Theater

Theater Building 117
507-786-3240
wp.stolaf.edu/theater

From the ancient past to the digital present, theater is one of the most profound ways human beings have represented themselves to themselves. The Department of Theater at St. Olaf provides students with opportunities to make and study theater, in historical and contemporary contexts, and to develop creative and collaborative skills relevant to the world today. Courses in acting, directing, history, theory and design are seen through the lens of theatrical production, and the interdisciplinary process of creating live theater is at the heart of everything we teach. Building on these foundations, the St. Olaf Theater stages four productions a year which are integral to the campus and community and are our working labs in the development of the creative artist.

The St. Olaf College Theater Department is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theater (NAST).

Overview of the Major

The theater major requires nine courses plus four 0.25 lab credits. The major includes an introductory course in theater texts and performances as well as coursework in acting, directing, design, production, and history of theater, plus two upper-level electives. The requirements for the major are designed to provide a well-rounded course of study in the theater discipline. The co-curricular theater production program serves as a lab for our courses and offers extended learning and experience for St. Olaf students.

Intended Learning Outcomes for the Major

Special Programs

Students have the opportunity to study theater in London during January term as part of a regular course taught by theater faculty. Students can set up internship experiences through the department or the Piper Center with theaters and other arts organizations in the Twin Cities and surrounding areas. Guest artists often visit the courses in the department to talk about and demonstrate their work and occasionally collaborate in the production work for our season of plays.

St. Olaf's Theater Education program has been discontinued. Students interested in obtaining a K-12 Theater teaching license are encouraged to complete an undergraduate major in theater and then apply to a graduate program that offers a Master's degree combined with teaching certification in theater. 

Recommendations for Graduate and Professional Study

Students planning on graduate study in theater should take the graduation major and additional courses for a total not to exceed 14.00 credits. Students should work closely with a faculty member in the area of their interest to plan their program. Students who are considering professional work in the theater or related arts should work together with faculty to develop appropriate resume or portfolio documents prior to graduation.