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Theatre Studies

Looking for more of a broad experience in theatre? Dordt’s Theatre Studies Emphasis is designed to offer a taste of everything theatre-related, so you’re equipped to serve broadly in a variety of theatre contexts.

From elementary, middle, or high school theatre programs to community theatre and arts camps or even worship services, the Theatre Studies Emphasis can prepare you to excel.

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Program Overview

Being a part of the Theatre Arts Department at Dordt University means more than just earning a degree. Through this program, you will become part of a community that shares the same passions that you have.

Beyond developing your general knowledge and experience with the theatre, this emphasis is adaptable to those looking for a more academic approach. It can even be structured to include advanced courses in writing, history, and performance theory, paving the way for graduate study if that’s your desire.

Whichever path you choose, the Theatre Studies Emphasis will ensure you have the tools you need to succeed.

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What You'll Learn

The Theatre Studies Emphasis focuses on helping you prepare for a career as a playwright, a theatre critic, a dramaturg, or other similar roles. Theatre is more than the plays and musicals directed and performed. This emphasis will help you discover a different—but equally important—side of the theatre.

What You Can Do With A Theatre Studies Emphasis

Upon graduation, you’ll have the skills and tools you need to jump into the theatre arts job market. The Theatre Studies major equips you to work as an educator, camp coordinator, playwright, writer/scholar, historian, and more.

Director

A Director is considered the lead of a production and is responsible for creating the overall vision of the production.

Theatre Manager

A Theatre Manager oversees all aspects of a theatre and its productions.

Artist Manager

Artist Managers represent and advise musicians or bands and well as perform a variety of facilitative tasks.

Career Preparation

Dordt University's 2023 Career Outcome Rate was 99.4%! “This data point tells us that Dordt graduates are prepared for the careers of their choosing,” said Amy Westra, director of Career Development. “A Dordt education provides students with industry-relevant courses and connections that make a difference.”

Students studying theatre studies must take the following courses:

Foundation (common to all emphases):

Theatre Arts 102, 365, 366, 371, 380, 386; three credits from Theatre Arts
120, 204, 207, 307; six credits from Theatre Arts 103, 113, 230, 231, 232; a minimum of seven credits from Theatre
Arts 001; Philosophy 206.

Theatre Studies Emphasis:

Eighteen credits (to include a minimum of nine theatre arts credits) from theatre arts courses numbered 102 or higher, Art 201, 202, 216, 225, 302, 316, 325, 352, 366, 375, Business Administration 270, Communication 250, English 220, 310, 312, History 380, Philosophy 350, Theology 241, 242, 352.

View the catalog

You'll take a variety of courses within theatre studies. See the course catalog for more information.

Ready to take the next step?

Theatre Arts Center

While studying theatre arts, you’ll have the opportunity to spend time in Dordt’s Theatre Arts Center. This location houses a theatre space, scene shop, make-up room, classroom, and the Fourth Avenue Theatre, a black box performance space which seats up to 140 audience members.

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Student Stories

Dordt students and alumni use their gifts to make a difference in the world. Check out their stories to see how Defender Nation lives out our mission to work effectively toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life.

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Bringing Things Closer

Danielle Roos

During her time at Dordt, Danielle learned to see theatre through new eyes.

Danielle Roos

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Jumping In

Jason Kornelis

Dordt successfully prepared Jason to start off after college in the vibrant, multicultural Twin Cities of Minnesota.

Jason Kornelis

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A picture of Kyle

Creation and Collaboration

Kyle Fosse

With Kyle's first time at Dordt also being his first time out of Africa, he took the opportunity to grow and ran with it, becoming heavily involved in extracurriculars and the community that Dordt had to offer.

Kyle Fosse

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Submit your information to request more information about Dordt and this program. We'll also use this information to connect you with your admissions counselor!

Related Programs

Still looking for the right fit? Here are some additional program options that we think might interest you or are often paired with this program. You can also view the programs page to keep exploring your options.