Emory University

What you'll study

• Acting and Performance: courses in acting technique, scene study, voice and speech, movement for the actor and ensemble work to develop stagecraft and presence.
• Production and Stagecraft: practical instruction in scenic design, stage management, lighting and sound design, costume construction and technical theatre practicum.
• Directing and Play Production: directing workshops, rehearsal methodology, dramaturgy and opportunities to lead or assist in mounting full productions.
• Dramatic Literature and Theatre History: surveys of theatre from classical to contemporary periods, study of world drama, and courses in modern and postmodern performance practices.
• Playwriting and Creative Practice: introduction to writing for the stage, collaborative devising, and script development processes.
• Theory, Criticism and Professional Skills: performance theory, criticism, arts administration, audience development and practice-focused seminars on careers in the performing arts.
• Practicum and Capstone: credit-bearing participation in departmental productions, internships with local companies, and a senior capstone project or research paper that integrates practical and scholarly work.

Entry requirements

Admission to Emory University is through the standard undergraduate application process and is competitive. Applicants should present a strong academic record and submit required application materials such as essays and recommendations. Prospective theatre majors may be asked to provide a creative supplement — for example, an audition, video of performance work, or a portfolio of design or technical projects — depending on their intended focus within the programme. International applicants must meet English language proficiency requirements. Specific course prerequisites are generally minimal, but successful applicants typically demonstrate engagement with theatre through school productions, local companies, workshops or related creative work.

Career prospects

• performance careers in theatre, television and film
• creative and technical roles such as director, stage manager, lighting, sound and set designer, and costume designer
• behind-the-scenes work in production management, dramaturgy and casting
• arts administration, producing and audience development for theatres and cultural organisations
• teaching, theatre education and community arts practice
• further study at graduate-level programmes in performance, design, directing, dramaturgy, or academic research in theatre studies

Why study at Emory University

Emory combines a strong liberal-arts foundation with practical theatre training delivered by faculty who are scholars and working practitioners. Students benefit from access to the university's performance spaces, collaboration with student-led theatre groups and a steady production season that provides real-world experience. Located in Atlanta, Emory offers proximity to a busy regional arts scene — from professional companies to film and television production — creating internship and networking opportunities. The programme also supports interdisciplinary study across humanities and social sciences, enabling students to connect theatre practice with broader research interests and career goals.