Major requirement guidelines
It is strongly recommended that the design requirement, Script Analysis, and Acting I be taken as soon as possible. They are prerequisites to many courses.
If you take THTR:1400 or THTR:1401 before declaring the major, you may substitute THTR:1400 for THTR:2410 or THTR:1401 for THTR:2411. The other course in the History of Theatre and Drama sequence must be taken at the 2000 level. If you take both THTR:1400 and THTR:1401 before declaring the major, you will be required to complete a research paper. Contact the instructor of History of Theatre and Drama for details and approval, Scott Bradley.
You may take as many hours in theatre arts as you wish, and all will be included on your transcripts. However, only 56 hours will count toward the graduation requirement of 120 semester hours for CLAS.
General education requirements
For general education requirements, check your degree audit on MyUI. Only three theatre arts courses can be counted as general education credits. Majors are encouraged to take as broad a range of courses as possible in the arts, humanities, languages, and social sciences.
Department of Theatre Arts road maps
If you decide to focus on a specific field, such as acting, the following “road maps” can help guide you as you choose your courses. The road maps include a loose schedule that can help you complete as many of your desired courses as possible. These schedules are only guides though. We encourage you to develop the program of study that is best for you. We also encourage you to meet regularly with your faculty advisor.
Department of Theatre Arts Road Maps
| Course number | title | semester hours |
|---|---|---|
| THTR:2140 | Acting I | 3 |
| THTR:3120 | Theatre Movement Prerequisite: Acting I |
3 |
| THTR:2402 | Script Analysis | 3 |
| Course number | Title | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| THTR:3110 | Voice for the Actor Prerequisite: Acting I |
3 |
| THTR:3140 | Acting II Prerequisite: Acting I |
3 |
| THTR:4144 | Advanced Acting* Prerequisites: Acting II, Voice for the Actor, Theatre Movement, and Advanced Acting Audition |
3 |
| THTR:2140 or THTR:2411 | History of Theatre and Drama I or History of Theatre and Drama II | 3 |
| THTR:2215 | Theatre Technology | 3 |
| THTR:2220 | Production Lab | 1-2 |
| Course number | Title | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| THTR:4144 | Advanced Acting* Prerequisites: Acting II, Voice for the Actor, Theatre Movement, and Advanced Acting Audition |
3 |
| THTR:2410 or THTR:2411 | History of Theatre and Drama I or History of Theatre and Drama II | 3 |
| THTR:3151 | Voice for the Actor II Prerequisite: Voice for the Actor |
3 |
| THTR:2220 | Production Lab | 1-2 |
| THTR:XXXX | Dramatic Literature Requirement Course | 3 |
| Course Number | Title | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| THTR:4144 | Advanced Acting* Prerequisites: Acting II, Voice for the Actor, Theatre Movement, and Advanced Acting Audition |
3 |
| THTR:3160 | Movement Styles Prerequisite: Theatre Movement |
3 |
| THTR:4180 | Directing I Prerequisites: Acting I and Script Analysis |
3 |
| THTR:2220 | Production Lab | 1-2 |
| THTR:XXXX | Design Requirement Course | 3 |
*Advanced acting classes rotate every semester and include:
- Meisner
- Shakespeare
- Acting for the Camera
- Musical Theatre
- Movement Styles
- Grotowski
Undergraduate students are eligible to audition for shows starting their first semester. Opportunities include Readings, Workshops, Galleries, the New Play Festival, and Mainstage series of productions.
