Theatre Program

The Theatre Department at WOU provides students with a solid base in acting, directing, technical theatre and design, performance, history, literature and theory. Students can pursue the more flexible BA/BS degree or advanced degree options (BFAs) which allow students the opportunity to engage in rigorous, specialized, pre-professional training in Acting, Theatre Technology, Design, Management or Theatre Education (with teacher licensure).

Productions

The Theatre Department produces one Mainstage production per term. There are also staged readings, student directed plays, smaller studio productions and film projects throughout the year. Participation in theatrical productions during the regular academic year are open to all registered students, faculty and staff. Additionally, WOU’s Valley Shakespeare Company produces a fully mounted Shakespeare or classical play every summer on the Leinwand Outdoor stage with students, faculty and community members and guest professionals.

SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS
Auditions for Acting, interviews for Tech and Education

Application Deadline March 1, 2021

Scholarships are available for incoming and returning students.

New BFA Program

THEATRE EDUCATION

Training Future Educators

The BFA in Theatre Education curriculum is designed to immerse students in the practicalities of theatre production, and to prepare the student for licensure to teach theatre at the middle school or high school level. Conservatory style training is augmented by traditional academic studies in theatre history, literature, criticism and play reading, and a fourth year in the School of Education.

BFA PROGRAM

Actor Training

This 113-115 credit professional degree program will give students the training they need to be an actor on stage, in TV, or in film. Master your craft in various acting styles by studying and implementing techniques in the classroom and on stage each term. By audition only.

BFA PROGRAM

Production Training

Create a solid foundation for a career in technical theatre and design. Students have opportunites to grow their portfolio and have hands-on experiences in scenic, costume, lighting or sound design, costume construction, set construction, stage management, stage properties and technnical direction.

BA/BS in Theatre Arts

A Flexible Option

This program aims to provide a solid base in acting, directing, technical theatre and design, performance, history, literature and theory. Students will be prepared for a wide variety of post-graduate opportunities while still retaining the freedom to explore areas of specialized interest.

MINOR in Theatre Arts

Want to explore the art of acting, theatrical lighting or scenecraft? You can acquire an education and rich experience in all three if you choose a minor in theatre. In addition, you may explore costuming, international theatre and even directing when you enroll in those upper-division courses.

Valley Shakespeare Company

WOU’s Professional Summer Theatre Company

Valley Shakespeare Company at Western Oregon University strives to increase Oregon’s cultural visibility by providing Oregonians the opportunity to experience diverse, innovative, collaborative arts and culture through the presentation of unique theatrical works for little or no cost while supporting professional artists and arts education in the region.

The vision of Western Oregon University’s Valley Shakespeare Company (VSC) is to present quality outdoor theatre on the Leinwand outdoor stage on the campus of Western Oregon University.  VSC is the applied creative extension of the department of theatre at WOU. VSC is built on a professional-centered theatre model and is committed to offering the highest quality theatre to the Willamette Valley. 

Our aspiration is to use these shows to build and strengthen the relationship between the performing arts at WOU and the greater Willamette Valley and surrounding community, encouraging Oregonians to celebrate the rich tradition of excellence in the performing arts throughout the region. 

PRODUCTIONS

The Theatre Department produces one Mainstage production per term. There are also staged readings, student directed plays, smaller studio productions and film projects throughout the year. Participation in theatrical productions during the regular academic year are open to all registered students, faculty and staff. Additionally, WOU’s Valley Shakespeare Company produces a fully mounted play every summer on the Leinwand Outdoor stage with students, faculty and community members and guest professionals. Auditions and tech appointments are open to all registered students. Theatre is a great outlet to make friends, build confidence, and acquire new skills.

AUDITIONS

follow us on Facebook and instagram for information about upcoming acting opportunities. Auditions usually consist of a monologue and cold readings, copies of the script for each production is available 2 weeks before the production in the Rice Auditorium Green Room or virtually.

Tech Appointments

Students are needed each term for various tech appointments, email Scott Grim (grims@mail.wou.edu) to be considered for a position.

Opportunities Include but aren’t limited to:

Stage Management

Lighting Design/Crew/Operation

Sound Design/Crew/Operation

Run Crew

Scenic Construction

Stage Properties

Costume Construction

Dramaturgy

FREE STUDENT TICKETS

Have a fun and cultured night out with friends or a date!

Tickets to WOU theatre performances are generously paid for by your incidental course fees. Come to the box office with your student ID to get free tickets to our upcoming shows!

The Box office is located in Rice Auditorium

503.838.88462

For questions about Smith Fine Arts please call 503-838-8333

CONTACT US

Theatre and Dance Department

503-838-8340| e-mail: killipl@wou.edu| Monmouth Campus Location: Rice Auditorium (RA101)

Office Open Monday – Friday from 9am – 5pm

For questions about Smith Fine Arts please call 503-838-8333