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Theatre

Learn from working theatre professionals in a hands-on bachelor’s degree program that prepares students of all skill levels for diverse careers in the performing arts and beyond.

Areas of Study

Theatre

Dance at Wells College

Dance

In the theatre program at Wells, students are involved daily in the practice of live theatre, gaining experience in peer leadership and creative process while developing skills in acting, management and design techniques. Hands-on learning is supported and enriched by the study of history and theory.

Theatre courses work from a Spolin- and Hagen-based approach to acting and directing. Courses in design and technical theatre prepare theatre majors for internships and jobs at professional theatres.

Because we are a small liberal arts college, we also offer a level of personal mentorship, guidance, and direct involvement you won’t find at many universities. You’ll work in close, one-on-one relationships with top faculty and guest artists, receiving highly individualized feedback from professionals in the performing arts, and even collaborating with faculty on live productions. Students of all majors are invited to join in theatre and other performing arts and cultural events, and we welcome students of all experience and skill levels to the program.

90 percent of Wells theatre graduates over the last five years started jobs in the performing arts right out of school.

“The theatre program is welcoming to students of all levels of experience, and is willing to help teach them not only acting and dance, but also technical skills with lights, sounds, costumes, scenic design, and even team work in a new environment. It helps students really explore different areas and helps them discover what they may enjoy.” — Amanda Kuzar ’18, psychology major

What You’ll Learn as a Theatre Major

  • Production and performance theory and techniques
  • Music and theatre history
  • Advanced communication and teamwork skills that you can apply to diverse careers

Ready to find out more?

Ready to learn more about Wells College and our Theatre program?

Ready to Apply?

Take the first step toward earning your bachelor’s degree in Theatre at Wells College.

Beyond the Classroom: Experiential Learning in the Theatre

A variety of internship and other experiential learning opportunities offer you the chance to gain real work experience, build your professional network, and find employment in the performing arts as you pursue your bachelor’s degree at Wells. As a theatre major, you’ll have opportunities to:

  • Work in jobs involving stage management, production, directing, fundraising, office management and more with professional arts organizations across the country and abroad as part of your required internship experience
  • Travel annually to professional conferences
  • Work with faculty at Aurora’s own Morgan Opera House downtown
  • Take part in work-study jobs with the theatre department

At Wells, you can also take your passion for the performing arts around the world. We offer a variety of opportunities to study and work overseas, experience a different culture, and enrich your undergraduate education.

Career Options for Theatre Graduates

Our theatre program has an excellent track record: 90 percent of graduates over the last five years have started jobs in the performing arts right out of school. Recent graduates have gone on to work for prestigious theatre productions in New York, and work in a variety of roles in the performing arts, including performance, stage management, producing, directing, and more. Others have gone on to graduate school, or to careers in teaching and writing, entertainment law, or have started their own businesses. In fact, the theatre bachelor’s degree program is an excellent foundation for a wide range of careers: our graduates are strong communicators, gifted collaborators, and know how to stand out from the crowd. They also bring a broad range of skills, gained through a rich liberal arts curriculum, to any field they wish to pursue.

Explore Other Programs at Wells

Faculty

Image Placeholder

Laura Campbell

Audrey Holmes

Audrey Holmes

Andrew Hunt outside of Stratton 08/22/2023

Andrew Hunt

claire mennle

Claire Mannle

Russell Posegate in a classroom in Barlor 11/07/2023

Russell Posegate

Similar Programs

If you’re interested in studying Theatre, you might also consider programs such as: