What Will I Learn in the Theater Major?

The bachelor of arts (BA) in theater degree program at University of Portland (UP) is an invitation to create, explore, and grow as an artist. Here, you will experience an interdisciplinary approach to theater-making that spans acting, directing, producing, managing, designing, writing, and more. And, as an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST) since 2000, our theater program meets the highest standards for theater education in the nation.

From participating in the Kennedy Center’s American College Theatre Festival to our annual “New Works, New Voices” workshop that develops a new piece specifically for our theater program, you’ll have endless opportunities to tell interesting stories, collaborate with industry experts, and turn your passion for theater into a lifelong career.

Theater Courses

The theater program at UP blends hands-on practice with classroom learning to help you grow as a performer, designer, or manager. The major begins with a foundational curriculum that includes performance, design, theater history and literature, directing, and technical production. Through these core courses, you build a strong understanding of the art and craft of theater-making, from storytelling onstage to the behind-the-scenes work that brings productions to life.

As you advance, you can explore topics such as theater for social change, race and drama, and gender and theater. Or, if you’re passionate about creating new work, we offer courses in playwriting to help you develop your voice as a writer. Think you may want to become a director? You’ll encounter many opportunities to work one-on-one with student actors. No matter your interest, we ensure you’re supported with relevant coursework and real-world experience, including internships with Portland’s 200+ arts organizations.

Your theater coursework culminates in a capstone project based on the emphasis of study you select. This assignment ties together everything you’ve learned and prepares you to graduate with tangible evidence of your skill set.

Degree Requirements

Emphases of Study

Specialize your theater major with one of three concentrations:

• Performance Emphasis: Refine your acting and performance skills through classes that cover voice, movement, and audition techniques. You can also take optional private voice, music, and dance lessons with expert faculty. And you’re guaranteed onstage performance roles starting from your very first year.
• Design and Technology Emphasis: Learn more about the creative and technical aspects of theater-making and get experience with costume, scenic, lighting, makeup, and sound design. Starting your first year, you will have backstage and onstage production opportunities, with potential design positions in your second year.
• Integrated Theater Emphasis: Explore management, directing, history, and dramaturgy. Courses and internships in theater management and light and sound design provide you with opportunities to apply your new skills. Internship placements are guaranteed through our partnerships with professional theaters in Portland. If you’re interested in management, you can also complete production management classes and a capstone project managing a large production.

University Core

The 40-credit University Core gives you a broad and interconnected view of the world. These liberal arts courses help you navigate ethics, communication, and human culture—all valuable aspects of sharing stories, connecting with others, and creating meaningful art through theater.

The Core