University of North Dakota

What you'll study

This programme covers the full range of theatre disciplines, giving students both practical and academic grounding. Core areas typically include acting (voice, movement, scene study), directing, playwriting and dramaturgy, theatre history and dramatic literature, design (scenic, lighting, costumes, sound), and technical production (stagecraft, rigging, props and production management).

Students follow a mix of studio classes, lectures and production practicum. Typical modules and subjects you can expect are:

• Acting and Performance: voice and speech, improvisation, character development, classical and contemporary scene work.
• Design and Technology: scenic design, lighting design, costume design, sound design and drafting/CAD for theatre.
• Production and Stagecraft: stage management, scene shop practice, construction techniques, theatre safety and production logistics.
• Theatre Studies: theatre history, dramatic literature, criticism, and contemporary theatre practices.
• Directing and Playwrighting: fundamentals of directing, rehearsal processes, script analysis and new-play development.
• Capstone/Practicum: sustained participation in departmental productions, festival projects or an individual capstone project.

Practical learning is central: students regularly participate in mainstage and studio productions, collaborate with peers across design and technical disciplines, and have opportunities for internships with regional theatre companies and community arts organisations.

Entry requirements

Applicants normally need a recognised secondary school qualification or equivalent. Admissions typically consider academic record alongside practical evidence of theatre potential. For performance or design tracks you may be asked to audition or submit a portfolio demonstrating previous work and creative aptitude.

• Academic: completion of high school or equivalent; institutions may expect a competitive GPA in relevant coursework.
• Audition/Portfolio: performance applicants should prepare a contemporary and a classical monologue (or as directed by audition guidance); design/technical applicants should submit a portfolio of visual work or documentation of technical projects.
• Supporting materials: personal statement outlining goals in theatre, and at least one academic or professional reference.
• International applicants: equivalent secondary qualification and proof of English proficiency where required.

Standardised test requirements (such as SAT/ACT) are determined by university admissions policy; check with the admissions office for current guidance. Mature or non‑traditional applicants with significant practical experience are encouraged to apply and can present a professional portfolio in lieu of standard criteria.

Career prospects

Graduates from this programme move into a wide range of roles across the performing arts and related industries. Typical career paths include:

• Actor in theatre, film, television and emerging media.
• Director, assistant director or rehearsal director.
• Stage manager, production manager or technical director in professional and community theatres.
• Designer (scenic, lighting, costume or sound), dramaturg, or technical specialist.
• Arts administration, producing, marketing and audience development roles within arts organisations.
• Secondary school or community arts educator, or progression to graduate study (MFA, MA) in specialised theatre disciplines.

The programme’s emphasis on real production experience and industry contacts through internships and regional partnerships helps students build professional networks and practical resumes for entry into the workforce.

Why study at University of North Dakota

The Department of Theatre at the University of North Dakota offers a supportive environment with frequent production opportunities that let students apply classroom learning directly to realised shows. Facilities typically include both a mainstage and a studio/black box theatre, a scene shop, costume and costume crafts studios, and production labs where students can learn hands‑on skills.

Students benefit from close faculty mentorship, collaboration across disciplines (including film and media where available), and links with regional theatres and arts organisations that provide internship and work experience options. The programme’s balance of practice, theory and professional preparation is designed to equip graduates for a range of careers in the performing arts and related creative industries.