Theatre Major
The world, as Shakespeare said, is your oyster—and so is theatre itself in this flexible Bachelor of Arts program that covers all aspects of the craft and opens the door to a double major.
College of Arts & Sciences | On-Campus
Program Options
The Theatre program gives you a taste of all things having to do with the stage while allowing you the freedom to focus on what you enjoy most.
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.
Theatre Minor
Intended for the theatre enthusiast, this 26-credit minor introduces you to the skills needed to stage a successful production. Study theatre history, acting, stagecraft, and other elements of the theatrical experience.
Meet the Faculty
All full-time theatre faculty teach classes from introductory to advanced levels. The wide-ranging nature of our curriculum means you’ll take classes with every member of the Department by the time you graduate.
Outside the Classroom
The opportunities you can pursue as a Theatre major are as diverse as the curriculum itself. Perform or work behind the scenes in on-campus productions, internships, and throughout the Des Moines area.
Productions
Ready to work? Fill out the cast, create sets, or contribute to any of the six or more productions the Theatre Arts department produces on campus every year, or find a gig among Des Moines’ professional and community theatre companies.
Internships
Make insider connections and gain professional experience through real work. In recent years, Drake students have interned for the Santa Fe Opera, the Utah Shakespeare Festival, and the Goodman Theatre company.
The Drake Curriculum
Art may seem to rise from a sudden spark, but historical events and cultural significance often frame the work. As you benefit from the Theatre Arts Department’s approach, which blends conservatory training with the liberal arts, the Drake Curriculum encourages you to think about the creative process behind every play and musical production.
Careers & Skills
Your interests fall along an expansive spectrum, and reflecting this, your career could go in any number of directions. Bachelor’s in Theatre graduates sometimes go on to advanced degrees in the profession, or embark on an intersectional path, like theatre therapy and psychology. And some remain in the field, thriving on stage or behind the scenes.
Opportunities
- Regional theatre
- Teaching
- Radio/television
- Graduate study
Skills
- Knowledge of the theatre arts, including acting, voice and movement, theatre history, costuming, and directing
- Production experience
- Communication
- Critical thinking
- Problem-solving skills through the Drake Curriculum.
Salary & Growth Outlook
Average salary for agents and business managers in 2023. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Take the Next Step
A Theatre degree from Drake gives you the skills, perspective, and tenacity to launch a career—and keep going—in the entertainment world. Learn more today.
