Brandeis University

What you'll study

The Drama (Theatre Arts) major at Brandeis blends practical studio work with scholarly study. Core work typically includes acting technique, voice and movement, directing, playwriting and dramaturgy, theatre history and dramatic literature. Students also take technical theatre and design courses such as scenic, lighting and costume design, stagecraft and sound, alongside classes in stage management and production practicum.

Programme structure commonly involves introductory foundations in performance and design, intermediate courses for skill development, and advanced seminars or a senior capstone project that synthesises practice and research. A strong emphasis is placed on participatory learning: students regularly work on departmental productions in a variety of roles, and opportunities exist for internships, collaborative projects with other departments (such as music, film or Judaic studies), and study abroad that complements theatrical study.

Typical modules and subjects

• Acting: scene study, improvisation, audition technique
• Voice and movement for the actor
• Directing and ensemble work
• Playwriting and dramaturgy
• Theatre history and modern drama
• Scenic, lighting and costume design; technical production
• Stage management and production practicum
• Advanced seminars or senior project/capstone

Entry requirements

Admission to Brandeis University is carried out through the university’s undergraduate admission process. Applicants typically present a strong academic record from secondary school, including coursework in English and the arts where available. Standardised tests may be optional depending on current university policy; consult Brandeis Admissions for the latest guidance.

For the Theatre Arts major, an audition or portfolio is not normally required for general admission, though prospective performance or design students may be invited to audition or submit work for placement in classes, scholarships or departmental opportunities. International applicants should meet the university’s English language proficiency requirements. Successful candidates demonstrate both academic preparation and a clear commitment to theatre through extracurricular activity, experience in productions, or a personal statement.

Career prospects

Graduates of Brandeis’s Drama/Theatre Arts programme pursue diverse careers across the performing arts and related fields. Typical paths include:

• Actor, director or playwright in theatre, film or television
• Stage manager, production manager or technical director
• Scenic, lighting or costume designer; sound designer
• Dramaturg or literary manager
• Producer, arts administrator or presenter
• Education roles such as drama teacher or community arts facilitator
• Further study in MFA, MA, or PhD programmes, and careers in scholarship, criticism or cultural policy

The programme’s combination of practical experience and liberal arts training also prepares graduates for roles outside traditional theatre—such as marketing, communications, event management and nonprofit leadership—where collaboration, creative problem‑solving and public presentation skills are valued.

Why study at Brandeis University

Brandeis offers a small, mentorship‑oriented Theatre Arts department within a liberal arts university, so students benefit from close faculty supervision, frequent production opportunities and the ability to combine theatre study with other academic interests. The department emphasises experiential learning: students participate in fully staged productions, gain technical experience in on‑campus shops and theatres, and often take internships with professional companies in the Boston/Cambridge region.

Brandeis’s interdisciplinary culture and commitment to social engagement allow theatre students to explore performance in relation to history, politics, philosophy and the arts. Faculty include working practitioners and scholars who bring professional perspectives into the classroom. The university’s location and networks provide access to a vibrant regional arts scene and pathways to professional development while retaining the support of a close campus community.