B.A. Performing Arts

Colleges and Faculties > Independent Faculties > Faculty of Arts > Department of Performing Arts > B.A. Performing Arts

Suppose you are passionate about creativity, expression, and storytelling. In that case, the Bachelor of Arts in Performing Arts gives you the platform to transform your talent into a professional career in the entertainment, cultural, and creative industries. This programme allows you to explore performance as both an artistic craft and a cultural tool, helping you develop your skills in acting, dance, music, directing, stage design, and production.

Performing Arts goes beyond the stage; it includes film, media performance, cultural expression, and creative entrepreneurship. At OOU, you will gain both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, learning how performing arts shape society and how you can use your artistic voice to inform, inspire, and influence audiences. Your training prepares you for opportunities in theatre, film, television, festivals, cultural institutions, and the wider creative economy that continues to expand across Nigeria and beyond.

Course Overview

The B.A. Performing Arts programme provides a broad and dynamic education in performance theory, practice, and production. You will study the artistic, technical, and cultural dimensions of performance, exploring how movement, music, drama, and visual design come together to create meaningful artistic experiences.

The programme introduces you to key areas such as acting techniques, dance and movement, dramatic theory, directing, stagecraft, scriptwriting, African performance traditions, and theatre technology. You will develop your creative abilities through workshops, rehearsals, live performances, and field projects.

This training equips you with strong communication, collaboration, and leadership skills. Whether you aspire to be a performer, director, producer, writer, or cultural manager, the programme prepares you to excel in Nigeria’s vibrant and rapidly growing creative industry.

Course Curriculum

The B.A. Performing Arts curriculum follows the National Universities Commission (NUC) Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS), providing a balanced blend of cultural knowledge, artistic practice, and production skills. It progresses from foundational courses into specialised artistic pathways.

You will begin with introductory courses that build your understanding of performance and culture, such as:

  1. Introduction to Performing Arts
  2. Basic Acting and Movement
  3. African Performing Traditions
  4. Elements of Drama and Performance
  5. Communication in English
  6. The Nigerian Peoples and Culture

These courses help you understand human expression, culture, and the foundational skills needed for artistic performance.

Your second year builds your creative and analytical skills through courses such as:

  1. Intermediate Acting Techniques
  2. Introduction to Directing
  3. Stagecraft and Theatre Technology
  4. Dance Composition and Movement Studies
  5. Scriptwriting and Dramatic Structure
  6. Entrepreneurship and Digital Humanities

This level helps you develop technical proficiency while exploring the cultural and professional dimensions of performance.

Your third year introduces advanced performance and production concepts, including:

  1. Advanced Acting and Voice Training
  2. Directing for Stage and Screen
  3. Dramatic Theory and Criticism
  4. Media Performance and Screen Acting
  5. Research Methodology in the Arts
  6. Performance Workshop and Ensemble Production

You will develop confidence in artistic creation, ensemble work, and professional rehearsal processes.

Your final year brings together your artistic and scholarly growth through courses such as:

  1. Advanced Directing and Production
  2. African Theatre and Performance Studies
  3. Costume, Makeup, and Set Design
  4. Film and Television Production Techniques
  5. Research Project

The research project may involve a written dissertation, a creative production, or a performance-based study supervised by a qualified academic.

Entry Requirements

To be admitted into the B.A. Performing Arts programme, you must satisfy one of the following admission pathways:

1. UTME Admission (Four-Year Degree Programme)

  1. At least five credit passes in relevant subjects at the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) or its equivalent, including English Language and any other Arts or Social Science subjects, obtained in not more than two sittings.
  2. A satisfactory score in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) conducted by JAMB, with English Language and other relevant Arts subjects.
  3. Evidence of interest or experience in performing arts (acting, music, dance, or production) is an added advantage.

2. Direct Entry Admission (Three-Year Degree Programme)

  1. Five credit passes in relevant SSCE subjects, two of which must be at the Advanced Level.
  2. A National Diploma (ND), Nigerian Certificate in Education (NCE), or University Diploma in Theatre Arts, Performing Arts, Music, Mass Communication, or related fields with at least a merit or credit grade.
  3. Candidates with recognised certificates in drama, dance, or media performance may also be considered.

All applicants must also meet the general requirements set by the University for undergraduate admission.

Why study at OOU?

