DePaul University

The Theatre School of DePaul University provides conservatory-based professional theatre training of the highest caliber. From its origins in 1925 as the Goodman School of Drama to our present home at DePaul University, The Theatre School fuels the Chicago, national, and international theatre communities with new generations of exceptional theatre practitioners, leaders, and thinkers.

The Theatre School adheres to a "learn by doing" philosophy. Every TTS student is guaranteed multiple high-quality, discipline-specific production experiences where classroom theories are applied in practice. Throughout their careers at TTS, students engage with a broad scope of literature including canonical, contemporary, and original works that embody diverse aesthetic, cultural, spiritual, and ideological perspectives, preparing them for a field increasingly invested in global concerns. In addition to specialized training, The Theatre School strives to develop the whole individual by encouraging students to access the myriad learning opportunities available to them at DePaul and in Chicago.

The Theatre School makes the most of its location in the heart of Chicago's remarkably diverse theatre community by cultivating nationally recognized theatre practitioners as faculty. The faculty nurtures close relationships with students through a hands-on, personal approach to mentorship. In addition to bringing vast real world experience to the classroom, TTS faculty provides students entering the profession with robust networks in Chicago, nationally and internationally. TTS students experience valuable interactions with notable professionals at all levels through internships, apprenticeships, and guest artist visits.

Graduates of TTS's programs enter the profession with highly developed, flexible skills that prepare them to work on any scale—from storefront theatres, not-for-profit regional companies to large-scale commercial productions. TTS graduates value professionalism, creative problem solving, critical thinking, collaboration, and service. As alumni of an institution founded on Vincentian principles, TTS graduates strive to be compassionate members of society who put into practice their belief in theatre's power to make a lasting, positive social impact in the world.

The Theatre School’s undergraduate program is a highly specialized conservatory offering fifteen Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) majors across three departments: Design/Technology, Performance, and Theatre Studies. Each major is a four-year professional training program designed to provide students with the skills and experiences necessary to prepare them for their careers.

The Theatre School’s graduate program is a highly specialized conservatory offering two Masters of Fine Arts (MFA) degrees in acting and arts leadership. Each of our MFA degrees is designed to be a professional training program that provides our students with not only the skills but the experience necessary to help them advance their careers.