Theatre Performance Major
Where creativity takes the stage
At UNI, Theatre Performance majors begin building stage experience right away, with acting roles and performance opportunities available from the first year onward. Students directly apply the knowledge and skills gained through coursework in mainstage productions, student-led work, touring shows, and devised pieces.
Our faculty teach 100% of the coursework and actively work in the industry as actors, directors, dialect coaches, intimacy professionals, fight choreographers, and more.
With an emphasis on collaboration, creativity, and professionalism, this major prepares students to enter the entertainment industry and pursue lifelong learning and career development.
Accredited
Our department is accredited through the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST). This accreditation indicates an ability to provide a base of academic strength and operational integrity.
of UNI graduates
are employed or continuing their education within six months of graduation.
performance opportunities
each year. This includes four mainstage productions and several smaller productions throughout the year.
Find out More about Theatre: Performance
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Contact us directly at:
Department of Theatre
University of Northern Iowa
257 W 27th St
Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0423
Phone: 319-273-6386
Email: William.hickman@uni.edu
Careers
Common career areas for graduates of this program include:
- Stage and/or film actor
- Director
- Vocal coach
- Fight choreographer
- Acting coach
- Voiceover artist
Course Sampling
Movement for the Actor
Designed to encourage relaxation, limberness and strength. Exploration of ways in which movement and sensory work can trigger and influence character work and emotional connection.
Acting Studio I
Students will learn the Meisner Technique of Acting and how to put it into practice. Performance students will gain freedom in their work through the use of imagination, improv and scene work. Students will gain a process in order to personalize and spontaneously maneuver their way through a script.
Stage Combat
Basic skills of modern and historic styles of fencing, swordplay and other modes of fighting, and application of these skills to the planning and safe execution of an effective and artistic stage fight.
It’s Your Time to Shine
TheatreUNI produces an eclectic, well-designed mainstage season including musicals, heightened language texts, comedies, new works and plays that address underserved populations. This work is supported by a broad range of professional guest artists and outside industry professionals, as well as opportunities to view professional theatre productions.
Hear from a student – Tatiana Sandoval
“As a student in the department, I’ve been able to get involved on a deeper level. As a founding member of the Multicultural Theatrical Society, I’ve worked together with fellow students and professors to create a more equitable environment, and to make sure students’ voices are heard. We’ve held performances, educational outreach events, panels and workshops within the department. Our work centers on educating people, and celebrating our differences, and it’s really amazing to see the impact we’ve been able to make. We’ve not only grown as students and performers, but I feel like we’ve really grown as people.”
– Theatre Performance student Tatiana Sandoval