| Course Number | Title | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| THTR:2140 | Acting I | 3 |
| THTR:2301 | Playwriting I | 3 |
| THTR:2200 | Production Lab | 1-2 |
| THTR:2402 | Script Analysis | 3 |
| THTR:2215 | Theatre Technology | 3 |
| Course Number | Title | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| THTR:2410 | History of Theatre and Drama I | 3 |
| THTR:2411 | History of Theatre and Drama II | 3 |
| THTR:XXXX | Design Requirement | 3 |
| THTR:2200 | Production Lab | 1-2 |
| THTR:3301 | Playwriting II | 3 |
| THTR:1411 | Comedy and Society | 3 |
| THTR:3120 | Theatre Movement | 3 |
| Course Number | Title | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| THTR:2200 | Production Lab (if needed, 3 semester hours total required) | 1 |
| THTR:3421 | Performing Autobiography (Dramatic Literature Elective) | 3 |
| THTR:4144 | Acting Special Topics: Improvisation (alternating) | 3 |
| THTR:3160 | Movement Styles: Clown or Mask | 3 |
| Course Number | Title | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| THTR:3315 | Standup Comedy Practicum | 3 |
| THTR:6310 | Special Topics in Playwriting: Advanced Comedy Writing (alternating) | 3 |
Total: 48 semester hours
| Course Number | TItle | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| THTR:2410 or THTR:2411 | History of Theatre and Drama I or History of Theatre and Drama II | 3 |
| THTR:2215 | Theatre Technology | 3 |
| THTR:2402 | Script Analysis | 3 |
| Course Number | Title | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| THTR:2410 or THTR:2411 | History of Theatre and Drama I or History of Theatre and Drama II | 3 |
| THTR:2220 | Production Lab/Run Crew | 1 |
| THTR:XXXX | 1-2 Design Courses: Costume I, Lighting I, or Scenic Design I | 3-6 |
| THTR:XXXX | Costume II, Lighting II, or Scenic Design II | 3 |
| Course Number | Title | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| THTR:2220 | Production Lab/Advanced Run Crew | 2 |
| THTR:4691 | Projects in Theatre | 1-3 |
| THTR:2140 | Acting I | 3 |
| THTR:XXXX | Costume III, Lighting III, Scenic Design III, Entertainment Design, or Digital Arts | 3 |
| THTR:XXXX | Sound Design, Graphic Design for the Entertainment Industry, or Costumer Crafts/Special Topics | 3 |
| Course Number | Title | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| THTR:4691 | Projects in Theatre | 1-3 |
| THTR:4180 | Directing I Prerequisites: Acting I and Script Analysis |
3 |
| THTR:XXXX | Dramatic Literature Requirement Course | 3 |
A total of 40–49 total semester hours is recommended.
Practical design opportunities are available to undergraduates for every semester of their studies; opportunities as a designer or assistant designer for productions in our Gallery and Mainstage Season, as well as our annual New Play Festival.
| Course Number | Title | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| THTR:2140 | Acting I | 3 |
| THTR:2215 | Theatre Technology | 3 |
| THTR:2402 | Script Analysis | 3 |
| Course Number | Title | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| THTR:2410 | History of Theatre and Drama I | 3 |
| THTR:2411 | History of Theatre and Drama II | 3 |
| THTR:2200 | Production Lab | 1 |
| THTR:XXXX | Costume I, Lighting I, or Scenic Design I | 3 |
| THTR:XXXX | Dramatic Literature Requirement Course | 3 |
| Course Number | Title | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| THTR:3140 | Acting II Prerequisite: Acting I |
3 |
| THTR:4180 | Directing I Prerequisites: Acting I and Script Analysis |
3 |
| THTR:4144 | Advanced Acting Prerequisites: Acting II, Voice for the Actor, Theatre Movement, and Advanced Acting Audition |
3 |
| THTR:2220 | Production Lab | 2 |
| THTR:XXXX | Design Course(s) | 3 |
| Course Number | Title | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| THTR:4691 or THTR:4693 | Projects in Theatre (4691) or Independent Study (4693) | 1-3 |
| THTR:3165 | Stage Combat | 3 |
| THTR:XXXX | Elective: Voice for the Actor, Movement for the Actor, Stage Management, or Arts Management | 3 |
Practical directing opportunities for undergraduates include the Undergraduate Directors’ Festival, Readings, Workshop or Gallery Productions (usually in the junior or senior year); also recommended: stage managing or assistant directing when possible.
