UW School of Drama

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Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What can I do with a major in Drama?

A major in Drama opens many opportunities to participate in theatre by working as an actor, producer, stage manager, set designer, director, make-up artist, and more.  Many of our alumni have gone on to have very successful careers and some of their success stories can be found in the Grad Bag section of the Drama Newsletter.  Additional information on what you can do with a major in Drama can be found at the UW Career Center.

What courses do I need to declare the major?

In order to declare the major and gain registration priority for courses, students must complete:  Drama 201, Drama 251, two from Drama 210, 211, 212, or 213, and one from Drama 290, 291, or 292.  The complete BA worksheet with degree requirements is available online. 

Are there areas of specialization?

We currently do not offer separate tracks for undergraduate students pursuing a BA in Drama.  If students are interested in particular areas such as set design, acting, etc., additional elective coursework can be completed in those areas .

How do I register for courses?

Students can register for most Drama courses through My UW during registration periods one and two.  If courses are filled, students can sign up at the advising office.  A list of major courses and requirements for regsistration can be found here

If I have completed drama courses from another college will they count toward the major ?

Yes.  Transfer students with drama or theatre credits completed elsewhere should make an appointment with one of the drama advisers to have their courses evaluated for transfer credit.   

Can I do a double major?

Yes.  Many students are able to complete the requirements for two majors and still graduate on time without exceeding the 180 credits required to graduate.  Students who knowingly will exceed 180 credits should meet with an advisor to create an approved program of study.  For double majors and double degrees, students should make an appointment with the advisor from that department

Are there study abroad options in Drama and Theatre?

Each year there are exploration seminars and study abroad options that focus specifically on Drama and Theatre.  Past opportunities have included touring historic theatres in London, exploring the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and studying Russian Theatre in Tashkent Uzbekistan.  News and updates on opportunities will be sent out through the School of Drama email listserv and you can also visit the International Programs and Exchanges website to learn more.

Will this prepare me to be a Theatre teacher?

Yes.  The major in Drama will prepare students to have subject competency in Theatre Arts under the state teaching exams.  Students planning on working as teachers would need to apply to a teaching certificate or Masters in Teaching program after graduation.  In addition to the core courses, we highly recommend that students interested in teaching take directing, stage managing, and child drama courses for their electives.  Information on the teaching program at the University of Washington is avaliable on the College of Education website.

Are there acting and other theatre opportunities available for undergrads?

Yes.  One of the best ways that students can get involved with acting, directing, set design, and other opportunities within theatre is to join or contact the Undergraduate Theatre Society at the University of Washington.   There are also auditions held for some of the mainstage productions that are open to undergraduates and that information is emailed out through the Drama listserv.

When are the auditions for the mainstage productions held?

Information will be posted on the Auditions Board and sent out via the DRAMA_BAS email forum. Check with the Drama Advisers for more information.

Can I earn credit for being cast in a School of Drama production?

Yes, if the production is a mainstage production, a student may earn credits the following quarter under Drama 498. If the production is a UTS production, a student may earn credit under Drama 298. Drama 498 may count toward the drama electives in the major; Drama 298 credits count toward the general electives toward graduation. To earn credit, fill out a form available in the main office and take it to Hutchinson Hall Room 105B to get an entry code.

Can I earn academic credit for doing an internship?

Yes, depending on the content of the internship.  If you have an off-campus opportunity in theatre and are interested in receiving internship credit, please contact one of the Drama Advisers so that the internship opportunity can be evaluated for Drama 493 (Supervised Internship) credit.  Students can receive up to 6 credits of Drama 493 which can apply toward the 10 required credits of Drama electives.     

When should I file my application to graduate?

Students in their senior year (over 130 units) should make an appointment with an advisor to complete an application for graduation and go over the remaining requirements.  This will ensure that the degree can be completed in the expected time and that no courses or requirements have been overlooked.  It will also give the student Graduating Senior Priority (GSP) with registration for their last 2 quarters and enable them to get into the courses earlier than usual. 

Is there a separate graduation from the School of Drama?

In addition to the larger University graduation, the School of Drama holds a more personal and intimate graduation and celebration at the end of the spring quarter.  Information including time and location will be sent out through the Drama email listserv.  

When will I get my diploma?

Diplomas are mailed to the student's address selected on MyUW (local or permanent) three to four months following graduation. The diploma will list name, degree, and any applicable honors.  Majors are not listed on UW diplomas.  Information on graduation and diplomas is available here.

 

 

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University of Washington

UW School of Drama • Box 353950 • Seattle WA 98195
206.543.5140 phone • 206.543.8512 fax • uwdrama@u.washington.edu

Photo credits: Frank Rosenstein, Victoria Lahti, Adam Sanders, UTS Photographers
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