Cost & earnings at The College of Wooster What students borrow here, and what they go on to earn
The College of Wooster's Bachelor in Drama is a liberal-arts theatre programme that combines rigorous classroom study with intensive practical production experience and a mentored independent research or creative project in the senior year. It suits students who want broad theatrical training—acting, directing, design and history—within a small, collaborative environment that emphasises close faculty mentorship and hands-on learning.
The Drama curriculum blends practical skills, academic study and creative practice. Core areas include acting technique, voice and movement, scene study, stagecraft (scenic, costume, lighting and sound), directing, playwriting, and theatre history and dramatic literature. Students take courses in script analysis, dramaturgy, production management and design studio work, and engage in ensemble-based rehearsal processes.
A distinctive feature of the programme is the mentored Independent Study (senior project), in which students complete a substantial research thesis, a directed production, a design portfolio or an original creative work under faculty supervision. Throughout the course students gain regular hands-on experience by participating in departmental productions, technical crews, and student-led initiatives; coursework is complemented by seminars, workshops and opportunities to collaborate with other departments.
Admission is through The College of Wooster's standard undergraduate application process. Typical expectations include a strong secondary‑school academic record and a demonstrated interest in theatre. Applicants planning to major in Drama are encouraged to submit evidence of creative or performance work—this can include a résumé of theatrical experience, a portfolio for design applicants, or links to recorded performances. The department may invite prospective students to audition or interview as part of the assessment.
International applicants must meet the college's English proficiency requirements. As a liberal arts programme, Drama students should be prepared to balance practical studio work with academic coursework in theatre history, literature and critical studies.
Graduates leave with a versatile skill set applicable across the arts and beyond. Common career paths include actor, director, stage manager, lighting/costume/scenic designer, dramaturg, production manager and technical theatre specialist. Many alumni also move into arts administration, education (K–12 or higher education), community and outreach theatre, casting, literary management, and producing for theatre, film or television.
The programme also prepares students for postgraduate study such as MFA and MA programmes in performance, directing, design, theatre studies or arts management. Transferable skills—public speaking, collaboration, project planning and creative problem‑solving—are valued in sectors including non-profit leadership, marketing, event production and communications.
The College of Wooster offers a close-knit liberal arts environment where faculty mentorship is central; the senior Independent Study provides a unique capstone experience that allows students to pursue a substantial creative or scholarly project. Small class sizes ensure individualized feedback in both studio and academic courses, and the department produces a full season of productions that gives students repeated, varied opportunities to perform, design and run shows.
Students benefit from interdisciplinary collaboration across the college, access to hands-on production roles, and support for internships and study‑away experiences. The programme's emphasis on both practice and critical inquiry prepares graduates to be reflective theatre-makers and adaptable professionals in a range of creative careers.
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