From production to onstage roles, get experience at Saint Louis University's University Theatre.
SLU offers a wide range of cultural experiences, from museums and galleries to performances of instrumental and choral music, theater, dance and more.
The theatre program within the Department of Fine and Performing Arts at Saint Louis University creates an educational experience based on the combination of theoretical classroom explorations and the practical production of plays.
The program specializes in all aspects of production, from set design and lighting to costume design and acting. The theatre program produces plays that challenge students to consider diverse values, viewpoints and expressions of the creative imagination. The collaborative atmosphere among students and faculty members on the theoretical challenges of classroom projects and the practical realization of public performances prepare students to present their imaginative ideas to others.
Through mentoring and advising from faculty, students work together, pushing each other to new levels of learning. They learn to clearly and appropriately present their imaginative ideas to others and explore their creativity. Most importantly, students develop a collective responsibility and commitment to their work.
The collaborative efforts don’t end in the classroom. Through faculty connections, many students find auditions among the 30 professional theatres around St. Louis, including the Fabulous Fox Theatre, located in the Grand Arts Center one block from campus; the newly renovated Peabody Opera House; and the Muny, America’s oldest and largest outdoor musical theater. By branching into these communities, students enhance their education by encountering new perspectives and new roles.
Each semester the theatre program produces a season of plays, challenging students to consider diverse values, viewpoints and expressions of the creative imagination.
The program and core curriculum provide students with the educational foundation for success in careers inside and outside of theatre.
In keeping with the liberal arts focus of Saint Louis University and a long tradition of undergraduate theatre education, company members are expected to develop a basic level of proficiency and practical knowledge in all aspects of theatre while also completing the required core curriculum within the College of Arts and Sciences. The formation of a company highlights the collaborative nature of theatre and the importance of shared commitment and responsibility in pursuit of a goal.
The theatre major requires 36 credits of specialized classes that explore the theoretical, technical and performance aspects of the discipline. Students take three classes in theatre fundamentals, six classes in practical theatre skills and an additional three classes in advanced and applied skills. The applied skills courses can include classes in music performance and dance.
The University Theatre stages four full-length plays on the 400-seat proscenium main stage and a variety of plays in the 70-seat studio theatre. Every theatre major is involved in some way with each production. Theatre majors and minors form a company of actors, designers and technicians that is responsible, with the mentorship and participation of faculty and staff, for all aspects of each work.
Benefits of this program also include several internship and career opportunities. Students participate in the Midwest Theatre Auditions and other local auditions for summer theatre jobs and internships with organizations across the country. Students pursue local employment and internship opportunities with the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, the St. Louis Black Repertory Company, Opera Theatre St. Louis, the Muny Theatre and other professional organizations.
Graduates from SLU's theatre program have worked in 30 professional theatres in and around St. Louis, including the Fabulous Fox Theatre, located in the Grand Center Arts district one block from campus; the newly renovated Peabody Opera House; and the Muny, America's oldest and largest outdoor musical theater.
Alumni from the theatre program work in professional theatre, feature films, television productions, commercials and other venues where actors, playwrights, directors, designers and theatrical craftspeople are needed. Graduates are also able to use their skills in non-theatrical fields such as law, training, sales, marketing and other careers where presentation skills are key.
Begin your application for this program at www.slu.edu/apply. Saint Louis University also accepts the Common App.
All applications are thoroughly reviewed with the highest degree of individual care and consideration to all credentials that are submitted. Solid academic performance in college preparatory course work is a primary concern in reviewing a freshman applicant’s file.
To be considered for admission to any Saint Louis University undergraduate program, the applicant must be graduating from an accredited high school, have an acceptable HiSET exam score or take the General Education Development (GED) test. Beginning with the 2021-22 academic year, undergraduate applicants will not be required to submit standardized test scores (ACT or SAT) in order to be considered for admission. Applicants will be evaluated equally, with or without submitted test scores.
Begin your application for this program at www.slu.edu/apply.
Applicants must be a graduate of an accredited high school or have an acceptable score on the GED. An official high school transcript and official test scores are required only of those students who have attempted fewer than 24 transferable semester credits (or 30 quarter credits) of college credit. Those having completed 24 or more of college credit need only submit a transcript from previously attended college(s). In reviewing a transfer applicant’s file, the office of admission holistically examines the student’s academic performance in college-level coursework as an indicator of the student’s ability to meet the academic rigors of Saint Louis University.
Begin your application for this program at www.slu.edu/apply.
All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students along with the following:
There are two principal ways to help finance a Saint Louis University education:
For priority consideration for merit-based scholarships, apply for admission by Dec. 1 and complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1.
For information on other scholarships and financial aid, visit the student financial services office online at https://www.slu.edu/financial-aid.
Theatre majors must complete a minimum of 36 credits for the major.
