Northwestern University

Theatre and dance mirror the nature of life in all its rich variety. To work effectively within the theatre arts requires a broad knowledge upon which to draw. To that end, the Department of Theatre believes in giving students a full range of instruction and experience in the theatre arts—practice, history, and theory—along with the full benefits of a liberal arts education.

Students profit from the real-world experiences of more than thirty department faculty members as they develop their own innovative practice and scholarly pursuits upon our stages and in our classrooms. The faculty’s expertise encompasses acting, dancing, voice, directing, choreography, stage management, playwriting, storytelling, music theatre, children’s theatre, devised theatre, theatre history and criticism, and costume, set, and light design.

The department’s award-winning alumni and faculty make up the extensive fabric of the vibrant, groundbreaking theatre and dance communities in cities across the country. Our proximity to Chicago gives students the opportunity to witness and discuss current productions with the minds that are shaping theatre arts practices today.