Learn the art and business of theatre through intense, consent-based professional training. We strive to empower each artist in a healthy, safe, and supportive environment. Our students become designers, directors, choreographers, producers, writers, and actors who understand their craft and how to navigate the professional world.
From the beginning, you’ll work closely with faculty to chart an educational path that aligns with your career goals. We will work with you to fulfill your college wish lists while providing you with the necessary skills to succeed in the professional world of performing arts.
We incorporate travel into the program, so students have numerous opportunities to network in big cities. For Acting and Musical Theatre Majors, students perform a Senior Showcase in New York City, and most students attend the Unified Professional Theatre Auditions. For Production Majors, students attend the Southeastern Theatre Conference.
Our students receive comprehensive consent-based training in both the artistic and business aspects of theatre. Our goal is to empower every artist within a safe and supportive environment. Our students graduate with the skills to pursue careers as actors, designers, directors, stage managers, choreographers, producers, theatre administrators, educators, technicians, and writers, who are equipped to navigate the professional world.
From the start, you will collaborate closely with our faculty to map out an educational path that aligns with your career ambitions. We are committed to helping you achieve your college aspirations while providing the essential skills to thrive in the professional performing arts industry.
Our program includes travel opportunities, offering networking prospects in major cities. Acting and Musical Theatre Majors perform a Senior Showcase in New York City, and most students participate in the Unified Professional Theatre Auditions. Production Majors attend the Southeastern Theatre Conference and the United Professional Theatre Auditions/Interviews.
Heidelberg Theatre’s Commitment to Mental Health Advocacy
Our Director of Theatre’s certification in Mental Health First Aid and advocacy for mental health in the arts further demonstrates an understanding of the importance of well-being in our program. This recognition of mental health aligns with broader efforts to destigmatize and support mental health within our artistic community.
Heidelberg Theatre’s Commitment to Justice, Equity, and Access
Heidelberg Theatre is committed to diversity, justice, equity, inclusion, belonging, and access and is strongly dedicated to fostering a positive and inclusive environment within the arts.
Heidelberg Theatre acknowledges the historical impact of various forms of inequity and inequality, such as racism, ableism, sexism, ethnocentrism, gender bias, ageism, and economic injustice, within the arts and society. We are committed to addressing systemic issues within the arts. The commitment to intentionally create a safe and welcoming space for individuals from diverse social identities, including underrepresented groups, is crucial for promoting inclusivity and a sense of belonging.
Our commitment to comprehensive access and transformative artistic experiences reinforces the idea that equity and access are essential to a thriving arts community. Heidelberg Theatre strives to contribute to a more inclusive and representative cultural landscape by acknowledging and actively working to dismantle barriers.
We want to acknowledge the traditional, ancestral, unceded territory of the Peoria, Myaamia, and Kaskaskia First Nations on which Heidelberg Theatre operates.
Courses
Below are the course requirements for the Theatre Major:
This does not replace official academic requirements in the university catalog. Enrolled students will work with their faculty advisor to ensure they meet all the requirements of their major.
All theatre majors must complete one concentration.
Required for all Concentrations:
- SMT 100-400 Theatre Production or Performance (repeat 8 times)
- THR 105: Play Production: Stage Craft I
- THR 108: Introduction to Acting
- THR 250: Makeup for the Screen & Stage
- THR 306: Directing
- THR 321: Evolution of Dramatic Arts
- THR 322: Race, Gender, and Sexuality in Theatre and Film
- SMT 050-058: Performance Class
- SMT 369: Entrepreneurship in the Arts
This does not replace official academic requirements in the university catalog. Enrolled students will work with their faculty advisor to ensure they meet all the requirements of their major.
Required:
- SMT 100-200 Theatre Production or Performance (repeat 2 times)
- THR 105: Play Production: Stage Craft I
- THR 108: Introduction to Acting
Select 1 from:
- THR 321: Evolution of Dramatic Arts
- THR 322: Race, Gender, and Sexuality in Theatre and Film
Remaining 6 hours can be selected from any course with a THR prefix, three of which must be taken at the 300 or 400 level.
For a more detailed academic schedule, or to ask questions about any of our majors, contact the Admission Office at admission [at] heidelberg.edu or (419) 448-2330.
Theatre Concentrations
All theatre majors must complete one concentration.
We offer on- and off-campus internships with different theaters, arts education providers, and performing companies. We encourage students to look for summer opportunities and assist them in preparing their resume and auditions.
The School of Music and Theatre plans an annual excursion to New York City, Chicago, or Stratford to allow students the opportunity to see current productions and take masterclasses from artists working in the field.
Our Manning Theatre Endowment provides support for our Visiting Guest Artists Program. Each year we bring 3-5 professional artists to campus to work with our students both in the classroom and in productions.
One of the best part of Heidelberg is getting to know and working with your professors. You'll be supported and challenged as you develop skills and experiences centered around research you're interested in.