A degree in Theatre and Drama from the University of Wisconsin–Madison opens doors to a wide range of careers. Our alumni are successful in theatre, film, television, gaming, production management, development, design, education, and all aspects of the entertainment industry. Our faculty are active theatre professionals who bring current and practical knowledge into the classrooms and productions. Our department is well known for the individual attention, mentoring, and commitment we give our students.
Through mainstage, open-stage, and student-produced works, the Department of Theatre and Drama provides students with excellent opportunities to apply the skills and techniques learned in the classroom within fully staged productions.
Theatre and Drama majors will complete a Bachelor of Science degree in Theatre and Drama through the School of Education. Students may informally select areas of emphasis such as design, stage management, directing, acting, or theatre technology.
Majors whose primary interest is acting may pursue the Acting Option. This highly structured program of study offers students a deeper practical knowledge and experience of the skills required to pursue professional work as an actor and/or advanced studies in theatre. Students are highly mentored and will benefit from personalized performance reviews with the acting faculty at the end of each semester. Upon completion, this named option will be formally documented on the student's transcript.
Admission to the Acting Option is by audition only; auditions are announced at the midpoint of each semester and require the completion of certain courses. Students in the Acting Option are expected to audition for University Theatre (UT) productions to gain experience and support a robust UT season. Contact the department advisor for more information on the Acting Option and audition process.
Non-majors who wish to extend their familiarity with theatre in theory and practice are encouraged to enroll in department courses and participate in productions. The Certificate in Theatre allows students from across campus, regardless of their major or degree program, to engage in a structured, meaningful theatre-related experience. The department has hosted students from many disciplines — such as law, business, medicine, art, dance, science, and social work — who wish to develop effective communication skills, enhance problem-solving abilities, and cultivate visual acumen.
How to Get in
Program Admission Overview
The Theatre and Drama major may be completed either as the primary major or as an additional ("double") major.
Primary Major in Theatre and Drama
Undergraduate students interested in completing the Bachelor of Science–Theatre and Drama degree program will fulfill the School of Education's liberal studies and other degree requirements in addition to the 43 credits required for the Theatre and Drama major.
Additional Major in Theatre and Drama
Undergraduate students from all schools and colleges on campus (including the School of Education) may declare Theatre and Drama as an additional major. Students completing Theatre and Drama as an additional major do not need to complete the School of Education's liberal studies and other degree requirements. For application information, go directly to the Additional Major in Theatre and Drama section below.
Entering the School of Education
New and Current UW–Madison Students
Incoming freshmen enter directly into the Bachelor of Science–Theatre and Drama degree program upon admission to UW–Madison; list Theatre and Drama as the intended major. No additional application to Theatre and Drama is required. See UW–Madison Office of Admissions and Recruitment for application information.
All other on-campus students will submit an application following a meeting with the department's academic advisor.
Prospective transfer students
Transfer students must be admissible to the university to enroll in a School of Education degree program. See UW–Madison Office of Admissions and Recruitment for application information. Transfer students enter directly into the Bachelor of Science–Theatre and Drama degree program upon admission to UW–Madison; list Theatre and Drama as the intended major. No additional application to Theatre and Drama is required. Prospective transfer students are strongly encouraged to meet with the Department of Theatre and Drama academic advisor before coming to campus. Coursework taken at another institution may need to be evaluated by the department academic advisor or a faculty member in the Department of Theatre and Drama. Prospective transfer students are also strongly advised to meet with an advisor in the School of Education Student Services office in advance of their application; to schedule, call 608-262-1651.
Students with a previous degree
Prospective students who already hold an undergraduate degree must be admissible to the university to enroll in a School of Education degree program. See UW–Madison Office of Admissions and Recruitment for application information.
Applicants must also meet the following criteria for admission as a second undergraduate degree candidate in the School of Education. Candidates must:
- be seeking a new major that is substantially different from their previous degree work;
- need to complete at least 15 upper-level credits in the new major;
- need to complete at least 30 credits beyond their previous coursework.
When admitted, second degree candidates enter directly into the Bachelor of Science–Theatre and Drama degree program. No additional application to Theatre and Drama is required.
Prospective students who already hold an undergraduate degree are strongly encouraged to meet with the Department of Theatre and Drama academic advisor before coming to campus. Coursework taken at another institution may need to be evaluated by the department academic advisor or a faculty member in the Department of Theatre and Drama. Prospective second degree candidates are also strongly advised to meet with an advisor in the School of Education Student Services office in advance of their application; to schedule, call 608-262-1651.
