About the Department
Welcome to the Department of Theatre
UNI's Department of Theatre is dedicated to students who have a passion for theatre. We serve over 100 majors and minors in a well-equipped facility that includes three performance spaces.
Through our strong faculty and ample opportunities, we use the classroom experience and TheatreUNI productions to teach our students the art, craft and process of communicating through theatre.
From day one, first-year students are often cast in our shows, and all theatre students are attached to productions and engaged in departmental classes. Some of the classes can require larger commitments of time; the productions keep everybody in the department very busy. However, the payoff is learning how to communicate and work together in a fast-paced environment, and one where people are valued for their unique traits and talents.
We educate, and in this process, create theatre.
Our vision is to educate students in the various elements of theatre they may encounter throughout their lives by training them to become well-rounded theatre practitioners. We will do this through rigorous and accessible coursework and a diverse theatre production program that prioritizes collaboration and community engagement.
NAST Accredited Program
In April of 2014, the University of Northern Iowa Department of Theatre gained accreditation through the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST). NAST is the national accrediting agency for theatre and theatre-related disciplines and is made up of approximately 200 schools of theatre. The granting of accredited membership is a sign that an institution has met an external set of basic criteria for its programs. It also indicates an ability to provide a base of academic strength and operational integrity.
TheatreUNI Equity and Anti-Racism Statement
Dedicating ourselves to being an anti-racist program is essential to our mission of educating through theatre. Our department commits itself to participating in the dismantling of systemic racism and oppression in our society in order to equitably serve our students, audiences, community members, teachers and guest artists.
The faculty and staff of TheatreUNI condemn racism of all types, and unconditionally embrace the rejection of racist actions, language, curriculum and content from our programs, classes, activities and productions. Our process is transparent. Our process is ongoing.
More Information About our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Anti-Racist Practices