Theatre Directing Minor
Learn how to bring a production to life—from analysis, to concept, to casting, blocking, and coaching actors—in Drake University’s Theatre Directing minor.
College of Arts & Sciences | On-Campus
Program Options
Act, sing, direct, or design—learn to do it all in Drake’s Theatre program, whether you’re looking to build a professional career or simply cultivate your love of the art.
Theatre Directing Minor
This 26-credit program not only prepares you to helm your own production but also to identify talent and structure scenes like a director. Courses cover a range of topics in and out of theatre, including acting, set design, psychology, and music appreciation.
B.A. in Theatre
Take a core group of theatre classes, and then choose from a wide variety of electives to focus on a single discipline, add a minor, or try a bit of everything. The flexibility is ideal for students pursuing a double major or dual degree.
B.F.A. in Theatre-Acting
Begin with basic performance techniques and then take specialized courses in a range of acting styles. Eventually, you’ll determine (or create) a method that works best for you. Classes additionally cover stage management, theatre history, directing, and other behind-the-scenes considerations.
B.F.A. in Theatre-Design and Technology
Students must take a minimum of 92 credit hours in the major to earn their degree, including nine in art and design, nine in literature, and nine in theatre electives. You’ll learn and practice design from research to rendering to construction.
B.F.A. in Musical Theatre
Take classes in singing, dancing, movement, voice, piano, music theory, and various acting styles while preparing for a career in professional theatre. Students can perform in experimental productions, classroom performances, and Main Stage shows.
B.F.A. With Teacher Certification
Combine your acting curriculum with a second major from Drake’s School of Education as you prepare to teach at the secondary school level. You’ll augment your education classes with a broad range of theatre experience in acting, directing, and theatre history.
Meet the Faculty
There’s more to directing than telling actors what to do—which is why you’ll study the craft from experts who specialize in different aspects of the production process.
Outside the Classroom
Once you learn the basics of directing for theatre, you’ll apply that knowledge on campus and in the community.
Classroom Directing Assignments
Discover what works (and what doesn’t) as you sharpen your skills in the classroom.
Student Theatre Productions
Try your hand at directing a one-act play in these annual performances held in the William S.E. Coleman Studio Theatre, our black-box production space.
Main Stage Theatre Productions
Learn from the professional directors who guide our annual schedule of Main Stage productions: a musical and non-musical in our recently renovated, 460-seat Performing Arts Hall and three to five in the William S.E. Coleman Studio Theatre.
Careers & Skills
The Theatre Directing minor prepares graduates to work as assistant directors or directors for stage productions.
Opportunities
- Regional theatre
- Teaching
- Radio/TV
- Graduate programs
Skills
- Learn the basics of directing for the theatre
- Gain professional experience on campus and in the Des Moines area
- Become a better communicator, critical thinker, and problem solver
- See all aspects of stage production from a new perspective
Salary Growth and Outlook
Median salary for producers and directors in 2024. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Take the Next Step
Build a broader perspective on what it takes to lead a successful production by combining any of Drake’s Theatre majors with a minor in Directing.
