Theatre Program
The Theatre Department at WOU provides students with a solid base in acting, directing, technical theatre and design, performance, history, literature and theory. Students can pursue the more flexible BA/BS degree or advanced degree options (BFAs) which allow students the opportunity to engage in rigorous, specialized, pre-professional training in Acting, Theatre Technology, Design, Management or Theatre Education (with teacher licensure).
Productions
The Theatre Department produces one Mainstage production per term. There are also staged readings, student directed plays, smaller studio productions and film projects throughout the year. Participation in theatrical productions during the regular academic year are open to all registered students, faculty and staff. Additionally, WOU’s Valley Shakespeare Company produces a fully mounted Shakespeare or classical play every summer on the Leinwand Outdoor stage with students, faculty and community members and guest professionals.
SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS
Auditions for Acting, interviews for Tech and Education
Application Deadline March 1, 2021
Scholarships are available for incoming and returning students.
New BFA Program
THEATRE EDUCATION
Training Future Educators
The BFA in Theatre Education curriculum is designed to immerse students in the practicalities of theatre production, and to prepare the student for licensure to teach theatre at the middle school or high school level. Conservatory style training is augmented by traditional academic studies in theatre history, literature, criticism and play reading, and a fourth year in the School of Education.
BFA PROGRAM
Actor Training
This 113-115 credit professional degree program will give students the training they need to be an actor on stage, in TV, or in film. Master your craft in various acting styles by studying and implementing techniques in the classroom and on stage each term. By audition only.
BFA PROGRAM
Production Training
Create a solid foundation for a career in technical theatre and design. Students have opportunites to grow their portfolio and have hands-on experiences in scenic, costume, lighting or sound design, costume construction, set construction, stage management, stage properties and technnical direction.
BA/BS in Theatre Arts
A Flexible Option
This program aims to provide a solid base in acting, directing, technical theatre and design, performance, history, literature and theory. Students will be prepared for a wide variety of post-graduate opportunities while still retaining the freedom to explore areas of specialized interest.
MINOR in Theatre Arts
Want to explore the art of acting, theatrical lighting or scenecraft? You can acquire an education and rich experience in all three if you choose a minor in theatre. In addition, you may explore costuming, international theatre and even directing when you enroll in those upper-division courses.
Valley Shakespeare Company
WOU’s Summer Theatre Company
The mission of Western Oregon University’s Valley Shakespeare Company is to present quality outdoor Shakespeare, free of charge, on the Leinwand outdoor stage on the campus of Western Oregon University with a cast and crew of WOU students and faculty, community members and guest professionals.
Our aspiration is to use these shows to build and strengthen the relationship between the performing arts at WOU and the greater Willamette Valley and Salem community. Offering “Free Shakespeare in the Park” will contribute to these efforts, encouraging students, families and community members, young and old, to join in the festivities and celebrate the performing arts with a cost-effective and culturally rich evening of theatre on the campus of Western Oregon University.
PRODUCTIONS
The Theatre Department produces one Mainstage production per term. There are also staged readings, student directed plays, smaller studio productions and film projects throughout the year. Participation in theatrical productions during the regular academic year are open to all registered students, faculty and staff. Additionally, WOU’s Valley Shakespeare Company produces a fully mounted Shakespeare or classical play every summer on the Leinwand Outdoor stage with students, faculty and community members and guest professionals. Auditions and tech appointments are open to all registered students. Theatre is a great outlet to make friends, build confidence, and acquire new skills.
AUDITIONS
follow us on Facebook and instagram for information about upcoming acting opportunities. Auditions usually consist of a monologue and cold readings, copies of the script for each production is available 2 weeks before the production in the Rice Auditorium Green Room or virtually.
Tech Appointments
Students are needed each term for various tech appointments, email Scott Grim (grims@mail.wou.edu) to be considered for a position.
Opportunities Include but aren’t limited to:
Stage Management
Lighting Design/Crew/Operation
Sound Design/Crew/Operation
Run Crew
Scenic Construction
Stage Properties
Costume Construction
Dramaturgy
FREE STUDENT TICKETS
Have a fun and cultured night out with friends or a date!
Tickets to WOU theatre performances are generously paid for by your incidental course fees. Come to the box office with your student ID to get free tickets to our upcoming shows!
The Box office is located in Rice Auditorium
503.838.88462
CONTACT US
Theatre and Dance Department
503-838-8340| e-mail: killipl@wou.edu| Monmouth Campus Location: Rice Auditorium (RA101)
Office Open Monday – Friday from 9am – 5pm
