Duke University

Duke University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Theater Studies, a thoughtfully interdisciplinary program that merges academic inquiry with creative and production-based practice. The curriculum is structured into two core streams: studying the cultural history and theory of theatre—including dramatic literature, theatre history, and performance studies—and hands-on theater arts like acting, directing, design/technology, and dramatic writing. Majors complete a gateway course, a series of area-focused electives, and advanced studio classes, enabling them to tailor their education toward research, performance, or production work.

Courses are small and intimate, taught by a faculty of both scholars and seasoned theatre professionals. Students explore topics from classical performance to contemporary dramaturgy, participate in dramatic writing labs, and collaborate on design or production projects. Maintaining a liberal arts emphasis, the program prepares students not only for theatre-related careers but also for professions requiring critical thinking, effective communication, and cultural literacy.

The program produces a diverse slate of theatrical experiences each year—from two faculty-led Mainstage productions to student-run lab shows and Graduation with Distinction projects. Through the New Works Lab, students workshop original plays with playwrights-in-residence, and student organizations like Duke Players produce additional theatre offerings such as short festival pieces and orientation shows. These various formats ensure opportunities for acting, directing, dramaturgy, and stagecraft at multiple levels.

Complementing classroom and production work are mentorship opportunities with visiting artists, playwrights, and designers. Awards like the Harold Brody Award (for musical theatre), John M. Clum Distinguished Graduate Award, and others recognize excellence across directing, design, writing, and performance. These accolades underscore Duke Theatre’s commitment to nurturing leadership across theatrical disciplines.

With its blend of intellectual rigor, creative experimentation, and production immersion, Duke’s Theater Studies Program cultivates students who are both scholar-artists and collaborative makers. Whether students intend to pursue graduate study, enter professional theatre, or develop into cultural contributors in fields such as writing, education, or arts administration, Duke prepares them through mentorship, multidisciplinary coursework, and real-world experiences.