University of Delaware

The University of Delaware’s Department of Theatre and Dance offers an interdisciplinary Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Studies, paired with a distinctive lineup of minors including Theatre Performance, Theatre Production, Theatre Studies, Musical Theatre, Dance, and even Healthcare Theatre—where theatre techniques support communication training in health fields. Rooted in liberal arts, the program emphasizes both academic inquiry and hands-on creating, fostering skills in storytelling, scholarship, production, performance, and public engagement.

Students benefit from small class sizes and mentorship from faculty—including working professionals and visiting artists—who support both personal growth and rigorous training. The program’s flexibility allows students to double-major or develop personalized pathways that reflect interests in performance, design, theory, research, or pedagogy.

A hallmark of the Department is its partnership with the Resident Ensemble Players (REP), Delaware’s professional theatre company in residence. Theatre Studies majors frequently collaborate with the REP, gaining professional production experience and earning credits—often performing alongside REP members in venues like the Thompson Theatre (450 seats) or black box spaces—making UD uniquely able to offer undergraduate students real-world theatre exposure.

The student experience extends beyond coursework into vibrant extracurricular and production opportunities. Student-run theatre groups such as HTAC and E-52 each mount multiple productions each year, offering peer-led environments for acting, directing, design, and improvisation. In dance, the program features both curricular and co-curricular ensembles, including the university’s professional Resident Ensemble programs in dance and music.

Through its emphasis on collaborative creativity, community engagement, and professional practice, the Department prepares graduates for roles ranging from performing artists and designers to arts administrators, educators, and healthcare communicators. Whether pursuing graduate study or careers in broader fields, students leave with robust skills in creativity, communication, critical thinking—and a unique credential: professional credits earned through REP collaboration