Hello! You're here because you either have done theatre or seen theatre or live in a theatre… I'm glad you're interested in learning more about our department. UNI's Department of Theatre is dedicated to the Liberal Arts education of those students who have a passion for the theatre. We currently serve close to 100 majors from all across Iowa- many of them from your home town. Working with 13 strong faculty, a well-designed and well-equipped facility with 3 (more if you ask some…) performance spaces and strong budgets, we teach you how to explore, in the classroom and on productions, the art, craft and process of communicating through theatre.
Our program has a way of embracing you and involving you on a number of levels. Freshman students are often cast in our shows, and all students are attached to productions and engaged in our classes right from the beginning. Some of the classes are hard, and require lots of hours. The requirements of the productions keep everybody in the department busy- all the time. But the payoff is learning how to communicate and work together in an environment where people are valued for their unique traits and talents.
If you want to be immersed in a creative experience and work hard to absorb all that's being offered, you will find that this process and atmosphere can propel you to places you may not even know exist. If you are able to be open to new perspectives and experiences, we'll take you to the next level of your theatre life.
We are excited you are here, and feel free to contact me if you want more information about us.
Sincerely,
Eric Lange
Head, Department of Theatre
The Department of Theatre at the University of Northern Iowa offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre. Students may choose the 34-hour General Theatre degree or a 46-hour emphasis area. A 24-hour Theatre Minor is also offered. The department also contributes to the joint degree in Communication-Theatre Arts Teaching with the Department of Communication Studies.
• General Theatre Degree
• Performance Emphasis
• Design and Production Emphasis
• Drama & Theatre for Youth Emphasis
• Theatre Minor
• Communication - Theatre Arts Teaching
The philosophy of the Department is based on the belief that all theatre students need a common base of information and skills on which to build their education and develop their talents.Coursework in the class rooms and productions should compliment each other, thus maximizing the educational experience. All theatre majors build their college career on a 25credit hour core of courses.These core courses include Creativity and Performance, Practicum, Stagecraft: Scenic & Lighting, Stagecraft: Costumes, Acting, Playscript Analysis & Interpretation, and History of the Theatre I & II.
Knowledge gained in the class room is incorporated into the production experience in several ways as students work as actors, designers, and technicians during the mainstage season. The design of a production may reflect periods studied; acting styles practiced in the class room will be used on stage; and/or period movement and voice will be emphasized in a production. In addition to the core curriculum, students may take 15 credit hours in a chosen emphasis.