The Bachelor of Arts program in Theatre Arts welcomes all students enrolled at the University of Iowa.

No audition is required to be part of our department. Whether you see yourself as a professional artist or as someone who simply enjoys theatre, you will find a home with us.

Requirements for the BA degree in Theatre Arts 
Complete List of Theatre Arts Courses
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If you are a prospective student, you may declare Theatre Arts as your major on your admissions application, or, once enrolled at the University, you may declare Theatre Arts your major by going to the Office of Academic Programs and Services located at 120 Schaeffer Hall. Students who wish to major in more than one department are welcome to declare Theatre Arts as one of their choices.

As a Theatre Arts major, you gain invaluable skills that employers seek: communication skills, interpersonal skills, the ability to problem-solve, a strong work ethic, and technical skills, among many other important traits. 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. 

Iowa’s Undergraduate Program offers courses in all areas of theatre and the opportunity to participate in over 25 productions a year. We offer special opportunities for you to study in London, and a chance to take plays into schools throughout Iowa.

Prepare for a Career

All Theatre Arts majors take a range of fundamental courses. Beyond that, if you would like to focus your study in a particular area of theatre, there are sample road maps of study you can follow:

Acting
Comedy Studies
Design
Directing
Dramaturgy
Music Theatre
Playwriting
Stage Management
 

Live in an 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. Learn more about the Arts Living Learning Community

Theatre Technology Opportunities at Iowa

The facilitation and implementation of design work created at the University of Iowa in the 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
• Lighting Technology
• Producing and Directing Digital Video