College of Liberal Arts

Mission Statement

"In a liberal arts setting, the Theatre Division at Purdue University educates students to acquire the discipline, analytical skills, and aesthetic judgement necessary for collaboration with others as productive citizens and artists."

Program Objective

The study of theatre in the liberal arts tradition is designed to provide each student with the knowledge, abilities, and skills needed to be effective, productive, and socially conscious citizens in our rapidly changing world. By studying the many facets of this art form, the student learns how to apply history, art, psychology, sociology, philosophy, political/economic systems, and many other disciplines toward the creation of a shared theatrical event.

The study of theatre encourages the student to develop the knowledge and ability to respond analytically to the concerns of people from a wide range of cultural and intellectual backgrounds, to develop critical thinking, to make aesthetic judgments, to work in a collaborative process, to value the intuitive and creative impulse of the artist, to effectively communicate and to synthesize divergent ideals from a wide array of related disciplines.

Theatre is the most collaborative of all art forms.

Theatre teaches the ability to create a world that furthers our understanding of our society and its history. In addition to providing a unique Liberal Arts education, the Theatre major is also prepared to compete for entry into graduate programs or pursue a professional career.

Each undergraduate may choose to pursue a general degree encompassing all areas of Theatre or to specialize in Acting or Stage Management.

We believe that the study of Theatre must include both the classroom study ad practical application of those studies. Therefore, the student is encouraged and expected to be an active member of our production community. In this laboratory setting, the student not only applies information and ideas learned in classes, but also learns the critical life lessons of responsibility, commitment, and cooperation which are crucial skills needed for survival in the 21st century.

The student is nourished through the study and practice of Theatre for a life as both a citizen of the world and as an artist.

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Apply On-line

Follow this link to apply to Purdue University today. Click here to apply on-line or request an application.

Undergraduate Scholarships

Several scholarships are available to Theatre majors at Purdue. Incoming students complete a single application for all scholarships. For a copy of the application click here. To receive a hard copy, e-mail theatre@purdue.edu. Other university scholarship opportunities are described on the College of Liberal Arts web site.

In this section

• Undergraduate
• Theatre Major
• Acting Major
• Theatre Minor
• Theatre Design and Technology Minor