1) Do I have to be a theatre major to participate in productions?

No. Of the many students who are actively involved in theatre at NWU, approximately 85% are Theatre Arts Majors or Minors. The program is designed to allow all students who are interested in performance, design, technology, and theatre history to fully participate in all aspects of production. We welcome your active involvement at whatever level you choose.

2) What degrees do you offer?

We offer a Bachelor of Arts with a liberal arts focus as well as a Bachelor of Arts with a secondary teaching endorsement in theatre. For students looking for a professional program we offer a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting, Directing, Musical Theatre, Design and Technology and Theatre Studies. The professional program follows a modified conservatory approach. 

 3) How often do you produce musicals?

We recognize the importance of presenting musical theatre to our students and audiences, and we consider many different musical titles in the planning of our seasons. Currently, we produce four musical every year. We are always careful to select musical works that are challenging and thought-provoking, as well as entertaining.

4) Can first-year students be involved in the program?

Absolutely! We view our productions as performance laboratories where students test the ideas they study in the classroom so first-year students are encouraged to be involved. We try our best to select a season that will provide plenty of performance opportunities for students. Even though cast numbers maybe limited, there are always opportunities available to work behind the scenes. 

5) How many plays do you produce each year?

Our season includes 14 mainstage productions, two annual festivals of student-directed short plays as well several student directed one-hour and full length plays and musicals.  Each of our mainstage plays runs for eight performances over the course of two weeks. The student-produced festival work runs for two performances on a single weekend and the student directed longer plays and musicals can run for four to eight performances over one or two weekends. Overall we produce at least 40 productions per year.

6) What kinds of plays do you produce?

We produce a wide variety of works from classical tragedies to contemporary comedies, and everything in between. We are committed to giving our students and audiences a rich theatrical experience consisting of works from different times, places, and genres. Each year we produce at least one of Shakespeare's play.  Please look at our production archive to get a sense of the range of our main season productions.

7) If I am involved in the Theatre Arts Program at NWU, can I still participate in other activities?

Certainly. While there is a significant time commitment expected of all students involved in theatre productions, our students can and do participate in other activities including choir, band, orchestra, athletics, student government, and various other campus organizations. Most of the students who are attracted to Nebraska Wesleyan are interested in a lot of different things, and we try to encourage our students to explore all aspects of the liberal arts experience.

8) What kind of financial aid opportunities exist in theatre arts?

We have several work-study positions in all the technical areas of production. We also offer theatre scholarship awards for outstanding students in performance, design, and technology. 

9) Can I take theatre classes if I am not a Theatre Arts major?

Yes! Our Theatre Appreciation class is designed specifically for non-majors, and many of our other course offerings count toward general education credits in the fine arts area. Academic credit can also be earned for participation in productions. One to two credits can be earned for each onstage or backstage assigned production experience. 

10) What kinds of positions are available behind the scenes?

There are opportunities in virtually every area of technical production: set construction, scene painting, costume construction, make-up, lighting, sound, props, and run crew. Additionally, students fill positions in stage management and assistant directing for each production. Although there are a limited number of positions available on the run crew of each production, you can work year-round in all areas of construction.

11) What can I do with a liberal arts degree in Theatre?

Your studies in Theatre Arts will prepare you to pursue advanced training or professional opportunities in performance, design, directing, technology, and theatre history. You will also acquire valuable skills that can be applied to many professions outside of theatre arts. Theatre majors develop skills in interpersonal communication, group problem-solving, artistic expression, creative thinking, organization, and leadership. A liberal arts degree in theatre may open the door to careers in public relations, arts administration, government, marketing, law, communications, education, and many other fields of endeavor. Of course a high percentage of our students will also be "doing the art" upon graduation.