Theatre Directing (BFA)

PROGRAM OVERVIEW The directing program provides students the requisite skills and experience necessary to direct a theatrical production. The all-encompassing nature of the curriculum ensures students understand the workings of all areas of production. Students apply their knowledge in classroom directing assignments, and working alongside faculty directors as assistant directors. In addition, upperclassmen have the opportunity to submit proposals to direct both Student Theatre Production and main stage productions as part of the Drake Theatre season.

FACULTY The Department of Theatre Arts is comprised of seven full-time faculty members, 6 have earned the highest degrees in their fields. All full-time faculty are engaged in teaching classes from the introductory to advanced levels. The inclusive nature of the curriculum means that students will take classes from every member of the Department of Theatre Arts as they pursue their degree.

ACADEMIC PREPARATION There are no prerequisite high school courses or requirements needed for enrollment in the theatre program, but students should have a well-rounded academic high school curriculum. Previous involvement in high school and/or community theatre is strongly recommended.

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS Students interested in pursuing B.F.A.. degrees in Musical Theatre, Acting, Directing, and Theatre Education at Drake University must prepare an audition for entrance into the program. Prospective B.F.A. Design/ Technical students must prepare a portfolio for entrance into the program.  Visit the theatre department webpage to view audition and/or portofolio requirements.

GROUP AUDITION/PORTFOLIO REVIEW DAY SCHEDULE Admission and scholarship auditions are offered for incoming, fall-term, first year students. Audition dates are in January and February. To register for an admission and/or scholarship audition, contact Megan Martin at megan.martin@drake.edu or visit the theatre department audition webpage.

REQUIREMENTS FOR MAJOR A minimum of 65 credit hours in theatre arts coursework is required; however, a maximum of 76 theatre credits will be accepted for the degree.

DRAKE CURRICULUM The Drake Curriculum, required of all undergraduates, is designed to help students meet personal and professional goals as they acquire fundamental knowledge and abilities in ten Areas of Inquiry, including communication, critical thinking, artistic experience, historical consciousness, information and technology literacy, international and multicultural experiences, scientific and quantitative literacy, values and ethics and engaged citizenship. Students work closely with their academic advisers to craft a program of study in general education that prepares students for civic and professional leadership.

The Drake Curriculum also requires first-year seminars, which foster development of critical thinking and written and oral communication skills through a topical focus; and a Senior Capstone, in which students demonstrate the capacity to bring information, skills and ideas to bear on one project.

INTERNSHIPS & OPPORTUNITIES The Theatre Department strongly encourages all students to participate in any and all internship opportunities, and makes all internship information available to students. Recently, students have interned with the Santa Fe Opera, the Goodman and Guthrie Theaters in Chicago, and the Eugene O'Neill Theatre Center in Connecticut. These internships offer students opportunities to make contacts within the industry, to experience auditions, and gain first-hand experience in various work in professional theatre. Theatre students also participate in numerous study-abroad programs.

CAREER OPTIONS Typical career paths for theatre arts graduates include regional theatre, teaching and radio/TV. Recent graduates have gone on to work in Chicago, Minneapolis, New York, and Los Angeles. A number also have entered and completed graduate programs throughout the country.

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