Explore the World through Theatre

The Drama and Theatre Studies degree at Elon embraces theatre’s inherent interdisciplinarity and offers students a program that combines textual and historical analysis of theatre with hands-on performance and production experiences.

This program explores dramatic literature and theatre as liberal art, asking big questions about the value and function of art and how we express our human experience. We explore drama and theatre as a mode of inquiry—a way of understanding the world. Through in-depth study of dramatic literature, theatre criticism and theory, theatre history, and performance and production practice, you will use the interactive and interdisciplinary dramatic art of theatre to reveal, understand, and communicate the human condition.

 

Interdisciplinary Liberal Arts Curriculum

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Drama and Theatre Studies is an interdisciplinary liberal arts program that asks majors to read widely, experience fully, think critically, and communicate clearly about theatrical performance and dramatic literature. First-year students begin with the interdisciplinary seminar DTS1001: Drama, Theatre, and Theory, and go on to take classes in theatrical production and acting. Students then explore theatre history and dramatic criticism by taking classes in both the English and Performing Arts departments and choosing from a variety of exciting theatre and drama electives across the College of Arts & Sciences. The Senior Seminar requires a capstone interdisciplinary research project. We also encourage students to explore drama and theatre through in-depth undergraduate research projects.

This interdisciplinary and flexible liberal arts degree program also works well as a double-major. Some of our currents students pursue double-majors with:

  • Arts Administration
  • Biology
  • Business
  • Communications
  • English
  • International Studies
  • Music
  • Psychology
  • Spanish

And many take advantage of Elon’s wide variety of minor programs, including:

  • African & African-American Studies
  • Classical Studies
  • Creative Writing
  • German
  • Neuroscience
  • Teaching & Learning
  • Women’s, Gender, & Sexuality Studies

Experienced Faculty

The Drama & Theatre Studies program has enabled me to work in multiple genres both inside and outside of the Performing Arts Department. I have completed an internship with an Off-Broadway theatre company, theatre research abroad, and have been able to be a part of numerous productions as an assistant director, actor, and dramaturg. The faculty’s commitment to my education and development as an artist has been amazing. Because of this program, I not only know how to create theatre, but why.

Meagan Schrock ’16

Study Abroad

Drama and Theatre studies majors frequently supplement their on-campus studies by participating in Elon’s nationally ranked study abroad program. By participating in a study abroad program, you will have the opportunity to explore the arts in a global context.

 

After You Graduate

The Drama and Theatre Studies program is designed to provide you with the skills and experience you need to pursue graduate studies or to succeed in today’s work environments. In our program, you’ll learn collaboration, communication, and critical thinking.

Some of our recent graduates have gone to pursue studies at:

  • Boston University
  • Carnegie Mellon University
  • Curtis Institute of Music
  • Yale School of Drama

And some of our recent graduates are currently working in the following fields:

  • arts administration
  • education
  • film and television
  • heritage and museums
  • non-profit theatre
  • professional theatre
  • theatre for young audiences
  • public relations

 

The Drama and Theatre Studies program is giving me a well-rounded theatre education allowing me to easily transition into many theatrical jobs. It also allows me to explore and find the area that is best suited for me. Over this summer I worked as an Intro to Theatrical Makeup Design instructor to middle school students. Ultimately I want to be a drama teacher so this is great for me to learn the ropes in a lot of positions and helps me to get teaching jobs on more specialized topics.

Emily Ciuffetelli ’17

Auditions

No audition is required for this open-enrollment program.