Fairleigh Dickinson University

What you'll study

The Drama programme balances hands-on studio practice with classroom study. Core areas include acting technique (scene study, improvisation, voice and movement), directing, playwriting and dramaturgy, and theatre history and criticism. Students also study technical theatre disciplines such as stagecraft, scenic design, lighting design, sound design and costume design, and take courses in production management and stage management.

Typical modules and learning experiences include:

• Acting: scene study, on-camera technique, voice and speech, movement for the actor
• Directing and dramaturgy: script analysis, rehearsal technique, production development
• Design and technology: set, lighting, sound and costume design; computer-aided drafting for theatre; technical rehearsals
• Writing, history and theory: theatre history, contemporary theatre, playwriting and adaptation
• Professional practicum: production credits, internships, stage management assignments and a capstone or senior project
• General education electives to build critical thinking and communication skills

Students participate in departmental productions, design labs and collaborative projects, gaining performance and technical credits. The programme emphasises experiential learning, portfolio development and preparation for graduate study or professional entry.

Entry requirements

Applicants require an accredited high school diploma or equivalent. Admissions typically consider academic transcripts, a personal statement and letters of recommendation. Many drama programmes ask for a creative component—this may be an audition (live or recorded) and/or a portfolio of creative work such as performance clips, design sketches or writing samples. International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through recognised tests or equivalent evidence where English is not the first language.

Successful applicants usually show strong commitment to theatre through previous coursework, community or professional experience, and potential for collaborative work. Exact requirements and audition formats should be confirmed with the admissions office.

Career prospects

Graduates from a Drama programme move into a wide range of theatre and performance-related careers. Common paths include:

• Actor for stage, film and television
• Director or assistant director in theatre and new media
• Designer roles: set, lighting, sound and costume design
• Stage manager, production manager or technical director
• Playwright, dramaturg or creative producer
• Arts administration, education and community engagement roles
• Further study at conservatories or master's level in theatre, performance studies, film or related disciplines

Graduates benefit from practical production experience and portfolios that support entry into professional companies, regional theatres, touring productions, film and television projects, or postgraduate training.

Why study at Fairleigh Dickinson University

Fairleigh Dickinson offers a theatre education that pairs small-group instruction with abundant production opportunities and close faculty mentoring. The university’s campuses are located within easy travelling distance of New York City, giving students access to a major professional theatre ecosystem for internships, guest artists and industry networking.

Students gain practical experience through department productions and technical labs, and can build collaborative projects across performing arts, film and media programmes. Faculty are practitioner-teachers who bring professional experience to the classroom, and the department supports portfolio and audition preparation for both professional work and graduate study. The combination of liberal-arts breadth and focused theatre training helps graduates adapt to a range of creative careers or continued academic study.