Program Overview

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Theatre Program

The theatre program at Ohio State prepares students as self-reliant theatre makers with rich understandings of the role of performance in contemporary society.

Degree and Campus

• Degree: BA
• Campus: Columbus
• College: Arts and Sciences

Program Overview

Through a liberal arts curriculum, the theatre program nurtures creativity while fostering critical inquiry, which is essential to the creation of innovative live performance.

Admission

The theatre program does not require an audition. On admission to the university, students may declare a major in theatre. Each student is then assigned a faculty advisor from the Department of Theatre, Film, and Media Arts.

Curriculum

Theatre students at Ohio State pursue a broad-based liberal arts degree in which they can focus on the aspects of theatre and performance studies that they are most passionate about. The theatre program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre and designed for students who want to create, study, teach, and work in the performing arts industry, and for those generally interested in a liberal arts education.

Study Abroad

Students can take advantage of theatre-focused study abroad opportunities in London and Prague or participate domestically in a study tour of the Humana Festival for New American Plays at the Actors Theatre of Louisville.

Internship

Faculty advisors help students find internships in places such as the Goodman Theatre, Steppenwolf Theatre, Actors Theatre of Louisville, and La Jolla Playhouse.

Honors and Scholars

Theatre students may be interested in joining the Arts Scholars program, a community of Buckeyes passionate about art, music, theatre, dance, design, fashion, culinary arts, and more. Members live in the same residence hall and have access to special lectures, workshops, excursions to museums and performances, a juried student art exhibition, a performance showcase, and more.

Research

Theatre students can work with faculty mentors to pursue a creative research interest. Recent examples include the creation and performance of identity-driven solo pieces and the self-production of classic musicals. Regardless of their interest, student researchers can take advantage of the university's Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee Theatre Research Institute.

Student Organizations

Theatre students may be interested in joining the Visual and Performing Arts Learning Community or one of over 150 creative and performing arts student organizations focused on everything from improv comedy to community activism.

Possible Careers

The basic skills of theatre making are broadly applicable to a variety of careers. Theatre graduates are practiced interpersonal communicators, project managers, writers, team leaders, and public speakers. Graduates are prepared for careers in the performing arts industry and beyond, as well as for graduate study. Some graduates direct, design, and write for the theatre; others work as stage managers, theatre technicians, dramaturgs, box office managers, teaching artists, and arts administrators. Beyond the theatre, graduates are often employed where expertise in theatre is valued, such as at theme parks, museums, digital media companies, and educational institutions.

Program Objectives

Fundamentally, the theatre program nurtures creativity while fostering critical inquiry, which is essential to the creation of innovative live performance. The program objectives include:

• Students will exhibit broad knowledge, appreciation, and understanding of live theatrical performance as a diverse and malleable art form that can influence history, culture, politics, and society.
• Students will understand the technical, physical, and vocal skills required by live performers and develop these skills in practical and theoretical contexts.
• Students will understand the design, technology, and management skills involved in theatrical production and develop these skills in practical and theoretical contexts.
• Students will develop critical faculties as audience members and be able to encounter each theatrical work on its own terms.
• Students will obtain experiences creating work as generative theatre practitioners.
• Students will grasp the terrain of contemporary theatre practice and be prepared to apply their education to professional life or study.