Idaho State University

What you'll study

The Drama degree provides a balanced curriculum of practical and academic courses designed to develop performance skills, technical theatre competence and critical understanding of dramatic literature and production. Students work across acting, scene study, voice and movement, stagecraft, lighting and sound design, costume and set design, directing, playwriting and theatre history.

• Core performance modules: acting techniques, movement for actors, voice and speech, improvisation and scene study.
• Production and technical modules: stagecraft, scenic design and construction, lighting and sound technology, costume construction and stage management.
• Theory and history: dramatic literature, theatre history, contemporary theatre practices and dramaturgy.
• Creative practice: ensemble work, directing workshops, playwriting labs and participation in departmental productions.
• Capstone and applied learning: a senior project or practicum that typically involves a major role in a production, design portfolio or research-based practicum.

Students gain experience through multiple staged productions each academic year, collaborative projects, and opportunities to work with visiting artists and community partners. Electives allow exploration of related areas such as film acting, children’s theatre, or arts administration.

Entry requirements

Applicants should have completed secondary education equivalent to a high school diploma. The programme looks for a combination of academic readiness and demonstrable theatre experience or potential.

• Submission materials may include a personal statement outlining theatrical interests and experience, a résumé of performance or technical work, and academic transcripts.
• Audition or interview: Most applicants are asked to attend an audition or interview, either in person or via recorded submission, demonstrating acting or relevant practical skills.
• Letters of recommendation, especially from teachers or theatre practitioners, are commonly requested to support the application.
• Transfer applicants will be assessed on prior college coursework; portfolio or evidence of participation in productions may strengthen an application.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Drama programme go on to a broad range of careers in the performing arts and related fields. The degree is designed to provide practical skills and professional habits that are valuable both on stage and behind the scenes.

• Professional actor for theatre, film and television
• Director, stage manager or dramaturg
• Technical theatre roles such as lighting, sound, scenic or costume design
• Theatre education and community arts facilitation
• Arts administration, producing and company management
• Playwriting, dramaturgy and literary management
• Further study at conservatoires or graduate programmes in theatre, performance or education

Why study at Idaho State University

Idaho State University’s Drama programme is housed in a university that emphasises small-class instruction, hands-on production experience and close mentorship from faculty theatre practitioners. Students benefit from access to campus performance venues, rehearsal spaces and technical shops that support student-led and faculty-directed productions.

• Opportunities to take major roles and technical leadership in multiple productions each year, accelerating practical experience.
• Faculty with professional experience in performance, design and theatre scholarship who provide individual coaching and guidance.
• Collaboration with regional arts organisations and touring artists that gives students exposure to professional networks and internship possibilities.
• A programme culture that supports interdisciplinary work, allowing students to combine theatre study with complementary fields such as education, communication, film or business.