Northwestern College Theatre

Northwestern College offers two primary theatre-focused majors: Theatre and Theatre Education, alongside a unique Worship Arts major, all grounded in a collaborative, faith-integrated environment. Their program emphasizes a servant-hearted, ensemble-driven approach—students participate not only as actors and directors, but also in backstage and supporting roles within productions.

The program stages 3 to 4 mainstage productions annually, a beloved children’s show each fall, the dance showcase RUSH, student-directed plays, the touring Drama Ministries Ensemble (DME), and the improv troupe Black V. These are all brought to life in the celebrated DeWitt Theatre Arts Center, featuring both proscenium and black-box stages among extensive design and production facilities.

Students involved in theatre at any level—even non-majors—may qualify for the Theatre Production Scholarship, which supports various areas like acting, set design, and stage management; recipients must commit significant production involvement each semester. The department also participates in the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF), where students frequently earn regional recognition in acting, design, playwriting, and more.

A standout feature of Northwestern’s theatre program is its student playwriting focus, with courses in scripting one-act and full-length plays. The World Premiere Festival provides a unique platform for students to develop and showcase original works on stage.

Northwestern goes beyond campus—students may study abroad in England at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, or gain experience at the Los Angeles Film Studies Center. They also host a summer theatre camp for high schoolers, offering immersive workshops and residential experience, nurturing early talent and community outreach.

Degree Programs & Majors – Northwestern College (Iowa)

Theatre & Related Programs

Majors:

• Theatre
• Theatre Education
• Worship Arts

Minors:

• Arts Administration
• Theatre
• Theatre Education
• Worship Arts

Interdisciplinary Programs / Career Concentrations:

• Arts Administration
• Christian Theatre Ministries

Broader Academic Offerings:

Northwestern College offers more than 135 programs of study, conferring degrees including Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.), Master of Arts (M.A.), Master of Education (M.Ed.), and Master of Science (M.S.). They also provide pre-professional tracks for areas such as medicine, law, pharmacy, and more; interdisciplinary minors like Humanites or Social Enterprise; and student-initiated majors (SIMs) for customized study paths.