Dominican University

Dominican University’s Department of Theatre Arts & Music offers a distinctive, student-centered Theatre Arts B.A. that emphasizes both practical studio work and liberal arts grounding. Taught in small classes, the program allows students—beginning as freshmen—to audition for roles in the Theatre Arts Lab Series (TALS), its signature production program featuring a musical, a contemporary play, and a classical play each year.

TALS productions follow professional industry standards: students sign contracts, adhere to rehearsal schedules, and work alongside guest artists and faculty in performance and technical roles. The program’s philosophy encourages early and active participation—freshmen and sophomores routinely take meaningful stage or technical assignments. This hands-on emphasis nurtures theatre generalists who often explore multiple disciplines: acting, design, directing, dramaturgy, and stage management.

Classes combine theory and practice through coursework such as acting, script analysis, voice and movement, theatre history, movement, design labs, stagecraft, and youth theatrical programs. A six-semester practicum course ensures each major maintains regular production involvement, reinforcing professional readiness and portfolio development. Faculty mentorship and audience-focused training support students in developing strong communication, collaboration, and creative discipline.

Dominican’s campus features the Performing Arts Center (DUPAC), which includes the 1,100-seat Lund Auditorium and 180-seat Martin Recital Hall. These venues host university productions and community presentations, and students may work professional events in roles like stagehand, box office liaison, or costume technician—enhancing experiential learning and industry exposure.

Despite suspending new admissions to the Theatre Arts major as of January 2025 due to low enrollments, the department continues offering theatre coursework and productions through the 2025–26 academic year, welcoming non-majors to participate actively in TALS . Alumni emphasize how early participation and small cohorts led to significant stage time and transferable skills, even when careers diverge from the arts