Choosing Theatre Arts is a bold move — and honestly, a smart one. If you love storytelling, performance, culture, film, stage, or creative expression, Theatre Arts gives you room to explore all of that. But before you start dreaming of auditions, scripts, or directing your first play, there’s one thing that can quietly ruin everything if you get it wrong: your JAMB subject combination.
A lot of candidates assume Theatre Arts is “just arts” and pick random subjects. That’s how people score high and still don’t get admission. Let’s slow down and break this properly, the JAMB way.
Why JAMB Subject Combination Matters for Theatre Arts
JAMB doesn’t just check your score. It checks whether:
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You wrote the right subjects
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Those subjects align with your chosen course
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Your combination matches what universities expect, not just what you like
Theatre Arts is not only about acting. It includes:
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Literature analysis
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Cultural studies
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History and society
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Communication and performance theory
So your subjects must show that you can read, interpret, and understand human stories — not just perform them.
How Many Subjects Are Required?
For JAMB 2026:
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You must register four subjects
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Use of English is compulsory for everyone
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The remaining three subjects must relate directly to Theatre Arts
Now let’s talk about the core subjects first — these are non-negotiable.
Core JAMB Subjects for Theatre Arts (Mandatory)
These subjects form the backbone of Theatre Arts and should never be skipped.
1. Use of English (Compulsory)
This is automatic for all candidates. Theatre Arts students read scripts, write critiques, analyze texts, and communicate ideas clearly. English is unavoidable.
2. Literature in English (Very Important)
This is the most important subject after English.
Why?
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Theatre Arts is deeply rooted in plays, drama texts, prose, and poetry
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You’ll study playwrights, scripts, themes, and character analysis
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Many universities will not consider you at all without Literature in English
If you’re serious about Theatre Arts, Literature in English is not optional in real life, even if some schools appear flexible.
So at this point, your fixed subjects are:
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Use of English
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Literature in English
That leaves two slots, and this is where JAMB gives candidates some flexibility.
Optional JAMB Subjects for Theatre Arts (You Choose)
For the remaining subjects, JAMB allows you to choose from a group of relevant arts and social science subjects. You do not pick all of them — you select the ones that suit your strength and your target university.
Option Group 1: Government
Government works well because:
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Theatre reflects politics, leadership, and power
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Many plays are built around governance, conflict, and authority
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Universities commonly accept it
This is one of the safest options.
Option Group 2: History
History is highly relevant because:
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Theatre preserves culture and historical events
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Traditional and classical theatre relies on historical context
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It strengthens your understanding of societal evolution
Not all candidates offer History, but if you do, it’s a strong plus.
Option Group 3: CRS or IRS
Christian Religious Studies or Islamic Religious Studies are accepted because:
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Theatre explores morality, belief systems, and human values
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Many dramatic texts are influenced by religious themes
Choose CRS or IRS, not both.
Option Group 4: Economics
Some universities accept Economics because:
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It counts as a general social science subject
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It shows analytical thinking
This is more common in universities that blend arts and social science flexibility.
Option Group 5: Fine Arts or Visual Arts
This is especially useful if:
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Your Theatre Arts focus includes stage design, costume, or visual storytelling
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You’re applying to universities with strong creative arts faculties
Recommended JAMB Subject Combinations for Theatre Arts (2026)
Here are safe and commonly accepted combinations:
Option 1 (Most Popular):
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Use of English
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Literature in English
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Government
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CRS or IRS
Option 2 (Culture-Focused):
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Use of English
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Literature in English
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History
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Government
Option 3 (Creative Arts Angle):
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Use of English
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Literature in English
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Fine Arts
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Government or CRS
Option 4 (Flexible Option):
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Use of English
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Literature in English
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Government
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Economics
Always remember: you only need three subjects besides English, not all of them.
Common Mistakes Theatre Arts Candidates Make
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Skipping Literature in English
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Combining science subjects with Theatre Arts
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Assuming any arts subject will work
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Not checking university-specific requirements
One wrong subject can cancel your chances, even with a high UTME score.
Final Advice for Theatre Arts Aspirants
Think of your JAMB subject combination as your audition before the real audition. It tells the university whether you understand what Theatre Arts truly involves. Choose subjects that show you can read deeply, think critically, and understand people and society.
Before final submission:
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Check the JAMB brochure
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Confirm your university’s requirements
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Stick to arts and relevant social science subjects
Get this part right, and you’ve already done half the work.