Why Iowa?

We're known for producing original work—created by students, guided by professors, and performed in state-of-the-art spaces. You'll get the hands-on experience and training you need for success.

Build a foundation

Expand your horizons

Learn from experts

Student performances & events

Iowa Theatre students have the opportunity to participate in 25-30 diverse productions each academic year--from classic to brand-new works, and from fully-staged productions on a big stage to workshops and readings in intimate settings. You'll be able to share your growing artistry with receptive, warm audiences in a variety of settings! 

Now playing...

Mainstage Production

Iowa Directors Festival promotional image

Iowa Directors Festival

Thursday, February 6, 2025 8:00pm
Theatre Building
This year's Iowa Directors Festival includes four shows presented over two weeks, all directed by MFA directing candidates.
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Graduate Gallery Series

Death Surrogates promotional image

Death Surrogates

Thursday, March 13, 2025 8:00pm
Theatre Building
Death Surrogates By Cianon Jones Location: Alan MacVey Theatre, Theatre Building Friday, Mar. 13, 2025, 8 p.m. Saturday, Mar. 14, 2025, 8 p.m. Sunday, Mar. 15, 2025, 2 p.m. Another tale: of stories & dreams; of reclamation & power; of existence & healing. Tickets: Tickets for workshops and galleries are free of charge; however, you must obtain a ticket at the door and seating is limited.
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Undergrad Workshop Series

Day Fades Into Night promotional image

Day Fades Into Night

Friday, January 31, 2025 8:00pm
Theatre Building
Day Fades Into Night By Bridget Dieden Location: Alan MacVey Theatre, Theatre Building Friday, Jan. 31, 2025, 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, 8 p.m. A wealthy couple in the 1940s are struggling to conceive but can’t. Their only daughter, Jillian, died 3 years ago when she was seven and the household has never been the same since. Unbeknownst to her husband, the bereaved mother has resurrected Jillian as a specter Jillian’s old toy room, but when a new maid is hired, who just so happens to...
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Enter our Virtual Lobby

Visit our Virtual Lobby to view online playbills for the 2023-24 season and recent productions!

Virtual Lobby is where you can find play synopses; cast, crew, and creative team member lists and bios; and notes from directors and dramaturgs.

See yourself here

As a Theatre Arts student, you'll be part of a welcoming and supportive community that is constantly producing. Be a part of building every production from ground up.

64 %

Theatre Arts students with a double major

undergraduate student Virginia Muturi on the stage during a performance of Something Rotten!

25-30

Student-led productions of original work each year

Faculty member Eric Stone instructs an undergraduate student wearing an Iowa Hawkeyes T-shirt, in his scenery design classroom

2:1

Student-to-faculty ratio in MFA program

sound design MFA student at the soundboard

Choose Your Path

You'll help to create, develop, and present brand-new plays—and learn the creative, technical, and interpersonal skills you'll need for professional success in theatre.

Study with nationally respected faculty mentors. Join a successful alumni network.

Faculty

Our professors are active and well-connected in the professional theatre world. You'll get to job-shadow working theatre professionals and intern at theatre companies, and Iowa alumni form a supportive network of professional contacts.

Alumni

Iowa playwrights have worked on and off Broadway and in TV and film. They have won MacArthur Genuis Awards, Obie Awards, Emmy Awards, have been nominated for Tony Awards, and have written Oscar-nominated films.