1. Degrees Offered
  2. Theatre Studies Pathways

Theatre Studies Pathways

Theatre Arts

The Theatre Arts pathway offers a customizable educational experience, allowing you to choose courses that support your diverse interests and career goals. You’ll gain a solid foundation in theatre and develop skills through practice-based courses like acting, directing, design, playwriting, stage management, devising, and puppetry. The competencies you develop, such as critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and effective communication, are highly transferable to diverse career environments. Students value the flexibility of this pathway, especially those pursuing a minor, double major, or dual degree. In consultation with your program advisor, you can customize the program to fit your personal academic or career goals.

Directing

Directing

Combining theory, immersive practice, and practical training, students explore various directorial styles, refine skills in script and character analysis, staging, and design principles, and cultivate their unique vision. With state-of-the-art facilities and a vibrant artistic community, students benefit from small classes and a collaborative learning environment. Advanced students can oversee student-directed productions in different theatre venues, gaining invaluable hands-on experience.

Stage Management

Our stage management students acquire the skills and experience needed to excel in leadership roles. Guided by experienced faculty, you’ll learn effective stage management principles, combining theoretical knowledge with practical, experiential learning. You’ll also work alongside professional union stage managers, gaining firsthand industry experience and a competitive edge for your future career.

stage managment

design

Design

The Design pathway allows you to tailor your educational experience by selecting courses that align with your interests and career goals. This includes options like scenic painting, costume history and design, lighting design, sound design and various puppetry classes. Whether you’re interested in set design, costumes, lighting, sound or puppetry, this pathway equips you with the skills and knowledge to explore multiple aspects of theatre design. Benefit from a broad selection of classes that integrate different design disciplines, giving you a well-rounded artistic education and a comprehensive understanding of the design process. Connect with faculty and industry professionals who can provide guidance and support as you develop your design portfolio and prepare for a successful career in theatre.

Playwriting

Aspiring playwrights bring their stories to life, applying the fundamentals of playwriting, character development, and dramatic structure. Develop your unique voice while producing your work through staged readings, workshops, and fully mounted productions. In a supportive environment, you’ll collaborate with experienced faculty and industry professionals who provide mentorship and feedback to help you refine your script and hone your craft.

playwriting

dramaturgy

Dramaturgy

Immerse yourself in dramaturgy by conducting research, collaborating with the artistic team, and engaging audiences. Our program empowers students to shape their unique journey in theater and related fields. With small classes and a flexible plan of study aligned with individual interests, students benefit from practical opportunities, pre-professional training, liberal arts study, and access to expert faculty from various disciplines.

Object Performance

The Object Performance pathway is perfect for those drawn to the innovative and imaginative world of performance art. This program is particularly ideal for students interested in pursuing a Puppetry Minor, this program is a perfect fit! Many classes in Object Performance and Puppetry share curricula, allowing you to deepen your understanding of both fields while honing your skills in manipulating objects and puppets alike. The Object Performance pathway teaches you how to use everyday objects as storytelling devices. Learn the techniques of manipulation, character building, and scene creation that transform inanimate objects into captivating performers. Engage in practical workshops where you’ll create your own performances, exploring various forms of object and puppet theatre. This hands-on approach empowers you to experiment and discover unique ways to express artistic ideas.

object performance

performance

General Performance

The General Performance pathway is designed for students looking to cultivate their performance skills in a flexible and creatively enriching environment. This pathway is independent from the Acting BFA program, ensuring a unique and personalized approach to performance education. The General Performance pathway allows you to explore a wide range of performance techniques including acting, movement, and experimental performance styles. This flexibility provides you with the freedom to tailor your study to your interests and artistic vision. Expand your artistic horizons by taking courses in other disciplines within the Theatre Studies program. Whether it’s set design, directing, or theatre history, you can enrich your understanding of performance from a multidimensional perspective.

Social Justice

Explore how theatre can address critical social issues while developing performance techniques that inspire dialogue and action. Classes are often cross listed with Human Rights courses. Students learn to advocate for change through the performing arts, preparing them to make a meaningful impact in the world.

theatre studys

history

Literature and History

Explore theatre’s evolution, literary traditions, and cultural significance through a range of texts. Gain analytical tools to interpret plays critically and appreciate dramatic literature. Discover how historical events, cultural movements, and societal changes shape theatre. Learn from dedicated faculty who will help you develop your path in the arts, related fields, or graduate study.