Theatre

Why study theatre?

Students will learn acting, directing, design, production, and stage management with the support of a city-wide theatre community so they graduate as well-rounded stage artists prepared for an array of careers.

  • This major centers on student collaboration and leadership, and fosters community, personal growth and creative excellence.
  • All are welcome to participate in leadership, design and service through productions, classes and activities that are open to all students, regardless of major, class rank or prior experience.
  • Pro Dramatis Scholarships, merit-based scholarships for returning students, work-study and shop staff positions in the theater make education more affordable. 
Theatre Department
theatre performance

Academics at AU

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
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Dan Workman, department chair

Theatre Department

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Native American at AU
Native American at AU: TJ Ashes ‘27

Augustana understands the value and impact that historically marginalized people have on communities all over the world — recognizing that this university would not be the place it is without these students, faculty and staff. For the month of November — Native American Heritage Month — Augustana is featuring TJ Ashes ‘27.

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Highlights

theatre students

Careers

Graduates secure careers as actors, directors, broadcasters and costume and set designers. They also become audio, video and sound technicians, playwrights and screenwriters.

Hands-On Learning  

The Augustana Theatre Company — a community of faculty and students from all majors — regularly rehearse, produce and perform theatre.

On-campus theatre performances include:

  • A 4-show season — features a variety of productions, including one musical
  • New play development festivals
  • Improvisation performances
  • Professional guest artist performances
  • Augustana Collaborative Theatrical Society (ACTS) — presents student-run productions

Internship and volunteer opportunities include:

  • B Street Theatre in California
  • Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis, Minnesota
  • National Shakespeare Theatre Co.
  • Black Hills Playhouse
  • Sioux Empire Community Theatre
  • Olde Towne Dinner Theatre
  • Washington Pavilion — has an active educational exchange with Augustana

Theatre students study away in:

  • Scotland — focusing on its stories and scenes with AU faculty
  • Central and Eastern Europe — focusing on performance with AU faculty
  • Theater centers and festivals around the country, including the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival and United States Institute for Theatre Technology 
  • Chicago, Illinois; Minneapolis, Minnesota; and New York City, New York, for trips to see professional shows

Courses & Organizations

Students excel through courses on acting, directing, script analysis and stagecraft. A senior performance, directing or design project is required.
 
Theatre can pair well with any combination of majors, including biology, education, psychology, English or math.
 
Theatre students often participate in:

  • Augustana Collaborative Theatrical Society (ACTS)
  • Union Board of Governors (UBG)
  • Brand Name Improv (BNi)
  • Alpha Psi Omega Honor Society
  • Claire Donaldson New Play Festival
  • Company Call — weekly student gathering to create scenery, costumes, lighting, sound or marketing for upcoming productions