Dartmouth College

What you'll study

The Drama programme at Dartmouth combines academic study of theatre history, dramatic literature and theory with hands‑on studio work in acting, directing, design and technical production. Students typically take a mix of seminar courses and studio practica. Core subject areas include:

• Acting and performance: voice and movement, scene study, ensemble work, improvisation and advanced acting workshops.
• Directing and dramaturgy: script analysis, rehearsal processes, concept development and production dramaturgy.
• Design and technology: scenic design, lighting, sound, costume design, stagecraft and production management.
• Playwriting and new work: craft of writing for the stage, development labs and collaboration with performers and directors.
• Theatre history and theory: surveys of global theatre history, performance theory, criticism and contemporary practices.
• Capstone and practicum: participation in department productions, advanced practicum courses and often a senior project, thesis or curated production experience.

Students are encouraged to combine theatre study with other disciplines across Dartmouth’s liberal‑arts curriculum. Many take courses in film, music, English, sociology or anthropology to enrich their theatrical practice. The department stages both student and faculty productions throughout the year, offering repeated opportunities to work in every aspect of mounting a show.

Entry requirements

Admission to Dartmouth is competitive and based on a holistic review of academic preparation, extracurricular achievement and personal qualities. Typical expectations for applicants to the Drama programme include:

• Completion of a strong secondary‑school programme with evidence of breadth and academic rigour.
• Demonstrated interest in theatre through school or community productions, classes, workshops or related creative work.
• Application materials required by the College (transcripts, teacher or counsellor recommendations and a personal statement). Arts supplements such as portfolios, recordings or audition materials may be submitted and are recommended for students emphasising performance or design, though they do not replace the standard admissions process.
• For applicants whose first language is not English, demonstration of English proficiency as required by the College.

Once enrolled, students who wish to perform or take upper‑level studio courses may be required to audition or submit work for placement into classes or productions.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Drama programme pursue a broad range of careers across the arts, media and beyond. Common pathways include:

• Performing artist (theatre, film and television) in regional, national and international contexts.
• Directing, stage management and dramaturgy for professional and community theatres.
• Design and technical careers: scenic, lighting, sound or costume design, technical direction and production management.
• Playwriting, new‑work development and literary management.
• Arts administration, producing, fundraising and programming for cultural organisations.
• Teaching, academic research and further study in graduate programmes in performance, drama therapy, theatre studies or related fields.
• Related roles in media, communications, event production and other sectors that value storytelling, collaboration and project leadership.

The programme’s combination of practical experience, critical study and liberal‑arts training also prepares students well for careers outside the performing arts where creativity, communication and teamwork are valued.

Why study at Dartmouth College

Dartmouth offers drama students the advantages of a small, residential liberal‑arts college with a strong commitment to experiential learning. The department benefits from access to the Hopkins Center for the Arts and a range of rehearsal and performance spaces that support student and faculty productions. Close faculty‑student relationships and small seminar sizes allow for personalised mentorship and opportunities to take leadership roles in productions from early in the course.

The College’s emphasis on interdisciplinary study lets drama students combine theatre with other academic interests and off‑campus study options. A robust alumni network and connections to regional and national theatre communities provide routes into professional work and continued study. The overall environment supports both rigorous scholarship and vibrant practical training in theatre arts.