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Core Requirements | ||
College core requirements | 57-66 | |
For additional information about core courses | ||
Theatre Core | ||
THR 1500 | Introduction to Theatre | 3 |
THR 2200 | Survey of Theatre Design | 3 |
THR 2510 | Acting I: Fundamentals | 3 |
THR 2520 | Stagecraft | 3 |
THR 3500 | Playscript Analysis | 3 |
THR 3550 | Theatre Practicum 1 | 0 |
THR 3600 | Professional Theatre: Career Preparation | 3 |
THR 3700 | Directing I: Theories & Method | 3 |
THR 4515 | History of Theatre and Dance Advanced Studies | 3 |
Theatre Elective Courses | ||
Select five of the following: | 15 | |
Costume Construction | ||
Acting II: Rehearsal & Performance | ||
Voice & Diction | ||
Movement for the Theatre | ||
Make-Up for the Stage | ||
Exploring U.S. Diversity in Theatre | ||
Musical Theatre Performance | ||
Advanced Acting: Auditioning | ||
Theatre Management Advanced Studies | ||
Stage Management | ||
Advanced Acting: Scene Study | ||
Advanced Acting: Period Styles | ||
Advanced Acting for the Camera | ||
Directing II | ||
General Electives | 15-24 | |
Total Credits | 120 |
1 | Majors must complete and pass 6 semesters |
For students who intend to major in theatre:
In general, practicum or internship theatre credits may not be used to fulfill the Fine Arts Core Requirement within the College of Arts and Sciences.
All theatre major/minor courses must be completed with a grade of C or higher in order to count for theatre major/minor requirements and to continue in the major/minor.
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Core Components and Credits | ||
Foundations of Discourse | 3 | |
Diversity in the U.S. | 3 | |
Global Citizenship | 3 | |
Foreign Language | 0-9 | |
Fine Arts | 3 | |
Literature | 6 | |
Mathematics | 3 | |
Natural Science | 6 | |
Philosophy | 9 | |
Social Science | 6 | |
Theology | 9 | |
World History | 6 | |
Total Credits | 57-66 |
Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.
Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.
This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.
Year One | ||
---|---|---|
Fall | Credits | |
THR 1500 | Introduction to Theatre | 3 |
THR 2510 | Acting I: Fundamentals | 3 |
THR 3550 | Theatre Practicum | 0 |
CAS Core | 9 | |
Credits | 15 | |
Spring | ||
THR 2520 | Stagecraft | 3 |
THR 3500 | Playscript Analysis | 3 |
THR 3550 | Theatre Practicum | 0 |
CAS Core | 6 | |
Electives | 3 | |
Credits | 15 | |
Year Two | ||
Fall | ||
THR 2200 | Survey of Theatre Design | 3 |
THR 4515 | History of Theatre and Dance Advanced Studies | 3 |
THR 3550 | Theatre Practicum | 0 |
CAS Core | 6 | |
Electives | 3 | |
Credits | 15 | |
Spring | ||
THR 3550 | Theatre Practicum | 0 |
THR Elective 1 | 6 | |
CAS Core | 6 | |
Electives | 3 | |
Credits | 15 | |
Year Three | ||
Fall | ||
THR 3550 | Theatre Practicum | 0 |
THR Elective 1 | 6 | |
CAS Core | 6 | |
Electives | 3 | |
Credits | 15 | |
Spring | ||
Recommended Study Aboard (CAS Core) | 15 | |
Credits | 15 | |
Year Four | ||
Fall | ||
THR 3550 | Theatre Practicum | 0 |
THR 3700 | Directing I: Theories & Method | 3 |
THR Elective 1 | 3 | |
Electives | 6 | |
Fine Arts elective (non-theatre) | 3 | |
Credits | 15 | |
Spring | ||
THR 3550 | Theatre Practicum | 0 |
THR 3600 | Professional Theatre: Career Preparation | 3 |
THR Elective 1 | 3 | |
Electives | 12 | |
Credits | 18 | |
Total Credits | 123 |
1Elective courses – Students must take 12 hours (4 courses) from the following:
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
THR 2500 | Costume Construction | 3 |
THR 2530 | Acting II: Rehearsal & Performance | 3 |
THR 2540 | Voice & Diction | 3 |
THR 2560 | Movement for the Theatre | 3 |
THR 2580 | Make-Up for the Stage | 3 |
THR 2700 | Exploring U.S. Diversity in Theatre | 3 |
THR 3510 | Musical Theatre Performance | 3 |
THR 3520 | Advanced Acting: Auditioning | 3 |
THR 3610 | Theatre Management Advanced Studies | 3 |
THR 3620 | Stage Management | 3 |
THR 4505 | Costume and Scene Design | 3 |
THR 4545 | Lighting and Sound Design | 3 |
THR 4570 | Advanced Acting: Scene Study | 3 |
THR 4590 | Advanced Acting: Period Styles | 3 |
THR 4620 | Advanced Acting for the Camera | 3 |
THR 4700 | Directing II | 3 |