BA programs are difficult to talk about categorically because they very so widely from school to school in quality and structure

If you are planning on a double major, this is the best way to go.  A double major is a good idea if you have some passion for theatre, but there is something else that you might be happy doing the rest of your life as well.  Theatre is unlikely to make you rich as a career, so having a back-up plan as a mildly passionate artist is a good way to go.

There can be some advantages to some BA programs, but generally, if you are passionate about working theater and are certain you will never do anything else for a career, you’ll get a better education in a BFA program.  You simply learn more in a BFA program because you are required to take more theater classes.  Now, there may be some bias here because I attended a BFA undergraduate program, however I went to grad school with people who had BAs and they simply were not as prepared as I was. There are people who disagree with me on this, and believe that it is better not to become too specialized in undergrad.  My experience causes me to believe that a BFA program will better prepare you for the world of theater.

If, for whatever reason, you have decided that you want to study technical theater in a BA setting, there are some things that can really make a difference in the quality of education you receive.  If you are a big fish in a small pond and there is a teacher who is knowledgeable in your area of interest, you can get a very personalized education.  This is probably one of the better BA scenarios.  If you are a double major, but you find a school with a BFA program that will let you take a few BFA track classes because they think you are special, this can also provide you with a quality BA tech education. 

Also, take time to look into professional theatre.  Observe which areas you are most attracted to, and what skills are most widely used there.  Talk to your teachers and make sure you learn those skills before leaving the safety of the educational environment.   

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