We imagine it. We create it.
We imagine it. We create it.
In the Department of Theatre Arts, we are constantly producing. We build every production from the ground up, whether we are writing new plays or envisioning brand-new ways to tell beloved stories from the past. Students are at the heart of producing every event, from staging our full-scale mainstage productions to workshopping new plays still being created.
Here are some of the places we create and show our artistry.
Series, projects, and festivals
Gallery series Workshop series Reading series BORDERLESS SERIES Special projects iowa new play festival
Production History
We have a history of producing a high volume of high-quality work every year. Check out our Virtual Lobby to see what we've created since our 2011–2012 season.
Get involved with production
We offer many ways to get involved with productions for majors, non-majors, and community members.
On-stage opportunities
We have many opportunities for you to participate in our productions, even if you are not a Theatre major or a student. We welcome everyone who would like to audition for productions.
Non-performing opportunities
Can’t live without running shows backstage? Got to Stage Manage? Love working in a box office or ushering? There are ~25 productions a year that need this kind of support. Some positions are for academic credit, some are for pay, and others are as a volunteer.
Costume Construction | Stage Management Melissa Turner |
| Costume Design Bryon Winn | Scenic Design Bryon Winn |
| Lighting & Sound Design Bryon Winn | Box Office & Ushering Katie McClellen |
| Running Shows: Back Stage or in the Booth Samantha Goblirsch-Paradis | |
Over-hire in the shops
At the start of each semester, the scene shop, costume shop, and electrics shop all accept applications for over-hire workers. Contact the shop heads directly for more information.
| Costume Shop Emily Bushá |
| Scene Shop Rob Durham |
| Electric Shop Joshua Nathanson |
Taking theatre into the community
In addition to performing on our stages or working behind the scenes, you'll also have the opportunity to play a vital role for local Iowa audiences of all ages at K-12 schools, libraries, museums, hospitals, community colleges, other performance venues, and workshops to increase exposure to the arts, build social and cultural awareness, and provoke awareness and discussion about a variety of culturally and socially inclusive topics.
The education behind the production
At Iowa, you'll learn-by-doing in an innovative environment where you can develop your unique voice through our comprehensive theatre training, individual attention, and production opportunities. Create your own story in our unsurpassed artistic community, alongside seasoned professionals, and in facilities with state-of-the-art technology designed to support the creation of new work.
Behind the scenes coursework
Where we create
Learn, perform, research, experience, and grow in our three unique theatre spaces, Motion Caption and Virtual Reality (MoCaP/VR) studio, ABW 360 sound and media classroom, acting studio and classrooms, costume and scene shops, and design and lighting labs. See where all the action takes place!