| Course Number | Title | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| THTR:2410 or THTR:2411 | History of Theatre and Drama I or History of Theatre and Drama II | 3 |
| THTR:2402 | Script Analysis | 3 |
| THTR:2301 | Playwriting I | 3 |
| Course Number | TItle | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| THTR:2410 or THTR:2411 | History of Theatre and Drama I or History of Theatre and Drama II | 3 |
| THTR:2140 | Acting I | 3 |
| THTR:2215 | Theatre Technology | 3 |
| THTR:2220 | Production Lab | 1-2 |
| THTR:XXXX | Dramatic Literature Requirement Course | 3 |
| Course Number | Title | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| THTR:2215 | Theatre Technology | 3 |
| THTR:2220 | Production Lab | 1-2 |
| THTR:4422 or THTR:4693 | Dramaturgy (4422) or Independent Study in Dramaturgy (4693) | 3 |
| THTR:XXXX | Two Dramatic Literature Courses | 6 |
| Course Number | Title | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| THTR:4180 | Directing I Prerequisites: Acting I and Script Analysis |
3 |
| THTR:2220 | Production Lab | 1-2 |
| THTR:4691 | Projects in Theatre | 1-3 |
| THTR:4692 or THTR:4693 | Honors Project (4692) or Independent Study (4693) | 3 |
| THTR:XXXX | One or Two Dramatic Literature Courses | 3-6 |
Dramatic literature courses
Three semester hours each:
- Music Theatre History
- Playwriting in a Global World
- Staging Americans
- Animals in Performance
- Topics in Dramatic Literature
- Shakespeare the Dramatist
- Performing Autobiography
- Dramatic Theory
- London Performance Study
| Course Number | Title | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| THTR:2301 | Playwriting I | 3 |
| THTR:2402 | Script Analysis | 3 |
| THTR:2140 | Acting I | 3 |
| Course Number | Title | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| THTR:2410 | History of Theatre and Drama I | 3 |
| THTR:2411 | History of Theatre and Drama II | 3 |
| THTR:2200 | Production Lab | 1-2 |
| THTR:2215 | Theatre Technology | 3 |
| THTR:3301 | Playwriting II Prerequisite: Playwriting I |
3 |
| Course Number | Title | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| THTR:2200 | Production Lab | 1-2 |
| THTR:XXXX | Elective: Advanced Playwriting, Undergraduate Playwriting Workshop, Creative Writing Program PW Course, or Performing Autobiography | 3 |
| THTR:XXXX | Elective: Advanced Playwriting, Undergraduate Playwriting Workshop, Creative Writing Program PW Course, or Performing Autobiography | 3 |
| THTR:XXXX | Dramatic Literature Elective | 3 |
| Course Number | Title | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| THTR:2200 | Production Lab | 1-2 |
| THTR:XXXX | Elective: Advanced Playwriting, Undergraduate Playwriting Workshop, or Creative Writing Program PW Course | 3 |
| THTR:XXXX | Elective: Advanced Playwriting, Undergraduate Playwriting Workshop, or Creative Writing Program PW Course | 3 |
| THTR:4693 or THTR:4691 | Independent Study (4693) or Projects in Theatre (Gallery Production) (4691) | 3 |
| THTR:4180 | Directing I Prerequisites: Acting I and Script Analysis |
3 |
Dramatic literature courses
Three semester hours each:
- Music Theatre History
- Playwriting in a Global World
- Staging Americans
- Animals in Performance
- Topics in Dramatic Literature
- Shakespeare the Dramatist
- Performing Autobiography
- Dramatic Theory
- London Performance Study
Theatre students interested in playwriting should begin with PW 1 and 2. Having completed at least one of those courses, they are encouraged to take Undergraduate Playwriting Workshop (every spring), Advanced Playwriting (every other fall), and the Undergraduate Creative Writing Track (UCWT, in the Department of English) playwriting course (both semesters, every other year).
Playwriting students may present readings, workshops or Gallery productions of their plays. They may also present their work in the annual Ten Minute Play Festival. Selections from undergraduate plays are also performed as part of the New Play Festival.
The Department of Theatre Arts and the Department of Cinematic Arts offer courses in screenwriting, writing for television, playwriting, and related topics. Students may take any and all courses without worry of duplication. The following is a list existing courses and a list of anticipated courses. This is not a track in Theatre Arts but a list of courses.
