Learn about... IU Northwest

Home > Tour the Colleges! > Iowa > Central College

The Acting Program At...

Theatre at Central offers a broad range of course work across the theatre discipline. We believe that the undergraduate student should learn the whole of theatre within the larger context of the world. That is why we are very proud of the liberal arts emphasis which encourages broader thinking and creativity for the theatre artist.

While the combination of course work and production is demanding, most students in the theatre program find time in their schedules to study abroad at one of Central’s many study abroad locations. Imagine combining your theatre study with a semester in London or Paris!

The theatre major offers a broad preparation in theatre arts. Students complete required courses in acting, directing, design, stagecraft and theatre history/literature, any of which can become the starting place for further exploration and study. Students also have the opportunity to earn practicum credit through acting or design/technology and pursue independent study projects in any of the areas of study. Opportunities are available for student creative production work. Students are also encouraged to seek off-campus internships in their area of interest, and to study abroad at least one semester.

Most students complete an internship sometime during their four years at Central. The study abroad locations all offer internships in many areas. Imagine a theatre internship in London! The Chicago and Washington programs are also good places to get your feet wet in the business through the internships associated with those programs.

We value practical experience in theatre along with the classroom and so each theatre major is required to complete a two-credit hour practicum during their career here. The practicum is designed so a student can show their leadership skills as a crew head, in a major role on stage, as a designer or as a stage manager.