Application and Admission
While new freshmen and off-campus transfers are admitted directly to the BS–Theatre and Drama degree program, all other current UW–Madison students seeking to enter the BS–Theatre and Drama program must apply for admission to the program. Students must make an appointment with the departmental advisor to complete the declaration form. Requirements and selection criteria may be modified from one application/admission period to the next.
Criteria for Admission
Eligibility for admission consideration to BS–Theatre and Drama:
- Cumulative grade-point average on all transferable college-level coursework of at least a 2.50 (on a 4.00 scale).1
- Cumulative grade point average of at least a 2.5 based on UW–Madison campus coursework, as modified by the Last 60 Credits Rule (detailed below).
- Submission of all required application materials, including program application and transcripts.
- 1
A comprehensive cumulative GPA of all college-level, transferrable coursework attempted on both the UW–Madison campus coursework and coursework taken at any other colleges or universities may be calculated for the exclusive purpose of establishing an applicant’s eligibility for consideration. Both the comprehensive cumulative GPA and the comprehensive cumulative GPA based on a student’s last 60 credits may be calculated. See Last 60 Credits Rule (detailed below). If admitted, students must earn the minimum cumulative GPA for UW–Madison coursework established by their program and the School of Education each semester after admission.
Last 60 Credits Rule
Two grade point averages will be calculated to determine candidates' eligibility to programs. GPAs will be calculated using
- all transferable college level coursework attempted, and
- the last 60 credits attempted.
The higher GPA of these two will be used for purposes of determining eligibility. If fewer than 60 credits have been attempted, all credits will be used to calculate the GPA. Graded graduate coursework will also be used in all GPA calculations. ("Attempted" coursework indicates coursework for which a grade has been earned.) More information on this rule is available here.
Additional Major in Theatre & Drama
Undergraduate students from all schools and colleges on campus (including Education) may declare Theatre and Drama as an additional major. Students wishing to declare the additional major must make an appointment with the departmental advisor to complete the declaration form. The declaration must also be approved by the student's home school/college.
Please note that the requirements of the additional major must be completed before or concurrently with the degree program and primary major.
University General Education Requirements
All undergraduate students at the University of Wisconsin–Madison are required to fulfill a minimum set of common university general education requirements to ensure that every graduate acquires the essential core of an undergraduate education. This core establishes a foundation for living a productive life, being a citizen of the world, appreciating aesthetic values, and engaging in lifelong learning in a continually changing world. Various schools and colleges will have requirements in addition to the requirements listed below. Consult your advisor for assistance, as needed. For additional information, see the university Undergraduate General Education Requirements section of the Guide.
| General Education |
* The mortarboard symbol appears before the title of any course that fulfills one of the Communication Part A or Part B, Ethnic Studies, or Quantitative Reasoning Part A or Part B requirements. |
School of Education Liberal Studies Requirements
All students are required to complete a minimum of 40 credits of Liberal Studies coursework. This requirement provides an opportunity to do some academic exploration beyond the scope of the major. Students take courses in areas of particular interest and also have an opportunity to sample the wide selection of courses offered across the university. Coursework is required in humanities, social studies, science, and cultural and historical studies. Some elective coursework is also needed to reach the required number of credits.
The School of Education’s Liberal Studies Requirements automatically satisfy most of the University General Education Requirements outlined above, including ethnic studies, humanities/literature, social studies, and science. Students pursuing most School of Education degree programs may also complete Communication Part B, Quantitative Reasoning Part A, and Quantitative Reasoning Part B through courses required by their degree program. If a student cannot complete a General Education Requirement within the curriculum of their chosen School of Education program, academic advisors can offer suggestions for courses that meet the requirement and augment the student’s primary area of study.
A basic outline of the liberal studies is included below. Students must consult the detailed version of the requirements for information about course selection and approved course options.
Humanities, 9 credits
All students must complete a minimum of 9 credits to include:
- Literature
- Fine Arts
- Humanities Electives
Social Studies (Social Science)
All students must complete a minimum of 9 credits. Teacher certification programs and Kinesiology have unique requirements in this category.
