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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.
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 catalogYou'll take a variety of courses within theatre studies. See the course catalog for more information.
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Faculty
With experience in a variety of fields, our faculty members are equipped and ready to help you succeed.
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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.
Bringing Things Closer
Danielle Roos
Jumping In
Jason KornelisDordt successfully prepared Jason to start off after college in the vibrant, multicultural Twin Cities of Minnesota.
Jason Kornelis
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Creation and Collaboration
Kyle FosseWith 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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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.
