Bachelor of Fine Arts
Theatre for Youth:
Performance & Teaching Artistry
As one of the only Christian universities in the country to offer this degree, we help students integrate their passion for theatre with their calling to work with young people.
Is This Program for Me?
Are you passionate about theatre, community engagement and making a difference in young lives? Samford University’s BFA in Theatre for Youth: Performance and Teaching Artistry blends performance training with a heart for service. Designed for aspiring performers, teaching artists and community leaders, this unique degree equips students to create inspiring, youth-focused theatre that educates and uplifts. Centered on creativity, compassion, and the service-oriented heart of Christ, the program empowers others-centered students to use their talents to make a lasting impact in a diverse world.
This program is a great fit for students who:
- Are passionate about performance, music, dance, storytelling and community engagement
- Aspire careers in theatre, teaching artistry, counseling, creative arts therapy or arts ministry
- Enjoy working with youth and families
- Seek a program that nurtures artistic talent and service-oriented leadership
- Value a Christian environment that supports calling, character and community
What Makes Us Different?
Samford is one of the only Christian universities in the country to offer a BFA in Theatre for Youth. This unique program combines studio training, performance opportunities and community engagement to shape theatre artists who make a difference in the world.
Immediate Stage Opportunities
Students perform in mainstage and touring productions as early as their first year.
Global Community Engagement
Students have traveled internationally to share creative drama in places like Indonesia and the Dominican Republic.
Faith-Infused Learning
The program encourages students to integrate faith, service and artistry in a meaningful way.
Vocal and Dance Concentrations
Audition-based options in voice and dance provide additional studio training.
Shape Your Academic Journey
The BFA in Theatre for Youth offers a comprehensive curriculum focused on performance, creative drama, children’s literature, teaching artistry and theatre production.
Students Will
- Perform and teach theatre for young audiences with creativity and empathy
- Use acting, movement, world building, devising and puppetry to engage a variety of audiences
- Direct, design and produce theatre for all ages
- Understand child development and educational theory
- Apply learned skills in a wide range of settings, from classrooms to global outreach
Prepare to Succeed
Graduates of this program enter the workforce with hands-on experience, strong professional networks and a deep understanding of how theatre can shape lives. Whether students pursue performance, teaching artistry, arts ministry or arts therapy, they’ll be ready to lead with confidence and compassion.
Career Preparation
- Touring theatre performances for youth and families
- Storytelling and arts integration with local schools
- Conferences, networking and mentorship with leading professionals
- Optional international outreach in theatre for communities
Internships & Fellowships
- Rose Theatre
- Alliance Theatre
- Nashville Children’s Theatre
- Lexington Children’s Theatre
- Seattle Children’s Theatre
- Honolulu Theatre for Youth
- Gulfshore Playhouse
- Garden Theatre
- Red Mountain Theatre
- Parkridge Valley Behavioral Health Hospital
Career Opportunities
- Performer or Teaching Artist
- Director or Artistic Director
- Drama Therapist or Creative Arts Educator
- Arts Administrator or Counselor
- Graduate Study in MFA or MA programs
- K-12 Drama Teacher or Arts Ministry Leader
Amy Ethington
Current Job Title: Resident Stage Manager at Red Mountain Theatre
Year of Graduation: 2023
“Samford's BFA in Theatre for Youth program encouraged me to dip my toes into so many aspects of education, performance and production. The opportunities provided within this program to put my education into practice through teaching and performing at schools as well as hands on academic instruction has been invaluable to me as I've pursued a career in theatre.”
Kendra Kahl
Current Job Title: Assistant Professor of Instruction Emphasis Coordinator, Theatre for Youth & Communities
University of Northern Iowa
University of Northern Iowa
Year of Graduation: 2017
“Samford's Theatre for Youth program gave me the tools to grow into a confident educator, performer, director and playwright, and to take on meaningful projects and leadership roles that positively impact the field of theatre for young audiences. The opportunities I received during my time in the BFATY program, combined with the program's high standards and expectations, were instrumental to my future success.”
Anna Kate Hindman
Current Job Title: Theme Park Entertainment at Universal Orlando
Year of Graduation: 2024
“The Theatre for Youth program made me better overall as a performer and opened up a world of opportunities. Thanks to the flexibility of the program, I was able to craft my own experience in order to learn everything I wanted and more. The major is truly what you make of it, whether you want to be an educator, performer, director, or anything else. Every class will help you to grow in amazing and sometimes unexpected ways.”
John Perine
Current Job Title: Conservatory Manager at Gulfshore Playhouse (Naples, FL)
Year of Graduation: 2019
“The Theatre for Youth program at Samford University established a solid framework for performance, directing, and teaching artistry within which I was encouraged to find my own voice. Earning a BFA in Theatre for Youth granted me the opportunity to expand my tool-belt as an educator and director through intentional instruction, hands-on application, and structured reflection.”
