The study and analysis of theatre require an interdisciplinary approach.  Students must learn about playwriting, acting, directing, design, and production.  They must hone critical skills, delve into historical research, and practice effective communication.  The Theatre Studies & Dramaturgy program challenges students to analyze the content of performances as well as the contexts in which they occur.  Moreover, students must learn to put theoretical thinking into creative action by participating directly in the making of theatre.  Asking students to approach theatre both as an object of scholarly study and as a process of production, the program offers training for future theatre makers, educators, critics, and scholars.  It introduces students to professional paths in the performing arts such as dramaturgy, play development, advocacy, and arts administration.  It also prepares students for success in other fields that value interpretation, exploration, and collaboration.

By completing the Theatre Studies & Dramaturgy Program, students will:

• Recognize and describe cultural and historical forces that form the background for theatrical practices in a global context
• Speak with fluency about theatre history and theatre practices today
• Display critical and creative thinking skills through course assignments as well as through production and independent work
• Demonstrate strong writing skills, in a variety of genres (expository, creative, business, etc.) and for a variety of audiences (scholars, audience members, funders, etc.)
• Exhibit strong research skills, applied both to course assignments and to production work
• Probe current theatre-making structures and investigate career paths within the collaborative field
• Apply skills learned in classes to actual theatre production and/or theatre-related practices
• Practice a language other than English (in part as demonstration of language and translation skills, in part as demonstration of professional suitability for an increasingly diverse market)

Admission Requirement

In addition to completing the Webster University admissions application, students who intend to pursue the Theatre Studies & Dramaturgy major must submit a sample essay highlighting critical skills directly to the theatre department and interview with the head of the program, either in person or remotely.

Special Program Requirements

Only courses completed with a grade of C- or above will count toward fulfilling the specific requirements of the major.  Students will spend one semester studying abroad.  Students will also undertake a practicum capstone assignment to complete program requirements.

A minimum of 128 credit hours consisting of the following:

• 51 required credit hours
• Applicable university global citizenship or general education program hours
• Electives

Required Distribution (18 credit hours)

6 credits in literature (from courses below, although other literature courses could be approved)

3 credits in theatre skills (from sample courses below)

3 credits in the history of a cognate art (from courses below, although other relevant courses could be approved as substitutes)

3 credits in professional writing skills (from sample courses below):

3 credits of an International Language