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.
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 liberal arts foundation for a wide range of professional employment, including theatre as well as other careers. Theatre skills prepare students to engage in varied fields of work, such as:
- Arts and nonprofit management
- Communications
- Creative media
- Design
- Education
- Fashion
- Film, radio, television
- Law
- Marketing
- Theatre: community, regional, commercial
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 master’s degrees.
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.
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.
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.
