Acting

The acting major features small class size (no more than 16 in any production course) and close supervision by full-time faculty.  We also offer extensive on-stage opportunities. You will be encouraged to perform in our Edison Theatre or A.E. Hotchner Studio Theatre productions as soon as you arrive on campus.

The course of study progresses from the fundamentals of acting through advanced study in various acting styles and directing. You'll find courses not usually offered in a liberal arts curriculum, including Movement and Voice for the Actor.

		One of the program's greatest strengths is its faculty, which prides itself on its accessibility. All performance classes are taught by full-time faculty. Distinguished, award-winning guest artists visit campus and teach master classes.

Distinguished, award-winning guest artists visit campus and teach master classes. Recent guests include Spalding Gray, Zoe Caldwell, Kevin Kline, Jane Lapotaire, Harold Ramis, and Wendy Wasserstein. Extracurricular opportunities abroad and outside of the classroom enrich the performing arts experience.		Jane Lapotaire

Design
The design emphasis offers "hands-on" courses in costume, scene, and lighting design, as well as technical direction. In addition, production crew work and stage management add to your overall learning experience and make you an attractive candidate for summer internships and job opportunities at local and regional professional theatres.  As an advanced student, you will have opportunities to design productions under the supervision of the design faculty.

"This program is structured so that it is safe to both succeed and fail, creatively. It is safe to dabble in scenic design, directing, props, costume, makeup, regardless of past experience or skill. It's not strange for a freshman actor to walk away his senior year as a playwright or a lighting designer." Andy Crank, AB

Theatre Studies

The theatre studies emphasis offers the study of dramatic literature and theatre history from classical antiquity to the present. Along with interdisciplinary courses in the humanities, you will take courses in acting and directing and will be encouraged to participate in Edison Theatre and studio productions. If you are interested in playwriting, there is a wide range of courses and opportunities, including the A.E. Hotchner Playwriting Competition.

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"The theatre department at Wash U. has helped me find myself as an actor and as a human being. What impresses me most about this program in particular in comparison to other acting programs is the personal attention and honest empathy the teachers have for their students. These teachers want to see you succeed, and they will do everything in their power to help you along your path. I didn't know I was going to be an acting major when I came to Wash. U., but after spending time in this department, I cannot fathom a profession to which I'd rather belong." Erin Whitten, '03

"I feel like I was adopted by the Performing Arts Department (PAD). My original plan was to enter Washington University, get my business degree, and go on to be a successful businessman. I only wanted to be in a few shows, just as a creative outlet, never part of a dual degree program. But PAD opened up my eyes to what's possible at Washington University." Martin Beally BSBA, AB