Bachelor of Arts [B.A] [Theatre Arts] From University of Iowa

The department is one of three academic units in the Division of Performing Arts. Students have the opportunity to earn a major in theatre arts and a second major in one of the other units within the division—dance or music. It also participates in offering the division's Certificate in Performing Arts Entrepreneurship.The undergraduate program in theatre arts is based on the philosophy that the best way to develop future artists is to expose them to rigorous professional practice within the framework of a liberal arts and sciences education.Department of Theatre Arts students take workshop courses in acting, directing, design, technical theatre, stage management, and playwriting and complement them with classes in dramatic literature, history, and criticism. Students also are encouraged to explore a range of courses throughout the University. Around 25 public productions are staged each year, providing additional opportunities to learn the theatre craft and to develop a personal artistic vision.The department also educates students who plan to enter other fields in which understanding of the arts and experience with theatre skills are useful. Some earn a major in theatre arts, occasionally with a second major in another discipline. Others take theatre classes as nonmajors or earn a minor; see "Minor" and "Courses for Nonmajors" in this section of the Catalog.