Theatre Arts

Department website

Professional Accreditations or Memberships

Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF), United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT), Alliance for Wisconsin Theatre Education (AWTE), Society of American Fight Directors (SAFD), Wisconsin High Education Theatre Council (WHETC), Actors’ Equity Association (AEA), Association for Theatre in Higher Education (ATHE) and United Scenic Artists (USA)

Student Organizations/Clubs

Drama Club

Department Overview

Program Mission Statement

The Theatre Arts Department at the University of Wisconsin - Parkside endeavors to provide students with the tools necessary to function as developing artists and self-realized individuals, combining theatrical training with a strong liberal arts curriculum. A comprehensive combination of classroom training, company engagement, and realized production work allows for a well-rounded collegiate learning experience with an emphasis on collaboration and the creative process. We seek to develop and present enriching theatrical experiences which have relevance and value for the diverse communities that we serve, providing cultural enrichment and a means of better understanding and appreciating human societies and the world.

Courses in speech studies also reside within the Theatre Arts Department but are not a part of the theatre arts major or minor. Speech courses are listed at the end of the theatre arts section. For more information about speech courses, please contact the director, Bonnie Peterson at petersob@uwp.edu.

The Program of Study

The UW-Parkside theatre arts curriculum is the systematic study of all aspects of the theatrical arts, including history and criticism, dramatic literature, performance, directing, design, and technical production. The purpose is to present a comprehensive view of the evolution of theatre to its present form, melding theory with practical applications and creative problem solving. We are dedicated to the preparation of our students for future graduate studies and/or entry-level access to the theatrical profession or related career field after graduation.

Students may choose to either major or minor in theatre arts at UW-Parkside or take selected general education courses in the field. Our comprehensive B.A. degree allows students to graduate with a traditional liberal arts theatre degree or the option of pursuing professional training degrees (comparable to B.F.A. programs at similar institutions) in the areas of acting, design and technology, and direction and management.

Students seeking a major in theatre arts at UW-Parkside will have the benefit of a knowledgeable and professionally active faculty and staff with years of experience in all aspects of the theatre. The department is also affiliated with various professional theaters, allowing opportunities for our students to experience a professional atmosphere within a liberal arts context. Theatre students are encouraged to participate in professional theatre internship and apprenticeship opportunities as a part of their training program and degree completion. Most theatre students also work at professional theatres during the summer months, further developing their skills, experience, and connections to theatre professionals.

Our Diversity Initiative

UW-Parkside’s commitment to diversity is reflected in a curriculum that prepares students to live in a pluralistic society, with respect for race, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity or religion.

The UW-Parkside Theatre Arts Department fully embraces the university’s multicultural mission and vision, and strives to provide academic and production opportunities that reflect the full diversity of ideas and individuals that exist in our greater community and culture. We endeavor to create a diverse department of students and staff, allowing us to better reflect the demographics of our community in the theatrical works which we produce. We are committed to providing equal opportunity and nondiscrimination in all aspects of our academic and production programming. Except in plays where race or gender is an issue, casting is decided on the basis of ability.

Program Level Outcomes

The Theatre Arts Department at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside strives to:

• Serve as an artistic, educational, and cultural forum that utilizes the theatrical arts as a means of exploring, considering, and discussing various diverse aspects of our culture, society, and world;
• Offer students a comprehensive liberal arts degree in theatre arts, in addition to providing practical theatre training concentrations in the areas of acting, design and technology, and direction and management, further preparing students to be successful in their professional, civic, and personal lives;
• Establish a collaborative “company-based” training system that provides a select number of exceptional theatre students the best possible foundational training for careers in the professional theatre or related professions;
• Utilize and integrate new technology, methodologies, and techniques creatively and effectively into theatre courses, programs, and productions;
• Actively utilize professionally trained staff members, guest artists, and partnerships with regional professional theatres and artists to further expand and enhance our educational programming and production opportunities;
• Attract and retain a diverse population of students, staff, faculty, and audiences as we present theatrical programming and presentations that reflect the full diversity of our community and world;
• Enhance our students’ and community’s understanding and appreciation of the multifaceted, diverse theatrical art form by developing and presenting a broad range of accessible, high-quality academic and artistic opportunities;
• Remain viable, productive, and healthy through the effective and reasonable management of our human and financial resources and facilities.

Programs Offered

Theatre Arts Major Concentrations

• Acting
• Design & Technology
• Directing
• Musical Theatre
• Stage Management

Courses in Theatre Arts