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Theatre Arts
Eastern Oregon University’s Theatre Arts Program offers a student-centered community of artists whose major focus is creativity and collaboration. Our aim is to stimulate and nurture artists who are willing to share the gift of their talents with the audience and each other. The Theatre program does this through not only a Theatre major and minor, but with a dynamic production season for the Theatre student, EOU community and region.
The Theatre program offers several different pathways of study to earn a degree in Theatre! One of the most exciting aspects of these pathways are the inclusion of concentration areas, including Musical Theatre, for students to choose from. Concentration areas provide students with a clear direction in terms of what courses they should study to best prepare themselves for capstone projects, graduate school and/or work beyond EOU. There is also a general Theatre degree option for those students who prefer more flexibility.
The Theatre minor allows flexibility for our students as they are able to choose whichever courses fit into their schedule, preferred delivery mode and interests.
EOU Theatre faculty recognize the importance of connecting with Theatre peers and staying on top of the newest technologies and innovations in Theatre. Therefore, conference opportunities are available to students. Faculty and students regularly attend and participate in the USITT (United States Institute for Theatre Technology) Conference and KCACTF (Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival- Region 7). This offers students a chance to connect with peers, educators and professionals from the region and across the nation
At EOU, we offer a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science to students, with concentrations in the following areas: Design and Production, Musical Theatre, Performance and Directing, or Playwriting and Dramaturgy. A majority of our theatre courses tie directly to our productions. As a theatre student, you will have the opportunity to be involved in every aspect of putting on a production which better prepares for post-graduate success.
The EOU Theatre program’s high impact learning opportunities are included in our production season of plays. These average 3-5 each academic year and include at least one major musical, two non-musicals and 1-2 student directed capstone productions. These productions put into practice what our theatre students learn from our curriculum and cover all areas of production, performance, design, tech, directing, stage management, box office, house management, and promotions.
“My experience as the McKenzie Theatre technician has prepared me for the best in my upcoming career. For the past three years I’ve worked with coordinators from both the university and community, and the wide range of events has been beneficial in expanding my range of expertise.”
Rachel BentzTechnical Stage Staff, Royal Caribbean CruisesJohn Day, Ore.
The EOU Theatre program faculty works one-on-one with students in a variety of concentration areas. Faculty expertise covers performance, directing, stage management, design (set, light and costume), dance, movement, technology, theatre and costume history and fiber arts.
The box office is located in Loso Hall on the EOU campus. Hours change term to term depending on student employee availability but is typically open 9-5pm daily.
Merit-based scholarships are available for Theatre Majors. Complete the Theatre Award application and submit a demonstration of your skill, via audition or portfolio. Funds can range up to $2,000/academic year and are renewable for four years.