Theatre Arts

The Department of Theatre Arts commits to a liberal arts education through a balanced program of hands-on and scholarly coursework with holistic exposure to theatre’s varied practice areas. We maintain the highest standards in academic pursuits and production, while actively investigating the literature, history, cultural resonance, and current processes of theatre from critical viewpoints. We also value theatre as a form of creative communication, one that illuminates pathways for personal growth.

3-5

PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTIONS EACH YEAR
 

1
student-run playhouse
100+
students across majors participate in productions
Students in a play

 

Left Hand of Darkness, 2017

University Theatre

University Theatre’s annual season includes productions ranging from Shakespeare or other classics to musicals to contemporary and experimental works to student-written plays. Auditions and backstage opportunities are open to all UO students. Visit the University Theatre website to learn more about the current season. Tickets are free to students with UO ID.

What You Can Do with a Degree in Theatre Arts

Theatre arts majors use their skills and liberal arts foundation for a wide range of professional employment, including professional theatre and other creative media, as well as education, law, and marketing. Theatre arts provides students with a foundation for employment in:

  • Community, regional, and commercial theaters
  • Repertory companies
  • Amusement and theme parks
  • Cruise lines
  • Radio stations
  • Television and motion picture studios
  • Acting conservatories
  • Arts councils
  • Talent agencies
  • Colleges and universities
Sean Andries, Executive director, Chehalem Cultural Center

How Theatre Arts Launches Your Career

“Studying theatre arts at the UO laid the foundation for me to build my life and career in the arts. Whether I am directing a show, delivering on stage, presenting in a boardroom, balancing budgets, or myriad other things I never imagined then, I know my time in Villard Hall prepared me well for all of it. All these years later, I have a career I'm proud of and a job I love.”

—Sean Andries '05, executive director, Chehalem Cultural Center

Our Degree Programs

Undergraduate students can major or minor in theatre arts. Graduate students can pursue a master’s or doctorate.

Students in a play

The Home Planet, 2019

Learn from Experts in the Field

As mentors, collaborators, and coaches, our faculty advise and prepare students to audition and interview professionally or to pursue graduate training programs. They maintain a longstanding tradition of excellence and innovation as well as a liberal arts approach to theatre education.

Student in a play

Hay Fever, 2022

Get Real-World Experience

Our University Theatre serves as a laboratory for theatre arts majors to apply what they learn in their classes and to develop professional skills through experiential learning. Majors, minors, and all University of Oregon students can participate in various areas of production. This commonly involves acting, assistant directing, costumes, dramaturgy, lighting, projections, scenery, sound, or stage management.

Scholarships and Funding

All theatre arts graduate and undergraduate students are encouraged to apply for annual departmental scholarships. Students can also seek funding from a variety of additional sources.

Undergraduate Scholarships Graduate Funding

Academic Support

Our academic advisors can help students understand their major or minor requirements, plan their course of study, explore study-abroad opportunities, and more.

Undergraduate Advising
Support for Graduate Students

Department of Theatre Arts News and Events

THEATRE ARTS – Ever since she stepped on the stage in middle school, University of Oregon alum Jerilyn Armstrong '17 knew she wanted to be an actor. Her curiosity and eagerness led her to build valuable connections with instructors and explore every opportunity the Department of Theatre Arts in the College of Arts and Sciences, setting her up to pursue her passion after college.
THEATRE ARTS – At the North Pole, Victor Frankenstein has finally caught up with his Creature with the intent of killing him to right his wrong of creating him in the first place. Before he can, the Creature asks, “Why did you make me?” This simple question is the premise of the University Theatre's production of "Frankenstein: Playing with Fire," which opens Nov. 8 and plays for three weekends.
When Damon Jones '84 was diagnosed with cancer, he was determined to make some dreams come true. One of those dreams was reviving "The Last Dragon," a stage production he was part of in his last year in the Theatre Department at University of Oregon. Through sheer determination he pulled together the majority of the original cast, and they are staging it live in Portland Aug. 8-10, 2024.

All news »


Graduate Writing Webinar: Every Semester Needs a Plan
Jan9
Graduate Writing Webinar: Every Semester Needs a Plan Jan 9
Exploring the Dolomites Information Session
Jan9
Exploring the Dolomites Information Session Jan 9
Wrestling Jerusalem: A Film Screening and Conversation with the Artist
Jan9
Wrestling Jerusalem: A Film Screening and Conversation with the Artist Jan 9 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
Women in Economics Club
Jan9
Women in Economics Club Jan 9 Allen Hall
Part-Time Job & Work-Study Fair
Jan15
Part-Time Job & Work-Study Fair Jan 15 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
gradCONNECT: Disabled and Neurodivergent Graduate Student Time Together
Jan21
gradCONNECT: Disabled and Neurodivergent Graduate Student Time Together Jan 21 Susan Campbell Hall
How to: Interview (Workshop)
Jan21
How to: Interview (Workshop) Jan 21 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
Wine Chat: “Accompaniment with Im/migrant Communities”
Jan21
Wine Chat: “Accompaniment with Im/migrant Communities” Jan 21 Capitello Wines
Resume Extravaganza! (Drop-In Resume Reviews with Career Coaches & Peer Coaches)
Jan22
Resume Extravaganza! (Drop-In Resume Reviews with Career Coaches & Peer Coaches) Jan 22 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
Catalysts for Impact Information Session
Jan23
Catalysts for Impact Information Session Jan 23 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)

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