The School of Drama is home to nationally recognized graduate professional training programs offering MFA degrees in acting, directing and design. Our PhD program is at the forefront of critical theatre studies in America, with a highly respected national profile. Our BA program fosters collaboration, innovation and entrepreneurship as well as the critical thinking and organizational skills students need to succeed professionally. Students from all backgrounds come together for a singular educational experience and go on to excel in many fields.
The School of Drama has exceptionally close ties to the Seattle theatre community. Our faculty and alumni have founded or currently hold leadership positions in many of our region's (past and present) theatres, including ACT – A Contemporary Theatre, Seattle Children's Theatre, Seattle Repertory Theatre, Azeotrope, The Empty Space Theatre, Washington Ensemble Theatre, Jet City Improv, and Oregon Shakespeare Festival.
During the School’s main stage season, patrons meet emerging MFA and undergraduate artists on campus in the Meany Studio Theatre, the historic Glenn Hughes Penthouse Theatre and the Floyd and Delores Jones Playhouse.
Core Teaching
The UW School of Drama is the only comprehensive undergraduate and graduate theatre program in the region.
Bachelor of Arts
With classes in theatre history, theory and criticism, performance, design, and production, our BA program offers a range of educational opportunities that teach critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, entrepreneurship, and artistic excellence based on a thorough and rigorous study of theatre arts. In addition to performance, design, and other theatre-related skills, Drama majors develop traits that employers avidly seek. Click here for a chart that will help you communicate your value to any potential employer.
Master of Fine Arts
We offer three-year intensive, conservatory programs in acting, directing, and design that prepare artists for successful professional careers. Our MFA programs produce creative leaders - skilled, rigorous, and entrepreneurial, who have learned how to foster their own creativity and chart their own course in today’s ever-changing performing arts landscape.
Doctor of Philosophy
Our four-year PhD program trains scholars of performance and theatre history for the academy. We provide comprehensive training in theatre and performance scholarship, encompassing a wide definition of performance while maintaining rigorous training within a discipline core.
Faculty
Our dynamic, award-winning faculty is dedicated to enabling each artist and scholar to reach their full potential. With decades of professional expertise, our collaborative team of faculty and guest artists provide our students with a mastery of the fundamentals, passion for innovation, and preparation for successful careers in multiple media.
Geoff Korf, Executive Director
Area Heads
- Jeffrey Fracé, Head of Acting
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Valerie Curtis-Newton, Head of Directing and Playwriting
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Scott Magelssen, Head of History, Theory, and Criticism, Undergraduate Coordinator
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Andrew Smith, Head of Design and Production