Ursinus College

What you'll study

The Drama major at Ursinus balances practical studio work, production experience and academic study. Core areas typically include acting, voice and movement; stagecraft and technical theatre (scenic, lighting, sound, costumes); directing and dramaturgy; playwriting and script analysis; and theatre history and criticism. Students take introductory and intermediate studio courses before moving into advanced seminars and practicum.

• Studio courses: scene study, improvisation, voice for the actor, movement and stage combat.
• Production/tech: scenic design and construction, lighting design, sound design, stage management and shop practicum.
• Theory and history: surveys of world and modern theatre, dramatic literature, and contemporary critical approaches.
• Creative practice: playwriting workshops, directing practicum and collaborative ensemble projects.
• Capstone/senior project: a culminating project such as a directed production, a full-length playwriting portfolio or a research thesis.
• Electives and cross-disciplinary options: courses in film, music, dance, communication and literary studies that complement theatre work.

Practical experience is central: students are expected to participate regularly in departmental productions, work in backstage and technical roles, and complete internships or community partnerships that build professional skills.

Entry requirements

Admissions to the Bachelor's in Drama follow Ursinus College's undergraduate admission process. Typical expectations include a high-school diploma or equivalent and strong academic preparation in the arts and humanities. Applicants may be asked to provide a theatre résumé and a portfolio of creative work; some applicants will be invited to an audition or interview as part of the selection process.

• Academic transcripts demonstrating readiness for college-level work.
• Letters of recommendation, preferably including at least one from a teacher or director who can speak to arts experience.
• Evidence of creative work: this can include an acting audition, a reel, a writing sample or a design portfolio — specific requirements are provided by the department.
• Standardised tests are considered according to the college's current policies; international applicants will need to demonstrate English proficiency.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Drama programme leave prepared for a range of careers in theatre, the performing arts and related fields. The combination of practical and academic training supports work in both creative and administrative roles.

• Performance careers: actor, ensemble performer, touring artist.
• Creative and technical roles: director, stage manager, scenic/lighting/sound/costume designer, technical director.
• Writing and dramaturgy: playwright, dramaturg, script editor.
• Arts leadership and education: arts administrator, community arts organiser, teaching (with appropriate certification or graduate study).
• Extended pathways: theatre criticism, casting, production management, and further study at conservatories or graduate programmes in drama, design or directing.

Many students complement their major with internships in regional theatres, festivals and arts organisations — opportunities that are accessible given Ursinus College's location within reach of a major metropolitan theatre scene.

Why study at Ursinus College

Ursinus offers a theatre education grounded in the liberal-arts tradition, with small class sizes that enable sustained mentorship from faculty who are active practitioners and scholars. The department emphasises experiential learning: students participate in a regular season of productions, take technical roles in mounting shows, and receive individual coaching in performance and design.

• Close faculty mentoring: personalised attention supports artistic growth and academic development.
• Hands-on production opportunities: regular on-campus productions give students the chance to build credits in acting, design and stagecraft.
• Interdisciplinary approach: easy access to courses across the college helps students combine theatre with complementary fields such as film, music, education and business.
• Regional connections: proximity to a major metropolitan area provides internship and networking opportunities with professional theatres and arts organisations.

Together these elements make Ursinus a strong choice for students who want a broad liberal-arts education combined with rigorous, practice-focused theatre training in a supportive, intimate college environment.