Science
All students must complete a minimum of 9 credits to include:
- Biological Science
- Physical Science
- Laboratory Science
- Science Electives
Cultural and Historical Studies
All students must complete three requirements (9 credits) met by separate courses. Any of these courses can also be used to meet the Humanities or Social Studies (Social Sciences) requirements if it has the relevant breadth designation.
- Ethnic Studies
- U.S./European History
- Global Perspectives
Complete Liberal Studies Electives to total 40 Credits.
Program Structure
The Bachelor of Science (BS) degree program in Theatre and Drama has three primary components:
- Liberal studies courses expose students to a broad range of academic disciplines. The university-wide General Education requirements also encourage this breadth of study.
- Major requirements permit in-depth studies of theatre and drama.
- Additional electives to reach the minimum of 120 degree credits. These credits allow students to pursue individual areas of interest, such as a second major or additional theatre and drama credits. Many BS–Theatre and Drama students complete an additional major from the College of Letters & Science. Some use this major to complement their theatre preparation, while others select majors that reflect interests completely unrelated to theatre.
Major Requirements
Effective Fall, 2018
Complete a minimum of 43 credits. At least 15 credits of upper-level major coursework (courses designated intermediate or advanced, and/or courses numbered 300 or above) must be taken in residence with a minimum 2.5 grade point average.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| THEATRE/ENGL 120 | Introduction to Theatre and Dramatic Literature 1 | 3-4 |
| THEATRE 130 | Fundamentals of Theatrical Design | 3 |
| THEATRE 140 | Voice 1: Effective Communication | 3 |
| THEATRE 150 | Acting I: Introduction to Acting | 3 |
| THEATRE 160 | Technical Theatre Fundamentals | 3 |
| THEATRE 220 | Scenic Studio Practicum | 1 |
| THEATRE 221 | Costume Studio Practicum | 1 |
| THEATRE 222 | Lighting & Sound Studio Practicum | 1 |
| THEATRE 234 | Collaborative Problem Solving | 3 |
| THEATRE 260 | Producing Theatre | 3 |
| THEATRE 262 | Backstage Practicum | 1 |
| THEATRE 357 | Introduction to Theatre for Cultural and Social Awareness 3 | 3 |
| THEATRE 367 | Script Analysis | 3 |
| Choose one of the following: | 3 | |
THEATRE 327 | History of Costume for the Stage | |
THEATRE 431 | History of Theatres and Staging | |
THEATRE 526 | The Theatres of China and Japan | |
THEATRE 631 | Theories of Acting | |
| Required Electives - Complete a minimum of 9 credits; 6 credits must be at the 300 level or above. Practicum courses do not count as elective credit. | 9 | |
- 1
The 4-credit option of ENGL/THEATRE 120 Introduction to Theatre and Dramatic Literature satisfies the General Education Communication Part B requirement.
- 2
Or approved substitute.
- 3
Also meets ethnic studies requirement.
Electives
Select any Theatre and Drama department courses to total 43 credits. Majors are urged to consult the department academic advisor in selecting courses, especially when building an emphasis in any one area.
Requirements for the Acting Option
Honors in the Major
Students completing the requirements for Honors in the Major engage in valuable preparation for graduate and professional training and learn worthwhile skills that will benefit them in the workplace.
Those students interested in earning Honors in Theatre and Drama should declare their intention to graduate with Honors in the Major at the end of their sophomore year or the beginning of their junior year. The department advisor must be consulted to determine the best way to fulfill the honors requirements and how to make the most out of the experience.
Honors in Theatre and Drama is earned by satisfying both the requirements for the major and these additional requirements:
- Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5 in major courses and an overall GPA of at least 3.3 in all courses taken at UW–Madison at the time of graduation.
- Complete one of the following courses:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| THEATRE 500 | The Business of the Business | 3 |
| THEATRE 501 | The Business of Acting | 3 |
| M H R 320 | New Ventures in Business, the Arts and Social Entrepreneurship | 3 |
- Complete the following two-semester senior honors thesis for a total of sic credits. Students must procure a mentor to supervise these two courses and their honors thesis project. This thesis may be a written research thesis, an original work of art, a performance, or other project determined by the student and his/her mentor. All senior honors theses will culminate in an open presentation of their work.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| THEATRE 681 | Senior Honors Thesis | 3 |
| THEATRE 682 | Senior Honors Thesis | 3 |
Students should be aware that some courses are not offered on a regular basis (some are offered every other year, some based on student enrollment in the department, and some based on current staffing.). Please contact the department advisor for information on specific courses and course equivalence.
