• Quick Facts
• Routinely ranked among The Princeton Review’s Top 10 "Best College Theatres"
• Among the nation’s oldest (established in 1899) and best undergraduate theatre programs
• Perform in a realistic environment with male apprentice students
• Learn to succeed in the entertainment business (on stage and behind-the-scenes)

B.F.A. IN THEATRE ARTS
In Stephens’ three-year, two-summer B.F.A. in Theatre Arts, you will receive intensive training in your specific performing arts interest area. Choose an emphasis in acting, musical theatre, directing, stage and theatre management, or scenic, costume and lighting design.

You will learn in a master-apprentice environment where you work in the classroom and act on stage opposite professional actors. Countless opportunities to polish your skills include performing at the Macklanburg Playhouse, Warehouse Theatre, Summer Theatre Institute and, in Spirit Lake, Iowa, at our Okoboji Summer Theatre.

As a theatrical design student, you acquire practical and challenging skills, taking courses in theory and practice of scenography, lighting design and costuming. Master all the detail aspects of design, drafting, painting and planning.

B.F.A. IN THEATRE MANAGEMENT
This three-year, two-summer program gives students the necessary background in theatre and business to pursue a career in theatre management areas, including box office, publicity and public relations.

B.F.A. IN THEATRICAL COSTUME DESIGN
This three-year, two-summer program combines study in theatre, art and fashion, preparing students for careers in costume design. Students gain hands-on experience designing costumes for stage productions in the Warehouse Theatre and Macklanburg Playhouse on campus and at the College’s Okoboji Summer Theatre in Spirit Lake, Iowa.

B.A. IN THEATRE ARTS
The four-year B.A. in Theatre Arts is designed for students who wish to include more intensive work in the liberal arts in their degree program, in preparation for graduate study or a teaching career. Our two summer theatre programs are not part of this major.

PROFESSIONAL CONSERVATORY TRAINING PROGRAM
Offered by the School of Performing Arts at Stephens College, the Professional Conservatory Training Program is a two-year, two-summer non-degree program that emphasizes performance-based studio work. Participants choose an emphasis area from the following: acting, dance, musical theatre or technical theatre. Faculty work with participants to develop a customized experience focused on refining skills and techniques.

MINORS
Stephens also offers minors in MUSIC & VOICE and THEATRE ARTS. Click here for a full list of minors.

BACHELOR'S + MASTER'S PROGRAM
Earn a master's degree in as little as one additional year through our Bachelor's + Master's Program.