Theatre

Why study theatre?

Students will learn acting, directing, design, production, and stage management with the support of a city-wide theatre community so they graduate as well-rounded stage artists prepared for an array of careers.

This major centers on student collaboration and leadership, and fosters community, personal growth and creative excellence.
All are welcome to participate in leadership, design and service through productions, classes and activities that are open to all students, regardless of major, class rank or prior experience.
Pro Dramatis Scholarships, merit-based scholarships for returning students, work-study and shop staff positions in the theater make education more affordable.

Theatre Department

Academics at AU

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

MAJOR MAP

FACULTY

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Dan Workman, department chair

Theatre Department

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Latest News

Native American at AU: TJ Ashes ‘27

Augustana understands the value and impact that historically marginalized people have on communities all over the world — recognizing that this university would not be the place it is without these students, faculty and staff. For the month of November — Native American Heritage Month — Augustana is featuring TJ Ashes ‘27.

Highlights

Careers

Graduates secure careers as actors, directors, broadcasters and costume and set designers. They also become audio, video and sound technicians, playwrights and screenwriters.

Hands-On Learning

The Augustana Theatre Company — a community of faculty and students from all majors — regularly rehearse, produce and perform theatre.

On-campus theatre performances include:

A 4-show season — features a variety of productions, including one musical
New play development festivals
Improvisation performances
Professional guest artist performances
Augustana Collaborative Theatrical Society (ACTS) — presents student-run productions

Internship and volunteer opportunities include:

B Street Theatre in California
Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis, Minnesota
National Shakespeare Theatre Co.
Black Hills Playhouse
Sioux Empire Community Theatre
Olde Towne Dinner Theatre
Washington Pavilion — has an active educational exchange with Augustana

Theatre students study away in:

Scotland — focusing on its stories and scenes with AU faculty
Central and Eastern Europe — focusing on performance with AU faculty
Theater centers and festivals around the country, including the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival and United States Institute for Theatre Technology
Chicago, Illinois; Minneapolis, Minnesota; and New York City, New York, for trips to see professional shows

Courses & Organizations

Students excel through courses on acting, directing, script analysis and stagecraft. A senior performance, directing or design project is required.

Theatre can pair well with any combination of majors, including biology, education, psychology, English or math.

Theatre students often participate in:

Augustana Collaborative Theatrical Society (ACTS)
Union Board of Governors (UBG)
Brand Name Improv (BNi)
Alpha Psi Omega Honor Society
Claire Donaldson New Play Festival
Company Call — weekly student gathering to create scenery, costumes, lighting, sound or marketing for upcoming productions