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The Acting Program At...

ISU Theatre provides a comprehensive undergraduate education in Theatre and the Performing Arts. This program prepares the student for graduate school, professional theatre training programs, and the teaching of Theatre at the secondary education level. Courses in Theatrical Design and Technology, Acting, Directing, History and Criticism provide the foundation for students in Theatre.

The activities of the Theatre area reflect Iowa State University's commitment to excellence in teaching and creative activity. Its principle research mission is creative activity. By designing, directing, acting and writing for the Theatre both in their on-campus laboratory, Fisher Theater, and through guest residencies with other state, regional, national and international theatre companies, the Theatre faculty enhance their artistic and technological capabilities and enrich their effectiveness in the classroom.

Performing Arts graduates, in addition to a solid theoretical and experiential background in the areas of performance, theatrical design, dance and music, are prepared to meet the challenges of the work force or graduate school with their strengths in collaboration, creative problem solving, meeting deadlines and processing diverse input to yield cohesive output. Two required professional internships prior to graduation are vital to the student's appreciation and practical understanding of the rigors of the field.

You don't have to wait until later in your college career to be involved with the mainstage productions as a performing arts major at Iowa State University. Our faculty encourages students to audition for roles and work on the backstage crew from your first semester on campus.

ISU Theatre also produces a variety of one-act plays and scenes throughout the academic year. Each member of our faculty will work directly with you not only in the classroom, but also through designing, directing, acting and writing for the theatre both here at Iowa State, and nationally. Through such collaboration with faculty and your peers, you are taught creative problem solving, how to meet deadlines and how to cooperate with a diverse population.

If you wish to major in the performing arts at Iowa State, you will receive a core curriculum in theatre, music and dance, plus a comprehensive emphasis in acting/directing, theatrical design or dance. You are also required to have two professional internships prior to graduation, experiences that are vital to the practical understanding of the rigors of the profession.