Studying Performing Arts at Olabisi Onabanjo University offers you a balanced blend of creativity, scholarship, and professional exposure. The programme is designed to train versatile artists who can excel on stage, on screen, behind the scenes, and in cultural management. You will benefit from:

  1. A rich curriculum covering acting, directing, dance, production, screen performance, and African theatre.
  2. Hands-on training through workshops, rehearsals, studio sessions, and live performances.
  3. Experienced lecturers and practitioners with backgrounds in theatre, film, music, and cultural production.
  4. Access to performance spaces, stage equipment, and creative studios within the University.
  5. Exposure to cultural festivals, community theatre, and outreach projects.
  6. Career-focused learning that prepares you to work in Nigeria’s expanding creative and entertainment industries.

At OOU, you will develop confidence, creativity, communication skills, teamwork, and leadership, qualities essential for success in the performing arts and beyond.

Research Project

In your final year, you will complete a research project that reflects your academic interests and creative strengths. This project may take the form of:

  1. A written dissertation on any area of theatre, film, or performance studies;
  2. A directed stage or screen production;
  3. A choreographed dance performance;
  4. A scripted and performed dramatic work;
  5. A documentary or media performance research piece.

Under the guidance of a qualified supervisor, you will:

  1. Identify and refine a suitable topic;
  2. Conduct fieldwork, interviews, rehearsals, or archival research where necessary;
  3. Apply appropriate methods of performance analysis or creative development;
  4. Present your work for academic assessment through performance, documentation, and written evaluation.

This project demonstrates your readiness for professional practice and advanced academic work.

Graduation Requirements

To qualify for the award of the Bachelor of Arts in Performing Arts, you must satisfy the graduation requirements approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and Olabisi Onabanjo University.

Academic Requirements

  1. Complete and pass all compulsory and elective courses in the programme.
  2. Earn a minimum of 120 credit units if admitted through UTME, or 90 credit units if admitted through Direct Entry.
  3. Maintain a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 1.00.
  4. Complete and defend your final-year research or creative project.

Grading and Degree Classification

Your final classification is determined by your Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA), as follows:

Upon fulfilling these requirements, you will be awarded the B.A. (Hons) Performing Arts, a qualification valued across theatre, film, media, and cultural sectors in Nigeria and internationally.

Career Opportunities

A degree in Performing Arts opens diverse opportunities across the creative, cultural, media, and entertainment industries. Your training in performance, directing, production, and communication equips you to excel in artistic and non-artistic roles alike.

You may pursue careers such as:

  1. Actor (stage, film, or television)
  2. Dancer or choreographer
  3. Theatre or film director
  4. Playwright or screenwriter
  5. Stage or production manager
  6. Costume, makeup, or set designer
  7. Cultural events coordinator
  8. Television or radio presenter
  9. Media producer or content creator
  10. Drama teacher or lecturer

You may find employment in:

  1. Film, television, and radio production companies
  2. Theatre companies, cultural troupes, and arts centres
  3. Advertising and creative agencies
  4. Schools, colleges, and universities
  5. Government ministries of culture, tourism, and information
  6. Non-governmental and international organisations involved in youth development and cultural promotion
  7. Streaming, digital media, and content platforms

The programme also equips you for freelance work across acting, directing, media production, dance performance, and creative consultancy.

How to Apply?

1. UTME Entry (Four-Year Programme)

If you are applying through the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), you must:

  1. Select Olabisi Onabanjo University as your first choice and Performing Arts as your preferred programme.
  2. Sit for the UTME with English Language and other relevant subjects in Arts or Social Sciences.
  3. Possess five SSCE credit passes, including English Language, in not more than two sittings.
  4. Participate in and meet the requirements of the OOU Post-UTME screening exercise.

2. Direct Entry (Three-Year Programme)

If you are applying through Direct Entry, you must:

  1. Hold an NCE, ND, or University Diploma in Performing Arts, Theatre Arts, Music, Mass Communication, or other relevant fields with at least a merit or credit grade.
  2. Possess five SSCE credit passes, including English Language.
  3. Submit all supporting documents, including transcripts, through the OOU Undergraduate Admissions Portal.

To begin your application or check your admission status, visit the OOU Undergraduate Admissions Portal.

Course Coordinator

The B.A. Performing Arts programme is administered by a team of accomplished performers, directors, producers, and cultural scholars within the Department of Performing Arts, Faculty of Arts. The Department provides students with a vibrant environment for creative development and professional training.

The current programme coordinator is:

Dr [Full Name]

Contact Information:

  • Email:  
  • Phone: 
  • Office: 

Course Overview

  1. Next Admission Process
  2. Current Academic Year
  3. Associated programmes = Undergraduate
  4. Course Duration = 4 Years
  5. Degree = Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
  6. Faculty = Arts
  7. Course Type = Full Time
  8. Course Delivery = On campus.
  9. Location = Faculty of Arts, Main Campus.
  10. Scholarship opportunities