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Explore the theatre arts bachelor's degree at UW-Eau Claire

Explore the world of acting, music and dance with a bachelor's degree in theatre arts at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. There is no role too small, and after completing our theatre arts program, you’ll be able to do them all! Curriculum is structured so that you have the chance to try everything, gaining skills and professional experience both on and off the stage.

Earning a degree in theatre arts from UW-Eau Claire opens doors to countless performance and learning opportunities. Explore courses in acting, directing, technical theatre, design, history and literature, and participate in dozens of productions and shows. Faculty experts and frequent guest performers bring diverse experiences, new techniques and best practices.

Here, you'll have the opportunity to explore. Join an arts-focused student org, study abroad or participate in our National Student Exchange program. No matter your path, our theatre arts bachelor’s degree program will give you the guidance, tools and confidence needed to light up the stage and enrich your community.

Making magic at UW-Eau Claire

As a theatre arts major, Ben Seidman found himself immersed in the world of performance on campus and gained the confidence needed to pursue a full-time career as a magician. 

“All I wanted was to make a living doing magic, which is very difficult, and I feel grateful that I have far surpassed that goal. I've done all these cool things that I never expected, and now I feel like I'm really a part of something special.” 

Why theatre arts at UW-Eau Claire?

Arts-focused housing. UW-Eau Claire’s partnership with Pablo Center gives you unparalleled access to the theatre facilities, and when you live in Haymarket Landing, those opportunities are right outside your front door. Built with music and theatre students in mind, the apartment-style residence hall is across the street from Pablo Center, allowing you to stay close to the action.

The chance to try everything. As a theatre arts major, you will learn not only the fundamentals of theatre arts, but you also will have the flexibility to focus on specialized topics, such as opera, dance and technical theatre. By completing practicums in areas like costume shop and light and sound, you’ll gain additional theatre experience and leadership skills to help you reach your full potential.   

Opportunities to travel. Each spring break, music and theatre arts students have the opportunity to visit New York City. There, they attend plays, musicals, masterclasses and other artistic events, while also shadowing working professionals and meeting various actors and musicians to learn more about their specific trade. 

Performances galore. The music and theatre arts department offers five main stage productions, including a Theatre for Young Audiences touring production, student-directed Short Play Festivals and a dance concert. Each of our productions take place in facilities with state-of-the-art equipment and acoustics.

Regular guest artists. Guest artists frequent our department and your classes every year. These artists have offered workshops in auditioning, Commedia del’arte, sensory-friendly theater, playwriting and Shakespeare, allowing you to learn new techniques and gain even more experience in theatre.

Classes and faculty that make an impact. The theatre arts program gives you direct access to a diverse array of theatre professors whose degrees are from some of the best programs in the country. Smaller class sizes allow you to work one-on-one with your professors and peers who share the same passions as you. And as one of only a few programs in the region that houses music, theatre and dance in the same department, you'll experience a rare and extremely beneficial collaboration between all three disciplines. 

5

annual stage productions

20

music, dance and theatre student orgs

250 performances annually

of music, theatre, and dance

Quick facts

Theatre arts program details
  • Program length: four years
  • Availability: campus
  • This major can be completed with or without a minor.  
  • This program is also available as a minor and certificate. 
  • Students majoring in this program may choose either a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) degree.
Student organizations
  • Concert Dance Company
  • None of the Above (NOTA)
  • The Players
  • Two to Tango Dance Club
  • United States Institute for Technical Theatre 
  • The Backwards Thinking Society

What can I do with a theatre arts degree from UWEC?

UWEC graduates leave with a well-rounded education and an impressive resume, making them ideal job candidates. Alumni go on to perform wherever their hearts take them — on Broadway or close to home at the Eau Claire Children’s Theatre.

Where are theatre arts alumni now?

Students have also found paid internships and summer work at places like the Williamstown Theatre Festival, Glimmerglass Theatre Festival, Santa Fe Opera, Utah Festival Opera, Illinois Shakespeare Festival, American Repertory Theater, Iowa Shakespeare Festival and Pablo Center.

Theatre arts careers

In the theatre department at UW-Eau Claire, I was able to learn my craft with the guidance of talented, caring professors, each with their own strengths and expertise. Studying theatre arts here is a special way to gain firsthand experience.

Sam Theatre Arts

We’ll help you land your role

Throughout our music and theatre arts department, you’ll find camaraderie, experienced and enthusiastic professors and your chance to step into the spotlight. Countless opportunities are available to you as early as your first year, whether you choose to take center stage with a lead role or manage the production behind the scenes. Our diverse curriculum will give you marketable and essential skills in several areas — costumes, set building and lighting design — making you a well-rounded and experienced professional.

Theatre arts bachelor’s degree program curriculum

UW-Eau Claire's theatre arts program will provide you with experience in acting, singing, dancing, directing and behind-the-scenes work. A variety of classes will introduce you to new topics and job opportunities, so you're able to pick a career path that you are passionate about.

A unique partnership with Pablo Center at the Confluence allows our students to learn in state-of-the-art facilities, including two theaters, a recording studio, a music recital space and an art gallery. There, students also gain real-world experience using the industry's most up-to-date equipment and software.

For those interested in additional opportunities upon graduation, UWEC also offers an Arts Administration Certificate and a Recording Arts Certificate, which give students the opportunity to expand their knowledge and pre-professional experiences in the performing arts. 

What classes do theatre arts majors take?

Your classes may cover topics like: 

Learn more about the comprehensive theatre arts major in the UWEC course catalog

Learn more about the standard theatre arts major in the UWEC course catalog

Learn more about the theatre arts minor in the UWEC course catalog.

Learn more about the theatre arts certificate in the UWEC course catalog

Learn more about UWEC

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Related programs at UW-Eau Claire

Thinking about a bachelor’s degree in theatre arts? Here are other programs you may be interested in exploring.

Department information

Photo of a camera in front of theatre seats

Music and Theatre Arts

Haas Fine Arts Center 156
121 Water Street
Eau Claire, WI 54703
Visit the Music and Theatre Arts department website