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The Acting Program At...

The Purdue Theatre program offers state-of-the-art equipment and facilities, but people remain at the heart of our artistic endeavors. Students are able to develop close, cooperative relationships with faculty and staff in a nurturing and challenging artistic environment.  The study of theatre integrates the liberal arts into the creation of a shared theatrical event. Every play brings to the stage the collective work of a community of individuals toward the realization of a dramatic work that illuminates a playwright's vision and sheds light on our world.

Purdue Theatre faculty are professional artists who work at major theatrical venues throughout the world. They share their experience in the classroom, on the stage, and one-on-one to prepare students for theatre professions, while encouraging them to be active contributors to the society in which they live and work.

The student will receive a solid foundation in all aspects of theatre as part of a well-rounded liberal arts education. Working as part of a team, the student learns to collaborate artistically toward the realization of a theatrical production. Each student may choose to focus in any given area.

The Acting Program at Purdue University seeks to expand the young actor’s range of knowledge and expression through the performance of drama. The actor is a channel for the truth in the play and must possess the ability to comprehend the playwright’s message and communicate it as a character.

The Acting Program consists of Acting Core Classes, Specialized Training, and Related Required Courses. Upon completion, the student may choose to enter any communication-related field or pursue further graduate study for a career in the theatre.

In addition to coursework, the undergraduate actor at Purdue has ample opportunity to perform. While acting in the Mainstage Season is often the responsibility of advanced undergraduate and graduate actors, numerous opportunities exist each year for actors at the beginning and intermediate levels.