University of Central Oklahoma

What you'll study

The curriculum combines performance, technical theatre, theory and history to give students a broad foundation in dramatic arts and specialised training in a chosen area. Core subjects typically include acting technique, scene study, voice and movement, script analysis, theatre history and dramatic literature. Practical studio and workshop modules cover stagecraft, set, lighting and sound design, costume construction, props, and stage management.

Students take ensemble-based courses and production practicum each semester to gain real production experience. Advanced and elective options may include directing, playwriting, dramaturgy, theatre criticism, contemporary performance practices, and specialized design studios. Most degree programmes conclude with a capstone project, senior showcase or public production that demonstrates professional readiness.

Programme structure

• Foundations: introductory acting, theatre history and performance lab
• Core: intermediate and advanced acting, voice, movement, and script study
• Technical and design sequence: scenic, lighting, sound, costume, and stagecraft
• Production practicum: participation in departmental productions each year
• Advanced electives and capstone: directing, playwriting or a senior performance/design portfolio

Entry requirements

Applicants normally require a completed secondary education qualification or equivalent. Admissions for performance-focused routes commonly include an audition; design and technical pathways may request a portfolio or practical interview. Typical application materials include academic transcripts, a personal statement outlining theatre experience and goals, and letters of recommendation. Transfer applicants should submit transcripts from previous post-secondary institutions and may be required to audition or interview to confirm placement.

Specific departmental requirements — such as audition excerpts, portfolio formats or recommended preparatory courses (for example, introductory acting, stagecraft, or academic writing) — are provided by the School of Theatre and must be checked before applying.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a wide range of careers in the performing arts and related industries. Common pathways include:

• Performance: stage, regional theatre, touring companies, commercial and community productions
• Production and design: lighting, sound, set and costume design, technical direction and stage management
• Creative development: directing, dramaturgy, playwriting and new work development
• Arts administration and producing: box office management, marketing, festival coordination and producing
• Education and outreach: teaching in schools, community theatre programmes and youth education
• Further study: graduate degrees in theatre, performance, directing, design, or arts management

Students typically build professional networks through faculty mentorship, departmental productions, internships with regional theatres and partnerships in the Oklahoma City arts scene, which support transition into employment or graduate study.

Why study at University of Central Oklahoma

UCO’s theatre programme emphasises practical learning through a busy season of department productions, lab classes and production assignments that place students in real creative roles. The School of Theatre offers small class sizes, close faculty supervision and access to on‑campus performance and technical facilities for rehearsal and design work.

The university’s proximity to the regional arts community provides internship and employment opportunities with professional companies, cultural organisations and educational programmes. Faculty members bring a mix of academic and professional experience, and the programme supports students pursuing both performance and technical-specialist careers as well as postgraduate study.