Tell stories that resonate with audiences long after the final curtain. Take your place in the spotlight or set the stage behind the scenes in our theatre program.
Undergraduate Bachelor of Arts
Major, Minor
124
4 Years
Salem Campus
Our graduates are making a name for themselves in the performing arts. Many are pursuing their passion for theatre on the stage and screen. Others have continued their studies at top universities such as Brown, Columbia, Yale, and NYU. Learn how our alumni are impacting entertainment and art.
Jihan Haddad ’16 transitions from Willamette University to the East Coast Stage.
Theatre major Jihan Haddad ’16 transitions seamlessly from role to role across various East Coast venues, crediting Willamette Theatre mentors for shaping her journey and fostering a strong community.
Willamette Theatre plays enduring role in alumna's life.
Shana Cooper ’99, a Yale-trained director reviewed by The New York Times, attributes her career success to the professional-level theater education she received at Willamette University, which led her to teaching and directing opportunities at Northwestern University.
Our theatre faculty is made up of experienced performers, directors, critics, and stage crew. They bring a wealth of insight and industry connections to the program, offering students mentorship, guidance, and networking opportunities. Gain inspiration from dedicated faculty members and guest artists to pursue your career goals.
Susan Coromel boasts a prolific acting career with over 65 roles in theater, film, and summer stock. A certified master teacher in the Meisner Technique, she enhances her students' success in the performing arts.
Bobby Brewer-Wallin specializes in costume design for theatre and dance, holding an MFA from CalArts. He has designed costumes for main stage productions and teaches various courses, including Costume Design, and Global Fashion History.
Dr. Jonathan Cole is a director and fight director with expertise in stage combat, intimacy and consent work. He is a Fight Director, Certified Teacher and Theatrical Firearms Instructor with the Society of American Fight Directors (SAFD), which allows WU students to certify in these disciplines.
Study the great playwrights and learn the basics of stage management. Through workshops and hands-on learning, you will gain the skills and expertise needed to pursue a career in theatre. Learn about theatre history, develop your acting skills, and gain a working knowledge of the technical aspects of theatre production.
Engage in advanced actor training and explore the realistic acting process in depth through play, character analysis, and ensemble work. Study the works of Shaw, Ibsen, Chekhov, Miller, Williams, and contemporary playwrights.
Explore fundamental historical, theoretical, and practical aspects of play direction. Analyze director approaches, scripts, and conditions of presentation in various performance circumstances. Consider the practical application of script analysis and rehearsal techniques.
Our Theatre major requires 40-46 semester hours to complete the degree depending on the selected emphasis. The core courses require 16 semester hours, and the selected emphasis will provide the other 24-30 semester hours.
Students pursuing a Theatre minor will need to complete 20 semester hours in designated theatre courses.
Our Theatre program is open to first-year students, transfer students and international students. Learn more about Willamette’s undergraduate admissions process to get started.
Willamette University is committed to supporting Theatre majors with generous merit scholarships and financial aid. There is no separate application required for these scholarships. All admitted undergraduate applicants are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships, starting at $26,000 per year. These scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence, taking into account cumulative GPA and SAT or ACT scores, if provided.
Willamette University