Whether you are new to UW or just Drama-curious, you are welcome in the School of Drama! Here are the answers to some of the questions we often get from students who are new to the School of Drama. Have questions that aren't answered here? Email School of Drama Undergraduate Advisor Eloise Boyle at dramaadv@uw.edu.
Q. How can I find out about opportunities in the School of Drama?
The best way to make sure you are hearing about new opportunities in the School of Drama is to sign up for the BA listserve. To do that, just email dramaadv@uw.edu. You do not have to be a Drama major to join the listserve.
You should also follow UW Drama on social media: We are @UWDrama on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Our YouTube channel is YouTube.com/UWDrama1.
Lastly, bookmark our website! It's drama.uw.edu.
Q. How do you get into shows? Can anyone audition even if they're not a major?
There are a few different types of productions in the School of Drama: Shows that are part of our public season (aka "Mainstage shows"), lab projects (aka "218s," "CabLabs," etc.), and student-produced shows, which sometimes happen through registered student organizations and sometimes happen independently. In all cases, you do NOT need to be a Drama major to audition.
Some of the shows in our public season and some lab projects are part of the coursework for our graduate students and so not every part in every show will be available to undergraduates. There are also productions in every season that are dedicated exclusively to undergraduate actors. The best way to find out about auditions is to join the BA listserve. Auditions for shows typically happen toward the end of the quarter prior to the show.
If you have specific questions about auditioning, please contact Jeffrey Fracé, Head of Acting: fracej@uw.edu.
To get involved with student-produced productions, check out the list of student organizations below.
Q. What if I want to work as a stage manager, designer, technician, director, playwright, or dramaturg?
It's important to make your interests known to the faculty or staff member who can help connect you with opportunities and advise you about coursework and production work that will support your interests. Here are the perfect people to contact in the department for each of these interest areas:
Stage management/general interest in production: Ryan Gastelum, Production Manager, gastelum@uw.edu.
Design and technical theatre: Deborah Trout, Head of Design & Production, dtrout@uw.edu.
Directing and playwriting: Valerie Curtis-Newton, Head of Directing & Playwriting, valcn@uw.edu.
Dramaturgy: Scott Magelssen, Head of Theatre History, Theory & Criticism, magelss@uw.edu.
Q. What is the process for declaring a drama major? Do I have to audition?
Our major is not audition-based. Any UW undergraduate can declare a drama major after completing Drama 201 with an average GPA of 2.5 or higher. If you think you might want to major in drama, contact undergraduate advisor Eloise Boyle at emboyle@uw.edu.
Q. Can I double major?
Yes! Drama is a double-friendly major. About 40% of our undergraduates double major in subjects as varied as biology, anthropology, business, English, and public health.
Q. Can I minor in drama?
Yes! We offer minors in acting, design for performance, and theatre studies. If you think you might want to declare a drama minor, contact undergraduate advisor Eloise Boyle at emboyle@uw.edu.
Q. I'm a transfer student. Can I still major in Drama?
Yes! Drama is a transfer-friendly major. Students transferring to UW with an AA degree should have enough time to complete a drama major. If you are a transfer student who is interested in majoring in drama, contact undergraduate advisor Eloise Boyle at emboyle@uw.edu.
Q. What Drama-related student clubs can I get involved with?
There are a number of Drama-related RSOs (registered student organization) that are always welcoming new members. Visit their individual websites to learn more about getting involved.