Valparaiso University

What you'll study

This undergraduate programme balances applied theatre training with a broad liberal arts education. Students study acting technique, voice and movement, stagecraft, scene and costume design, technical theatre (including lighting and sound), directing, playwriting, and theatre history. Coursework typically includes ensemble performance labs, production practicum that places students into real theatre productions, script analysis, dramaturgy, and courses in theatre theory and criticism.

Students can expect a curriculum that mixes small studio classes for skill development with seminar-style classes for historical and critical study. A capstone project or senior practicum is often part of the degree, giving students responsibility for a production role such as director, designer, stage manager, or lead performer.

Entry requirements

Admission to Valparaiso University requires a completed secondary school diploma or equivalent and a competitive academic record. Theatre applicants may be asked to submit an audition or portfolio for admission to performance or conservatory-style tracks; some technical or design concentrations accept applicants without an audition but may request a portfolio or interview. Applicants submit standard application materials such as transcripts, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation. International applicants must meet the university's English proficiency requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates of the programme pursue a range of careers in the performing arts and related fields. Common pathways include:

• Actor, director or company member in regional, touring or community theatre
• Stage manager, production manager or technician in live performance
• Designer or crafts professional in set, lighting, sound or costume
• Arts administrator, producing or development roles in cultural organisations
• Theatre educator at K–12 levels or in community education programmes
• Graduate study in theatre, performance, directing, design or related academic fields

Why study at Valparaiso University

Valparaiso combines conservatory-style training with a liberal arts environment, giving students both practical theatre experience and broad intellectual preparation. Classes are typically small, permitting close mentorship from faculty who are practitioners and scholars. Students benefit from frequent production opportunities on campus and access to internships and professional networks in the greater Chicago region. The programme emphasises collaborative, hands-on learning—students regularly work in interdisciplinary crews and take leadership roles in productions, preparing them for the collaborative demands of professional theatre and arts organisations.