As an undergraduate student pursuing a major or minor in theater arts degree at Duquesne, you’ll enjoy a number of distinctive benefits:

A holistic, liberal arts approach to the study of theater. This means you’ll get a well-rounded education in the many aspects of theater, from studying the literature of the plays themselves, to developing skills needed both backstage in production and on stage as an actor.
A supportive learning environment that includes small classes, one-on-one mentoring and the chance to work on independent projects.
The opportunity to get involved in student productions of the Red Masquers, Spotlight Musical Theater and the Medieval and Renaissance Players—starting your freshman year! The Summer Company, Exhalations Dance Troupe and Encore Show Choir provide additional campus performance opportunities.
Theater arts students can develop their performance or behind-the-scenes skills in a new Black Box Theater that opened in the 2015-2016 academic year.

Because Duquesne’s theater arts program embraces a liberal arts approach to studying theater rather than a conservatory approach, students gain the broadest understanding of all aspects of theater. This provides graduates with solid footing for careers in all types of theater jobs, including acting, directing, playwriting, administration and theater technology. A Duquesne theater arts degree also serves as a strong foundation for further study at the graduate level.

While many theater majors do intend to make careers for themselves in the theater and associated fields, Duquesne’s theater arts program also leads to success in education, law, arts management, business, marketing, public relations and communications. Skills learned through the study of theater—such as critical thinking and analysis, presentation, teamwork and problem-solving—are invaluable to employers in practically any field.

Our graduates have been seen onstage and behind the scenes on Broadway and in regional theaters around the country. Our playwriting students have had their plays produced all over North America and Europe. Many of our majors go on to law school and have been admitted into some of the most prestigious schools in the country. Our students have also gone on to very successful careers in business, marketing, and arts administration.