University of Virginia

What you'll study

The Drama major at the University of Virginia balances practical studio work with critical and historical study. Core areas typically include acting, voice and movement, stagecraft and technical production, scenic and costume design, lighting and sound, directing, and playwriting. Complementing studio training are courses in dramatic literature and theatre history, dramaturgy, theatre theory and criticism.

• Foundation courses – studio classes that build acting technique, ensemble work, basic design and production skills.
• Production practicum – sustained participation in University productions as performers, designers, stage managers or crew, providing real-world production experience.
• Text and theory – surveys of dramatic literature, contemporary theatre studies and approaches to analysing plays and performance.
• Specialist electives – options in directing, playwriting, musical theatre, advanced design, applied theatre and new media in performance.
• Capstone or senior project – many students complete a practised-based project, thesis or portfolio demonstrating integrated skills and critical reflection.

Beyond departmental courses, students are encouraged to take complementary classes across the liberal arts — such as English, history, music, film studies or business — and to pursue internships with local and regional theatres.

Entry requirements

Admission is to the University, and students can declare a Drama major after matriculation; some performance or design pathways may ask for an audition, interview, or portfolio review as part of the departmental advising or placement process. Typical expectations include a strong secondary-school academic record, preparation in arts subjects where available, and evidence of commitment to theatre through school productions or community experience.

• Domestic applicants – high school diploma or equivalent, satisfactory secondary transcripts and a competitive overall application to the University.
• International applicants – equivalent secondary qualification, evidence of English proficiency where required, and submission of academic credentials for evaluation.
• Departmental assessment – auditions or portfolios may be required for placement into intermediate or advanced performance and design courses; check the Department of Drama for specific guidance on materials and formats.

Career prospects

Graduates with a BA in Drama go into a wide range of careers in the performing arts and related fields. The degree provides strong transferable skills — communication, teamwork, creative problem‑solving and project management — valued across sectors.

• Performance careers: stage, television, film and commercial work.
• Creative and production roles: directing, playwriting, dramaturgy, scenic/costume/lighting/sound design, stage management and technical direction.
• Arts administration and producing: festival management, theatre company administration, development and producing roles.
• Education and community practice: teaching (often followed by additional certification), community arts, outreach and applied theatre.
• Related fields: casting, dramaturgy for screen, event production, creative industries, and roles in media and communications.

Many graduates continue to specialised postgraduate training (MFA, MA) or pursue apprenticeships and internships at professional theatres to deepen practical skills.

Why study at University of Virginia

UVA offers Drama training within a strong liberal‑arts environment, allowing students to combine studio practice with rigorous academic inquiry. The department provides opportunities to work on university productions in campus theatres and to collaborate with departments across the College of Arts & Sciences and other schools, supporting interdisciplinary projects.

• Practical learning – regular production opportunities give students hands‑on experience in performance and technical roles.
• Liberal arts context – the programme emphasises critical thinking and scholarly study of theatre alongside vocational skills.
• Collaborative environment – access to music, film, dance and business courses supports cross-disciplinary pathways such as musical theatre, media performance or arts management.
• Regional arts connections – proximity to Charlottesville’s cultural scene and established internship links help students access professional networks.

Together, these features make the University of Virginia a strong choice for students seeking a comprehensive, practice‑based theatre education rooted in a broad liberal‑arts curriculum.