Department of Theatre and film arts

The Department of Theatre and Film Arts, housed within the College of Social Sciences and Humanities at Hawassa University, offers a comprehensive Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree program that trains professionals in theatre, film, and electronic media arts. The curriculum blends theoretical foundations with practical training, providing students with knowledge and skills in areas such as acting, playwriting, directing, cinematography, and media production. With a strong emphasis on Ethiopia’s rich cultural diversity, the program is designed to produce graduates who can contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage while also meeting international standards in the creative industries. Graduates are well prepared to pursue careers as actors, directors, scriptwriters, cinematographers, critics, researchers, and media professionals, fostering both artistic innovation and cultural awareness in society.

List of programs offered in each department

Undergraduate

Theatre and film Arts

Graduate profile of each program

B.A. in Theatre and Film Arts

Graduates of the Theatre and Film Arts program are equipped with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills in performance, production, and research across theatre, film, television, and radio media. Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

Write plays for stage, radio, and screen media.
Direct plays for stage, radio drama, and screen productions.
Act professionally on stage, for radio, and in film and television productions.
Conduct research in the areas of theatre, film, television, and radio drama.
Evaluate scripts and productions critically.
Conduct training workshops in theatre, film, television, and radio drama.
Produce stage theatre, films, television programs, and radio dramas.
Translate and adapt plays for performance and media production.
Produce and broadcast theatre and screen productions for mass media.
Prepare and conduct workshops on Ethiopian traditional dance, children’s theatre, and youth theatre.

Graduates are prepared for careers as actors, directors, playwrights, media producers, critics, trainers, and researchers, contributing to the cultural, educational, and entertainment sectors while preserving and promoting Ethiopia’s rich artistic heritage.

Potential employers of graduates from each program

Graduates of Theatre and Film Arts can pursue careers across multiple sectors, including production, education, media, and development. Key employers include:

Traditional & Public Institutions (Theatre, TV, and Film)

National television stations (e.g., EBC, FANA)
Public theatres at city and national levels, including the National Theatre of Ethiopia
City cultural bureaus
Media and communication bureaus

Private Production Companies & Studios

Private television stations (e.g., EBS, Arts TV, ABAY TV)
Film production companies
Commercial and advertising agencies
Music video production companies

Education & Training Sector

Universities and colleges
Private film and theatre schools
Secondary schools (for drama and media arts teaching)

Digital & Freelance Economy

Online media platforms, including YouTube channels and OTT platforms
Freelance opportunities in film, theatre, and multimedia production

Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) & International Agencies

NGOs such as UNICEF, Save the Children, USAID
Local and international organisations producing Communication for Development (C4D) materials.