Existing courses
Theatre arts
THTR:3320–Writing for Film
Rigorous writing for film with a focus on the feature length screenplay. For students with experience in dramatic writing, fiction or screenwriting.
Requirements: Completion of at least 60 hours or graduate standing
This course has some similarities to Cinematic Arts Screenwriting: Long Form but as the classes are writing centered and workshop based, they can be taken without worry of duplication. Students explore both the three and five-act structures.
THTR:6310–Writing for Television: The 30-minute Pilot
Students will develop and complete an outline, first draft and a rewrite of a 30-minute television pilot on their own and in collaborative groups.
THTR:6310–Writing for Film: Graduate Level
Students will outline, develop and complete a feature length screenplay. For graduate students with experience in dramatic writing, fiction or screenwriting and upper level advanced undergraduates with permission of the instructor.
This course has some similarities to Advanced Screenwriting, but it is more writing centered rather than directed squarely at the film industry. Students explore both three and five-act structures.
Cinematic arts
CINE:2861–Screenwriting: Short Form
Introduction to basic principles of screenwriting; develop, write, and workshop screenplays for short film/video projects including fiction, nonfiction, and experimental work.
Prerequisites: CINE:1834
CINE:2867–Screenwriting: Long Form
Introduction to basic principles of screenwriting; develop, write, and workshop screenplays for longer form film/video projects including fiction, nonfiction, and experimental work. This course has some similarities to Theatre Arts’ Writing for Film but as the classes are writing centered and workshop based, they can be taken without worry of duplication.
Prerequisites: CINE:1834
CINE:3877–Advanced Screenwriting: Short Form
Developing, writing, and workshopping screenplays for short film/video projects including fiction, nonfiction, and experimental work; introduction to preproduction activities; exercises and journal assignments.
Prerequisites: CINE:2861 with a minimum grade of C or CINE:2865 with a minimum grade of C or CINE:2866 with a minimum grade of C or CINE:2867 with a minimum grade of C or CINE:2868 with a minimum grade of C.
At present this course is infrequently offered.
CINE:4836–Advanced Screenwriting: Long Form
Write a feature screenplay (105‑115 pages) within the industry standard contract guidelines for independent and studio projects; completion of outline, beat sheet, treatment, first draft, one re-write.
Prerequisites: CINE:2861 with a minimum grade of C or CINE:2867 with a minimum grade of C.
At present this course is infrequently offered.
Anticipated course
(Theatre Arts) Writing and Making Short Smartphone Films
Introduction to the fundamentals of writing for films, working from short form screen plays and using smart phones and simple cameras. Emphasis is on development and writing, but students will film and edit their work for the screen.
Related courses in playwriting
Students interested in screenwriting may find courses in playwriting valuable. The following is a list of playwriting courses offered by the Theatre Arts Department:
THTR:2301–Playwriting 1
Elements of playwriting; emphasis on analysis and discussion of original student writing.
THTR:3301–Playwriting 2
Application of fundamental skills learned in THTR:2301 to more advanced study of dramatic structure and style; reading of plays, weekly writing assignments; focus on writing one-act play.
Prerequisites: THTR:2301
THTR:3300–Advanced Playwriting
Workshop discussion of original full-length plays, collaborative creation of new plays, work with guest artists.
Prerequisites: THTR:2301 and THTR:3301
Requirements: Submission of writing sample
THTR:3310–Undergraduate Playwriting Workshop
Workshop discussion of original full-length plays, collaborative creation of new plays, work with guest artists.
Prerequisites: THTR:2301 and THTR:3301
Requirements: Submission of writing sample
THTR:3421–Performing Autobiography
Write and perform original pieces stemming from personal experiences and interests; readings and videos; genre of contemporary autobiographical performance as established artists have developed it; improvisational performance and writing exercises to foster deeper reflection on personal experiences; final staging of students' original work.