GPA and Other Graduation Requirements
Graduation Requirements
Based on UW–Madison coursework.
- 2.5 minimum cumulative grade point average. This may be modified by the Last 60 Credits Rule.
- 2.5 cumulative major grade point average.
- 2.5 cumulative grade point average in all upper-level major coursework. Upper-level coursework is defined as all intermediate and advanced coursework, and/or at the 300 level or above.
- Major Residency: Students must complete a minimum of 15 credits of upper-level coursework in the major in residence on the UW–Madison campus. Upper-level coursework is defined as all intermediate and advanced coursework, and/or at the 300 level or above.
- Senior Residency: Degree candidates must complete their last 30 credits in residence on the UW–Madison campus, excluding retroactive credits and credits granted by examination.
- Total credits: A minimum of 120 credits are required for graduation in the BS–Theatre and Drama degree program.
Degree Audit Reporting System (DARS)
UW–Madison uses “DARS” to document a student's progress toward the completion of their degree, including any additional majors and certificates. A DARS (Degree Audit Reporting System) report shows all the requirements for completing a degree and, against courses that are planned or completed, shows the requirements that have been met, and those that are unmet. A report can offer suggestions about courses that may be taken to meet specific requirements and can assist in the academic planning and enrollment process. Students can access a DARS report in the Course Search & Enroll app or Student Center via My UW.
DARS also has a "what-if" function. This feature makes it possible to request a DARS report as if pursuing another program, major, or certificate. It is an excellent tool if considering a new or additional area of study. School of Education students in a pre-professional classification such as Pre-Elementary (PRE) or Pre-Kinesiology should request a "what if" DARS report of their professional program of interest.
More information on how to request a DARS report is available on the Office of the Registrar’s website.
DARS is not intended to replace student contact with academic advisors. It creates more time in an advising appointment to discuss course options, research opportunities, graduate school, or issues of personal interest or concern to students.
DARS is used as the document of record for degree program, major, and certificate completion in the School of Education.
University Degree Requirements
| Total Degree | To receive a bachelor's degree from UW–Madison, students must earn a minimum of 120 degree credits. The requirements for some programs may exceed 120 degree credits. Students should consult with their college or department advisor for information on specific credit requirements. |
| Residency | Degree candidates are required to earn a minimum of 30 credits in residence at UW–Madison. "In residence" means on the UW–Madison campus with an undergraduate degree classification. “In residence” credit also includes UW–Madison courses offered in distance or online formats and credits earned in UW–Madison Study Abroad/Study Away programs. |
| Quality of Work | Undergraduate students must maintain the minimum grade point average specified by the school, college, or academic program to remain in good academic standing. Students whose academic performance drops below these minimum thresholds will be placed on academic probation. |
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate the ability to evaluate the art and craft of theatre both critically and conceptually.
- Demonstrate the ability to interpret and analyze a script as an integral part of the theatrical process.
- Demonstrate knowledge of theatrical history and literature.
- Demonstrate competence in effective communication through vocal dynamics, movement, and the sharing of ideas.
- Demonstrate the ability to problem-solve creatively and generously collaborate as theatre artists.
Four-Year Plan
Theatre and Drama: Sample Four-Year Plan
This four-year sample graduation plan is designed to guide your course selection throughout your academic career; it does not establish a contractual agreement. Use it along with your DARS report, the Guide, and the Course Search and Enroll app to create a four-year plan reflecting your placement scores, incoming credits, and individual interests. Consult with an academic advisor to develop a personalized plan of study and refer to the Guide for a complete list of requirements. You will likely revise your plan several times during your academic career here, based on your activities and changing academic interests.
