Undergraduate Programs

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.


Students in a play

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.


Student in a play

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. 


Carly Rosenbloom

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

Schedule an appointment with a faculty or peer advisor, find important department forms, and get answers.

Departmental Advising and Support

Scholarships and Awards

Learn about ways to apply for funding through the Department of Theatre Arts.

Explore Scholarships and Awards


Events

UO Cinema Studies Alumni Gathering: Los Angeles
Aug17
UO Cinema Studies Alumni Gathering: Los Angeles Aug 17 Everson Royce Bar
Graduate Student Welcome Lunch and Resource Fair
Sep23
Graduate Student Welcome Lunch and Resource Fair Sep 23 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
Grad Student & Postdoc Industry Recruitment Event
Oct23
Grad Student & Postdoc Industry Recruitment Event Oct 23
What is Research? (2026)
Apr23
What is Research? (2026) Apr 23 University of Oregon Portland
What is Research? (2026)
Apr24
What is Research? (2026) Apr 24 University of Oregon Portland
What is Research? (2026)
Apr25
What is Research? (2026) Apr 25 University of Oregon Portland