The University of Iowa Theatre Arts Department is one of the oldest and most respected theatre programs in the country. We offer students the opportunity to earn an undergraduate BA degree, or an MFA degree with an emphasis in acting, directing, design, playwriting, dramaturgy, or stage management.
New work and collaboration are the hallmarks of our department. For more than 90 years we have supported the development of new plays by students, faculty, and distinguished guests. We recognize that every play, whether new or old, is brought to life through the complex collaborative effort of a writer, director, dramaturg, designers, actors, stage managers, and technicians. In order to support this process, we seek to create an atmosphere of passion for the art and generosity of spirit.
The Theatre Arts Department is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre. Along with its professional wing, the Iowa Summer Rep, it is a member of the University/Resident Theatre Association (U/RTA).
Current Students across the US, Summer 2011
History of Theatre at Iowa
Undergraduate Program in Theatre Arts
Graduate Programs in Theatre Arts
Our Current Season
Past Shows at Iowa
The University of Iowa Campus
Downtown Iowa City
Commitment to New Work
Since its founding, the Theatre Arts Department has been committed to new work. Early in our history many plays transferred directly to Broadway, and in recent years numerous plays have gone on to be produced in New York and in regional theatres.
We are deeply engaged in play development. Each year at least 15 new works by graduate and undergraduate students are produced and another 25 new plays are presented as readings. The MFA Playwrights Workshop provides an intensive three-year study, and the undergraduate program offers 4 playwriting courses and many opportunities to present ten-minute and full length productions.
MFA Playwrights Workshop
Partnership in the Arts
Iowa New Play Festival
Hundreds of writers have had their start at Iowa, as have 1000s of actors, directors, and other artists who still work in new play development.
Among the best known writers are:
- Tennessee Williams
- Lee Blessing
- Naomi Wallace
- Rebecca Gilman
- Keith Huff
- Sherry Kramer
- David Hancock
- David Adjmi
- Kirsten Greenidge
- Robert Alexander
Hollywood writer-producers include:
- Rick Cleveland (West Wing, Six Feet Under)
- Mark Johnson (Rainman, Chronicles of Narnia)
- Barry Kemp (Coach, The Newheart Show)
- Norman Felton (The Man from U.N.C.L.E.)
Partnership in the Arts
Each year we bring together a team of America’s finest experimental writers and directors to create a new work that is presented on the mainstage season. The artists are in residence for 6-8 weeks and work with students on an ambitious project that may well go on to professional productions elsewhere.
Among the artists who have led projects are:
- Martha Clarke
- Rinde Eckert
- John Cameron
- David Schweitzer
- David Hancock
- Anton Juan
- Steven Sapp
- James Hatch
- The Gertrude Stein Repertory Theatre
- Belgrad’s Dah Theatre
- Erik Ehn
- Karin Coonrod
- Migdalia Cruz
- Maria Irene Fornes
- Theodora Skipitares
- Anne Bogart
Go to past Partnership in the Arts Productions
Summer 2011 Jobs/Internships
Held by Current Theatre Arts Students
Our students’ train in Iowa through the school year, some stay in Iowa City for the summer, working for Iowa Summer Rep, Iowa Summer Opera, Riverside Theatre or the Englert Theatre. Many more of our current students spread out from coast-to-coast for additional experiences. For the summer of 2011, here is a list of companies our students were at:
- About Face Theatre
- Ariesworks Entertainment
- Children’s Theatre Company
- Clinton Area Showboat Theater
- Colorado Renaissance Festival
- Curious Theatre Company
- Des Moines Playhouse
- Des Moines Social Club
- Disney World
- Englert Theatre
- English Valleys Summer Youth Theatre
- ETC
- Grrl Action
- Groundlings Theatre & School
- Hancher Auditorium
- Hope Summer Repertory Theatre
- Independent Lake Summer Camp
- Iowa Summer Opera
- Iowa Summer Rep
- Last Light Theatre Company
- Osage Summer Theatre Program
- Paskal Rudnicke Casting
- Penobscot Theatre
- Quad City Music Guild
- Rising Star Theater Company
- Riverside Theatre
- San Francisco Shakespeare Festival
- Sanctuary Playwrights Theater
- Tallgrass Theatre Company