| Freshman | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| Communication A (fall or spring semester) | 3 | Communication A (fall or spring semester) | 3 |
| THEATRE 130 | 3 | THEATRE 140 | 3 |
| THEATRE 150 | 3 | THEATRE 160 | 3 |
| Liberal Studies course work | 6-9 | THEATRE 262 | 1 |
| Quantitative Reasoning A | 3 | ||
| Liberal Studies course work | 2-5 | ||
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Sophomore | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| THEATRE/ENGL 1201 | 3-4 | THEATRE 221 | 1 |
| THEATRE 220 | 1 | THEATRE 222 | 1 |
| THEATRE 367 | 3 | THEATRE 234 | 3 |
| Liberal Studies course work | 7-8 | Quantitative Reasoning B | 3 |
| Liberal Studies or General Elective course work | 7 | ||
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Junior | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| THEATRE 357 (also meets ethnic studies) | 3 | THEATRE 260 | 3 |
| Communication B1 | 3-4 | Fall or spring semester take one of: | 3 |
| Fall or spring semester take one of: | 3 | THEATRE 327 | |
THEATRE 327 | THEATRE 431 | ||
THEATRE 431 | THEATRE 526 | ||
THEATRE 526 | THEATRE 631 | ||
THEATRE 631 | Theatre Major Elective | 3 | |
| Liberal Studies, Theatre or General Elective course work | 5-9 | Liberal Studies, Theatre or General Elective course work | 6-9 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Senior | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| Theatre Major Elective (upper level) | 3 | Theatre Major Elective (upper level) | 3 |
| Liberal Studies, Theatre or General Elective course work | 12 | Liberal Studies, Theatre or General Elective course work | 12 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Total Credits 120 | |||
- 1
THEATRE/ENGL 120 Introduction to Theatre and Dramatic Literature is a requirement of the Theatre and Drama major. The 4-credit option also satisfies the General Education Communication Part B requirement. If the 4-credit option is selected, it may not be available until after the sophomore year. Either the 3 or 4 credit option will meet the Theatre and Drama major requirement.
Advising and Careers
Theatre and Drama Departmental Advising
Prospective off-campus and on-campus BS–Theatre and Drama students will meet with department academic advisor Jim Stauffer, Department of Theatre and Drama, 6004 Vilas Communications Hall, 821 University Ave., (main office) 608-263-2329, jbstauffer@wisc.edu. Students are also strongly encouraged to confer with an advisor in the School of Education Student Services office on a regular basis (see below).
School of Education Advising
Academic Advising in the School of Education
Dedicated to supporting and promoting student success, academic advisors are here to assist students with the adjustment to college, understanding their degree and career goals, and connecting them to resources. Advisors support prospective and current School of Education students in all programs through:
- Course selection
- Mentoring and advocacy for underrepresented and international students
- Understanding degree requirements and progression
- Interpreting academic policies
- Helping students recognize their strengths and suggesting ways to expand their skills
- Expanding learning through activities such as study abroad, volunteering/work/internship, and by assuming leadership roles
To schedule an appointment: Current students can schedule an appointment online through the Starfish app in MyUW. Appointments can also be made through email at studentservices@education.wisc.edu, by calling 608-262-1651, or in person.
Career Advising in the School of Education
Through individual appointments, events, courses, and online resources, the Career Center provides students and alumni with the tools needed to be successful in their career development.
Career and Internship Advisors are prepared to help students with:
- Exploration of career and academic pathways
- Resumes
- Cover letters
- Job/Internship search
- Interview preparation
- Mock interviews
- Graduate school search, applications and decisions
- Negotiating job or internship offers
- Professional networking
- Connecting with employers
Students are encouraged to meet with their Career and Internship Advisor early in their college experience to take full advantage of the resources and support available.
To make an appointment: log into Starfish from the MyUW dashboard.
For more information, visit the School of Education Career Center website or reach out at career-center@education.wisc.edu.
Potential careers for Theatre and Drama majors include: theatrical or on-camera acting, stage management, design or technical production, directing, arts administration, youth theater education, or playwriting. Our graduates work in local, regional, and national theaters, businesses, non-profits, and community agencies, as well as many other fields.
Students develop important skills that employers look for, including:
- Diverse forms of communication, personal expression and connection
- Collaboration
- Creative problem-solving/critical thinking
- Advancing creative concepts into action
- Adaptability, versatility, and improvisation
- Resilience; ability to receive and provide feedback
- Dedication and attention to quality
- Time management and respect for deadlines
Applied experiences, including paid internships, apprenticeship programs, career treks, and professional networking events, are available to UW Theatre & Drama students.
People
Information about faculty, staff, and other contributors to the Department of Theatre and Drama can be found on the department's website.
Resources and Scholarships
Information about scholarships, academic and career advising, study abroad opportunities, student diversity services, and other resources for students in the School of Education can be found on the school's Resources page.