The Theatre Arts Program at the University of Pennsylvania is dedicated to developing the student’s mind and artist’s creativity through an interdisciplinary exploration of theatrical history, literature, and artistic practice. Through a liberal arts curriculum that is global in scope and that offers ample opportunities for practical production work, our students cultivate skills in creative innovation and critical thinking that will launch them into careers both inside and outside of the arts.
Our faculty of accomplished artists and scholars offer a range of courses covering every area of theatrical practice, dramatic literature, history, and theory, performance studies, as well as specialized seminars and advanced performance laboratories. Whether students wish to take an acting course to support their work in other fields, participate in a production, or major or minor in theatre, they will receive individual attention in a supportive environment with tremendous opportunities for intellectual and creative growth.
Located in Philadelphia, which boasts one of the country’s most vibrant and innovative theatrical scenes, our program offers students opportunities to learn from local and nationally-recognized artists as well as to frequent the professional theatre. Additionally, students can make and study theatre abroad, and can perform in alternating years at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. By integrating work from multiple arenas—in the classroom, rehearsal studio, and scene shop, as well as on stages and in audiences—our students gain a broad and deep knowledge of theatre-making and why it matters.