Drama Department Philosophy

Road to Ruin, Photo by Linda Blase

The Study of Drama

A person committed to the study of theater within the framework of a liberal education must be prepared to work toward two goals: first, a thorough competence in the basic skill of dramatic expression and interpretation; and concurrently, a view that comprehends dramatic art as it relates to, expresses, and extends the surrounding culture.

The development of this twofold capability is the aim governing the structure of the Drama Department's major program: the student's balance of course work and continuing practical development in University Theater productions is closely coordinated with his overall experience of the University and the demands of the core curriculum.

The undergraduate major in drama serves as a foundation for graduate study of the subject, professional work in theater and mass media, a teaching career in either elementary or secondary education, or, by proper choice of electives, graduate work in foreign language, English literature, dramatic literature, journalism, communication, or comparative literature.

University Theater

Under the direction of the Drama Department, the University Theater is an extracurricular organization that presents a series of major productions annually.

While each production's acting company and technical crew is composed of students from every university program, those pursuing the course of study in drama have found that this opportunity to put their theoretical knowledge into exciting and challenging practice is essential to their growth in this field.

The goal of the University Theater is to provide the University community with a repertoire of productions representing the most stimulating artists, forms, and visions from the world of drama.