Indiana University Bloomington

What you'll study

The programme combines practical studio training with coursework in theatre history, theory and criticism. Core areas include acting, voice and movement; directing and dramaturgy; scenic, costume and lighting design; stagecraft and technical production; playwriting; and theatre studies that explore dramatic literature, performance theory and cultural contexts.

• Studio courses: acting technique, scene study, audition preparation, movement for actors, voice and speech.
• Design and technology: scenic design, costume design, lighting design, projection design, stagecraft, scenic construction and production management.
• Theory and history: survey of theatre history, contemporary theatre, dramatic literature, dramaturgy and critical methods.
• Production practicum: participation in department productions as actors, designers, stage managers, technicians or crew; credit-bearing lab experiences.
• Creative practice: playwriting workshops, directing practicum and collaborative interdisciplinary projects, often in partnership with related departments such as music and dance.
• Capstone or senior project: a culminating practical or research project demonstrating your chosen specialism, often a directed production, design portfolio or written thesis.

Students choose between broader Bachelor of Arts curricular options and more focused studio pathways where available; many programmes encourage electives from related fields (e.g. film studies, music, arts management) and offer opportunities for internships and study abroad.

Entry requirements

Applicants need a secondary school completion qualification or equivalent. Typical admissions materials include an application form and academic transcripts. For students applying to performance or design tracks, an audition or portfolio review is normally required; instructions for these are provided by the department and may include prepared monologues, movement/dance material, design samples or a technical portfolio.

• Academic record demonstrating readiness for university-level study.
• Audition or portfolio for performance, musical theatre or design/technical concentrations; some tracks accept applicants without an audition into broader BA pathways.
• Personal statement or statement of purpose outlining theatrical experience, interests and goals.
• Letters of recommendation are often helpful, especially from teachers or mentors familiar with your theatre work.
• International applicants: evidence of English language proficiency as required by the university.

Career prospects

Graduates pursue a wide range of careers across the theatre and performing arts sector. Practical training and production experience prepare students for immediate employment and for competitive graduate programmes (MFA, MA).

• Performance: actor, musical theatre performer, tour company member.
• Creative leadership: director, dramaturg, playwright.
• Design and technical roles: scenic, costume, lighting and projection designer; technical director; rigging and electrics; props and wardrobe.
• Production and management: stage manager, production manager, company manager.
• Arts administration and producing: producing, development, marketing and education roles in theatres, festivals and cultural organisations.
• Teaching and community practice: teaching at various levels, community arts practitioner, outreach and education programming.
• Related fields: film and television production, media performance, dramaturgy, and further academic study leading to research or university teaching.

Why study at Indiana University Bloomington

Indiana University Bloomington’s theatre programme is housed within a campus known for strong arts offerings and a lively production season. Students gain hands-on experience in department theatres and workshops, working with faculty who combine professional practice with scholarship. The department emphasises learning through doing: students are regularly cast and crewed in mainstage and studio productions, and there are pathways to collaborate with the Jacobs School of Music and other arts units.

• Robust production opportunities across performance, design and technical disciplines that build professional portfolios.
• Access to specialised facilities and shops for scenic construction, costume and lighting, plus supervised practicum placements.
• Faculty with professional and scholarly experience, offering mentorship and industry links.
• Connections to regional theatre scenes and internship options that help bridge study and employment.
• A campus environment that supports interdisciplinary study, allowing students to combine theatre with studies in music, film, literature, business or education.