The Bachelor of Arts program in Theatre Arts welcomes all students enrolled at the University of Iowa. No audition is required. Whether you see yourself as a professional artist or as someone who simply enjoys theatre, you will find a home with us.
Requirements & Courses
- Requirements for the BA degree in Theatre Arts and a complete list of courses
- General Education Requirements in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Options and requirements for the Department’s Honors Program
A Second Major
Entrepreneurship Certificate
Scholarships
Arts Learning Community
Minor in Theatre Arts
Theatre Technology Opportunities at Iowa
Auditions & Working Backstage
Why Study Theatre at Iowa
Join a Special Community
Once you are a Theatre Arts major most of your classes will be small— typically no more than sixteen students. You will study with experienced faculty members who care deeply about students. If you want extra help on a class project or on a production, or if you want advice and guidance, you will find it from the faculty and from your fellow students. You will be part of an outstanding group of students—creative and supportive, willing to take risks, and always ready to help each other. We invite you to join us.
Prepare for Success in Today’s World
The National Association of Colleges and Employers recently listed the top 10 skills employers look for in college graduates:
- Communication skills
- Strong work ethic
- Teamwork skills
- Initiative
- Interpersonal skills
- Problem solving skills
- Analytical skills
- Flexibility/adaptability
- Computer skills
- Technical skills
There is no better way to learn most of these skills than participating in theatre. In classes and productions, you work together on creative projects. You have a powerful incentive to work hard – a performance before an audience. You analyze the many demands of your project – writing, acting, directing, and designing – and find ways to achieve not only your own goals but the those of the entire team. Sometimes you are required to lead, other times to follow. You must be creative and personal, and must genuinely engage their audience. The skills you develop are those needed in jobs across the entire economy.
Prepare for a Career
At Iowa there are dozens of theatre courses and ~25 productions a year. As a major, all these are open to you. All majors take a range of fundamental classes. Beyond that, you have many paths to follow. Here are three:
Acting & Directing
- Acting 1
- Acting 2
- Acting with Verse
- Psycho-Physical Acting
- Acting for the Camera
- Advanced Acting
- Voice
- Voice 2
- Movement
- Stage Combat
- Clown
- Mask
- Directing
- Projects in Directing
- Social Outreach
- Singing for Actors
- And more…
Design & Technology
- Elements of Design
- Scene Design 1, 2, 3
- Costume Design 1, 2, 3
- Lighting Design 1, 2, 3
- Technology for the Entertainment Industry
- Theatre Technology
- Entertainment Design
- Sound Design
- Computer Visualization
- Web Design
- Period Styles
- Scenic Art
- Costume Craft
- Stage Makeup
- Stage Management
- And more…
Playwriting & Dramatic Literature
- Playwriting 1, 2
- Advanced Playwriting
- Undergraduate Playwrights Workshop
- History of Theatre and Drama 1, 2
- The Collaborative Process
- Dramatic Theory
- Dramas of the Spirit
- Shakespeare
- Arts in Performance
- London Theatre Study
- Cultural Diversity and Identity
- African American Drama 1, 2
- Sex and Gender in Performance
- Dramaturgy
- And more than a dozen courses in dramatic literature
Take a Second Major
Because degree requirements for Theatre Arts degree leave time to take a wide range of elective courses, many students choose to complete a second major as well. Popular second majors include:
- English
- Cinema
- Art and Art History
- Communication Studies
- Journalism
- Psychology
- Business
- Education (with teacher’s credential)
Theatre students have completed second majors in almost every discipline in Liberal Arts and Sciences, from Mathematics to Music, from Biology to Physics. Such an education provides not only the framework for two different career paths, it offers a broad set of skills that may lead to ventures and possibilities you never considered before college.
Get an Entrepreneurship Certificate
Theatre students can benefit enormously by learning business skills offered through the Performing Arts Entrepreneurship Program. Here are a few of the courses that offered in that program:
- Introduction to Arts Management
- New Ventures in the Arts
- Arts Leadership Seminar
- Accounting
- Marketing
All Theatre Arts majors are eligible to participate in this program. You may take individual courses or work toward a Certificate. Business skills, in tandem with a Theatre education, can help you with your career as an artist, open up opportunities in arts administration, and make you a valuable employee in almost any organization.
Apply for Scholarships
The department offers a wide range of scholarships to incoming and continuing undergraduate students. They range in support from several hundred dollars to full in-state tuition and more. For a list of Undergraduate Scholarships.
Live in the Arts Learning Community
First and second year Theatre Arts students may choose to share a residence hall with students studying music, dance, the visual arts and film. Just across the river from the Theatre Building, the residence includes outstanding rooms and a small theatre. Arts Learning Community
Get Excellent Advising
The faculty and staff are happy to talk with you and advise you about classes. Simply come to the main office or see any faculty member during office hours.
It’s Easy to Declare Theatre As Your Major
If you are a prospective student you may declare Theatre Arts as your major on your admissions application. Once you are enrolled at the University, you may declare Theatre your major by going to the Office of Academic Programs and Services, 120 Schaeffer Hall. Students who wish to major in more than one department are welcome to declare Theatre Arts as one of their choices.
Minor in Theatre Arts
If you would like to take several courses in Theatre but do not choose to major in the department, you may want to be a Minor. The Minor allows you to participate in the department’s special permission process and take undergraduate courses for which you have completed the prerequisites. You will be included on a list of students who can participate in the department’s special permission process. More information...
Theatre Technology Opportunities at Iowa
The facilitation and implementation of design work created at the University of Iowa in the Division of Performing Arts.
Opportunities
- Mentoring from full time professional staff from across the nation now working at Iowa. Disciplines include: scenic construction, rigging, scenic art, electrics, properties, sound, costume crafts, and digital projection.
- Ability to work in several venues on campus serving performances in Theatre, Opera, Dance, & Music
- Potential employment in a desired area of interest while attending the university.
Specific Course Offerings
- Introduction to Theatrical Technology
- Technology for the Entertainment Industry
- Electrics Technology
- Props Construction
- Construction Technology for New Works
Auditions & Working Backstage
All students and community members are invited to audition for productions. Auditions are normally held the end of the first week of school in the fall, in early November, and in early March. You are also invited to work backstage on all non-main stage productions and, with permission, on main stage productions.
More information about getting involved in Theatre Arts!