Theatre for Youth and Communities Major
UNI is proud to be one of the few universities in the nation offering a specialized degree in Theatre for Youth and Communities. This unique program combines artistry, education, and social impact—making UNI a top destination for students across the Midwest and beyond who want to use theatre to engage young people and their communities in innovative and impactful ways.
Students gain hands-on experience through partnerships with local schools and theatre organizations, touring productions, devised plays, and mainstage performances designed for different developmental stages. These opportunities prepare graduates to create theatre that inspires, educates, and connects audiences of all ages.
Our graduates don’t just perform, direct, or design—they lead. They go on to build rewarding careers in schools, community theatres, nonprofit organizations, and arts programs nationwide, inspiring creativity and fostering connection wherever they go.
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.
Employment
With hands-on experience and professional connections, our graduates consistently secure positions in schools, community theatres, and arts organizations across the country.
Program
UNI is one of only a few schools in the country to offer an undergraduate degree in Theatre for Youth and Communities.
Find out More about Theatre for Youth and Communities
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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:
- Director
- Educator
- Teaching artist
- Youth programming coordinator
Course Sampling
Theatre for Youth
Specific problems of producing theatre for children, including readings in children's literature, child psychology and plays. Practical experience in improvised and scripted performances.
Methods of Teaching Drama and Theatre
Introduction, exploration and application of various methods for teaching and assessing drama and theatre practices and learning in K-12 venues.
Creative Drama
Prepares students to guide children and young adults in creative drama. Study of the art of spontaneous drama as it relates to education and development of young people cognitively and creatively.
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 – Hannah Smith
“The best part about my major is the amount of practical experience that is provided. Virtually any opportunity that I could want working with young people in theatre is available or is possible. This summer, I had the opportunity to be a theatre education intern for the Rose Theater in Omaha, NE, where I learned more than I could possibly imagine. Without the work I’ve been able to do through my major, I would never have had this opportunity.”
– Drama and Theatre for Youth student Hannah Smith