THTR:6310–Special Topics in Playwriting
For advanced undergraduate and graduate students
THTR:7300–Playwrights Workshop
Development of works by Iowa Playwrights Workshop members
Requirements: Playwriting or dramaturgy MFA enrollment
| Course Number | Title | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| THTR:2410 or THTR:2411 | History of Theatre and Drama I or History of Theatre and Drama II | 3 |
| THTR:2402 | Script Analysis | 3 |
| THTR:3501 | Stage Management I | 3 |
| Course Number | Title | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| THTR:2410 or THTR:2411 | History of Theatre and Drama I or History of Theatre and Drama II | 3 |
| THTR:2200 | Production Lab (Crew) | 1 |
| THTR:2215 | Theatre Technology | 3 |
| Course Number | Title | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| THTR:2140 | Acting I | 3 |
| THTR:2200 | Production Lab (Crew Chief) | 2 |
| THTR:4180 | Directing I Prerequisites: Acting I and Script Analysis |
3 |
| THTR:XXXX | Design Requirement Course (Stage managers are often best served by Lighting Design I) | 3 |
| Course Number | Title | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| THTR:4180 | Directing I (if unable to take in third year) Prerequisites: Acting I and Script Analysis |
3 |
| THTR:XXXX | Dramatic Literature Requirement Course | 3 |
Stage management opportunities are available to undergraduates for every semester of their studies. Opportunities include Readings, Workshops, Galleries, the New Play Festival, Entrepreneurship projects, and the Mainstage series of productions.
Create your academic path
You'll find degree overviews, requirements, course lists, academic plans, and more to help you plan your education and explore your possibilities.
Current course list
The MyUI Schedule displays registered courses for a particular session and is available to enrolled students. The list view includes course instructors, time and location, and features to drop courses or change sections.
Study music theatre
The Department of Theatre Arts offers students three ways to study music theatre. The most popular is a BA in theatre arts with the music theatre track.
Students wanting a deeper engagement in music or dance may wish to enroll in a double major–BA in theatre arts and BA in music, with some courses in dance; or BA in theatre arts and BA in dance, with some courses in music:
Learn more about the music theatre track
It is a way for students to complete the theatre arts major while pursuing their love of music theatre. Its goal is to help develop skills to audition professionally and pursue further instruction in music theatre.
You will take courses in acting, singing, musicianship, and dance, all of which are essential to the successful music theatre performer. Students who complete the major and the music theatre track will have both listed on their University of Iowa transcript.
The music theatre track requires 51 semester hours of course work:
- 36 required for the theatre arts major (some elective courses are specified for the track)
- Eight in dance
- Seven in music
Yes. Each student’s program will culminate in a final presentation, to be determined in consultation with the track advisor.
The final project may be a role in a music theatre production or a special showcase performance. These projects normally take place in the student’s final three semesters of study.
To be part of the music theatre track, you first register as a theatre arts major. You may then take any theatre courses, including music theatre classes.
To enroll in the track, which you can do at any time, you may declare it yourself in MyUI or contact your academic advisor.
No. But auditions are required to enroll in music theatre acting courses. Auditions are held in the department during pre-registration periods or, in fall, during orientation week. Information about auditions is included on each course’s MyUI entry.
You’re right, those courses are open to anyone. But there are advantages to being in the track.
You will receive information about courses and other opportunities, be eligible for coaching when performing in on-campus and off-campus musicals, and have easy access to music and dance classes.
In addition, you may present a final showcase, and you will have the track listed on your transcript.
Annual productions include at least one musical produced by the Department of Theatre Arts, one opera and a second light opera or musical produced by the School of Music, and several musicals produced locally by City Circle and other theatre groups.
Most BFA programs in music theatre require students to spend at least seventy percent of their class time in music, dance, and theatre courses, and they offer various opportunities to perform in musicals. These programs provide students with a highly focused, professionally oriented education in the field.
At Iowa, students receive a broad-based liberal arts education while pursuing their love of music theatre, with abundant opportunities to perform (we present 25+ productions of all kinds each year, especially new plays), and time to complete a second major.
Questions?
Mark Bruckner, MFA, BM, BA
Get Involved
Want to learn more about productions on campus? Visit the Theatre Arts Callboard to find audition information, production guidelines, facilities information, and more.