Indiana University

What you'll study

The programme balances practical studio work, production experience and scholarly study. Core areas typically include acting technique, voice and movement, script analysis, theatre history, and directing. Students also study technical theatre subjects such as scenery, lighting, sound, costume, and stagecraft, alongside courses in design, dramaturgy and playwriting.

Degree structure commonly comprises foundational courses in the first year, increasingly specialised courses and ensembles in the middle years, and a capstone or senior project in the final year. Practical components include participation in mainstage and studio productions, production practicum hours in shops and backstage, collaborative workshops, and opportunities for design portfolios or taped auditions. Electives allow interdisciplinary study with departments such as music, film studies, creative writing and education.

• Acting: scene study, improvisation, contemporary and classical approaches
• Voice and speech; movement for actors
• Theatre history and dramatic literature from ancient to contemporary
• Directing and stagecraft: composition, rehearsal technique, production management
• Design: scenic, lighting, costume, sound and projection design
• Technical theatre: carpentry, rigging, electrics and shop practice
• Playwriting and dramaturgy; criticism and theory
• Professional practicum: internships, season productions and touring opportunities

Entry requirements

Admission requires a completed secondary school qualification comparable to U.S. high school graduation. Applicants should demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills and an evident commitment to theatre arts through coursework, extracurricular experience or work in community theatre.

Performance- and design-focused pathways commonly require an audition or portfolio review. Students applying to specialised tracks (for example BFA or conservatory-style options) should expect a competitive audition or design submission demonstrating range and technical competence. For the broader BA route, selection places greater emphasis on academic records and a personal statement outlining interests and goals in theatre.

Typical supporting materials include transcripts, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation. International applicants must meet the university’s English language proficiency requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a wide range of careers across the performing arts and related sectors. Common pathways include acting for stage, film and television; directing; stage and production management; and design roles in scenic, lighting, costume and sound. Technical graduates work as technicians, carpenters or lighting and sound operators, while others pursue careers in dramaturgy, playwriting, casting, arts administration, outreach and community arts programming.

Many alumni also go on to postgraduate study (MFA, MA or PhD) or gain employment in adjacent fields such as education, arts criticism, cultural policy, event production and entertainment business roles. The emphasis on practical experience and production credits helps graduates build professional networks and portfolios valued by employers and graduate programmes.

Why study at Indiana University

Indiana University’s theatre programme is known for combining rigorous academic study with abundant production opportunities. Students benefit from regular mainstage and studio seasons, hands-on work in costume and scenic shops, and access to theatre technology labs where design and technical skills are practised.

The faculty includes practising directors, designers and scholars who mentor students across practical and theoretical strands. The programme’s location within a major public research university provides interdisciplinary links with music, film, creative writing and education, plus pathways to internships with regional theatres and cultural organisations. These resources support a comprehensive theatre education that prepares students for professional careers or advanced study.