Since its earliest forms, the theatre has been a space for discourse, engagement, and entertainment through public assembly as artists work collectively to communicate stories, teach empathy, and impact communities. Theatre isn't something you simply learn about, it's something you do. The Theatre Arts major at OSU involves a dynamic and engaging process that emphasizes the exploration of the complexities of the human condition through engaged study and active collaborative performance. Theatre Arts students are challenged to think critically about the historic and cultural resonances of the theatre while building upon that tradition in practice. Through a combination of course work and participation in University Theatre productions, Theatre Arts students develop skills in collaboration, leadership, project management, critical thinking, and creative problem solving.
The Theatre Arts major provides students the opportunity to learn new skills and the flexibility to concentrate on specific areas within the discipline after completing a small core of courses. Students then engage in a deeper study in areas of performance, writing, technical theatre, design, directing, research, or a combination of these areas. Theatre Arts students gain basic experience in multiple areas within the discipline (technical, performance, analysis, design) so that they may better understand the collaborative process from the inside.
Theatre Arts at OSU is dedicated to providing a quality undergraduate education within a Liberal Arts context and, therefore, prepares students to take any number of professional paths or further graduate studies that involve critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity.