	Exploration of Shakespeare’s central themes and contexts, with particular focus on Rene Girard’s notion of mimetic desire as a motivating factor in the action of Shakespearean texts.
THE 725	Theatrical Design Process 1	3	Provides an intellectual analysis as well as practical and emotional perspective of the process of creating a scenic, costume, lighting or audio design. Emphasis is placed on script analysis, research methods, implementation and evaluation. Students investigate the impact of resources on the creation of a work of art.
THE 726	Theatrical Design Process 2	3	Explores in depth the tools and techniques utilized by theatrical designers to bring their work to the stage. Students produce designs for creating scenery, costuming and lighting for a production.

Students should refer to their catalog or audited degree plan (ADP) for required courses to complete their degree.

Admissions Requirements

2025-26 Semester Check-In Deadlines

All students are expected to check-in for the semester two weeks before the session start date. Students should apply, be accepted, enroll in their first courses, and confirm a plan to pay for their courses prior to this date.

Session	Semester Check-In	Session Start Date
Session A	Friday, August 15	Monday, August 25
Session M	Friday, September 12	Monday, September 22
Session B	Friday, October 17	Monday, October 27
Session C	Wednesday, January 7	Monday, January 12
Session T	Friday, January 30	Monday, February 9
Session D	Friday, March 6	Monday, March 16
Session E	Friday, May 1	Monday, May 11
Session F	Friday, June 12	Monday, June 22

Prerequisites

A minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.50 on a 4.0 scale.

Application Requirements

Step 1: Apply to Regent University

Submit your application using the Regent University Online Application.

Note: If you are unable to complete our application due to a disability, please contact our Admissions Office at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu and an admissions representative will provide reasonable accommodations to assist you in completing the application.

Step 2: Submit Your Unofficial Transcripts

Submit your unofficial transcripts to regent.edu/items.

Upon submitting your application, you will receive an email requesting authorization for Regent University to obtain your official transcripts from your U.S. degree-granting institution. International transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES or NAFSA approved agency.

Step 3: Submit Your Government-Issued ID

To ensure academic integrity, Regent University requires a copy of a government-issued ID. Please submit a scanned copy or photograph of it to regent.edu/items.

Please feel free to contact the Office of Admissions at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu should you have any further questions about the application process.

Note: All items submitted as part of the application process become the property of Regent University and cannot be returned.

Tuition & Fees

2025-26 Tuition Rates

Certificate of Graduate Studies	Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour	Total Credits	Tuition Cost for Certificate
Theatre Practices	$670	15	$10,050

Student Fees Per Semester

Course Infrastructure Fee	$200 (per course)
University Services Fee (Online Students)	$750
Library Course	$50 (one-time fee; all students must register for this course to graduate)
Late Payment Fee	$100

Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

*Rates are subject to change at any time.

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