U-THEA-AB - Theater Studies (AB)

The Department of Theater Studies offers students a variety of opportunities to study and practice theater, combining respect for history with immersion in contemporary issues, and intellectual engagement with creative expression. The faculty views theater as a form of human expression, shaped by social, economic, technological, personal, and artistic forces. 

The major in theater studies offers students instruction in both 1) the relationship of theater to the cultures that produce and consume it through the study of dramatic literature, theater history, and performance studies; and 2) the collaborative theater arts (dramatic writing, acting, design, directing, production and theater technology), with a particular interest in the ways in which these two areas inform each other. While the theater studies major offers students preparation for graduate study, advanced theater training, or entry-level work in theater and related professions, it also offers a basic understanding and appreciation of the literature, history, and practice of theater for a student who desires a liberal arts education.

Departmental Graduation with Distinction

Students with at least a 3.5 average in their theater studies courses are eligible to apply for a project. Students must complete eleven courses in total to graduate with distinction in the major instead of the standard ten. All distinction courses count toward the major. Interested students should acquire the full policy for Graduation with Distinction in theater studies and an application form from the theater studies office. The student’s proposed project needs the approval of the project supervisor and the director of undergraduate studies. All projects must be approved by March of the student’s junior year.

A student may pursue a project in writing, directing, design, acting, dramatic literature, theater history, or performance studies. All projects must have a research and a substantial written component. They may also have a production component. Students are required to take either a research independent study or a home seminar in the fall and the Senior Colloquium in the spring.

The student’s written work and production project will be reviewed by a committee (approved by the director of undergraduate studies) composed of the project supervisor, the director of undergraduate studies, and a third faculty member in theater studies or a related field. A meeting of the committee and the student to evaluate the project will be part of the evaluation process. The committee will decide whether the student receives distinction and what level of distinction the student will receive. See the Policy for Graduation with Distinction in theater studies for specific prerequisites.

Website: theaterstudies.duke.edu/academics/major