Augsburg University

What you'll study

This programme balances studio practice, production work and classroom study. Core areas include acting technique, voice and movement, script analysis, stagecraft (scenic, lighting and sound), costume and makeup, directing and dramaturgy. Students also study theatre history and dramatic literature, theatre production management, and methods for creating devised and contemporary performance.

Typical modules and learning activities

• Acting: scene study, improvisation, audition technique and character work.
• Voice & Movement: vocal technique for stage, breathing, and physical approaches to performance.
• Design & Technology: set, lighting and sound design principles plus hands‑on lab practice.
• Directing & Dramaturgy: principles of rehearsal planning, script interpretation and research for productions.
• Theatre History & Literature: survey of dramatic traditions and critical approaches to text.
• Production Practicum: participation in departmental shows in roles ranging from performer to stage manager and designer.
• Playwriting & Devised Theatre: creative writing for the stage and collaborative composition techniques.
• Capstone/Final Project: a major practical or research project, typically a production, design portfolio or research thesis supervised by faculty.

Entry requirements

Applicants are usually expected to hold a secondary school completion credential or equivalent. Admissions typically consider academic transcripts, a personal statement and references. For performance-focused pathways, an audition or video submission is commonly required; applicants to design and technical tracks may be asked to submit a portfolio of recent work.

Other common expectations

• Evidence of commitment to theatre through prior coursework, community theatre, workshops or relevant extracurricular activity.
• Interview with faculty for mature applicants or for placement in specific tracks.
• International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through recognised tests or prior study in English.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a wide range of theatre and arts-related roles. Typical career destinations include actor, director, stage manager, lighting or sound designer, set and costume designer, dramaturg, playwriter, technical director and production manager. The programme also prepares students for careers in arts administration, education, community arts and media, as well as for postgraduate study in performance, design, theatre studies or arts leadership.

Practical experience gained through department productions and internships, together with connections to the wider theatre community, supports transition into freelance and organisational roles in regional and national arts sectors.

Why study at Augsburg University

Augsburg University's Theatre programme is embedded in a liberal‑arts environment that emphasises interdisciplinary learning, close faculty mentorship and frequent production opportunities. Students benefit from small class sizes, substantial hands‑on experience in departmental productions and access to professional theatres and cultural organisations in the local metropolitan area.

The curriculum encourages both artistic development and critical reflection, enabling students to build a versatile skill set — from performance and technical expertise to project management and scholarly research — that is adaptable to diverse careers in the performing arts and beyond.