Why Study Theatre Arts?
A Theatre Arts major is adaptable to many performance-related careers or to fields beyond the stage. Our alumni have used their theatre degrees for everything from practicing law to teaching to fashion design to news anchoring—and much more! This major requires participation and dedication, but it can easily be paired with other majors, minors, or areas of interest.
Bat Boy: The Musical, 2011
Major in Theatre Arts
All majors take core courses that introduce theatre as an artistic form of collaboration and that focus on specific areas of interest, including acting, construction, design, and technology. Advanced core courses include a theatre history sequence, a seminar in the third year to begin charting post-graduation and career opportunities, and a capstone chosen from one of four options: devising, dramaturgy, play direction, or playwriting. Advanced students also take other upper-division courses in varied topics to enhance skills and deepen critical perspectives.
She Kills Monsters, 2022
Get Real-World Experience
Theatre arts is a dynamic major with many opportunities for experiential learning in both scholarly pursuits and hands-on collaborations. All University of Oregon students can develop professional skills by participating in University Theatre in various areas of production. Many majors also apply their training to local opportunities on campus or in our community.
Follow Your Passion
“The thing that drew me to UO theatre program was the plethora of opportunities in all aspects of theatre. In less than three years at this school, I’ve been able to act, sing, plan events, build sets, sew costumes, design props, write and direct my own show, and it still feels like there’s so much I haven’t done. Through UO and the student-run Pocket Playhouse, I feel like I have the tools to make my theatre dreams come true!”
—Carly Rosenbloom, theatre arts major, '25
Advising and Academic Support
Find department processes for advising and other important information.
Scholarships and Awards
Learn about ways to apply for funding through the Department of Theatre Arts.