Theatre Arts Major

The world is your stage! A Theatre Arts degree from Grand View will help you combine your passion and creativity with the teamwork, ability to work under pressure and problem solving skills to make you a successful professional. These skills are highly desirable, not only in the world of theatre, but in a variety of professions. GV's Theatre program encourages you to get involved in all aspects of theatrical creation.

You'll graduate with experience both in performance and production and your broad experience will prepare you well for future success in theatre, graduate training, internships and more.

Why Grand View?

Shine on- or off-stage in four exciting, diverse, productions each year
Get hands-on experience early and often with no waiting to audition or work backstage on a production
Participate in the Region V Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival each year
Learn about all aspects of creating theatre and create a broad base of understanding/experience for your future work
Get involved in our vibrant chapter of Alpha Psi Omega, the honorary Theatre Society

Theatre Arts Scholarship

The theatre department offers to selected new full-time day students who major or minor in Theatre and have an interest in participating in theatre productions. Scholarship awards range from $300 – $1,500 based on whether a student is a Theatre major, a Theatre minor or plans only to participate in theatre productions. The theatre scholarship is renewable based on the student continuing as a Theatre major, minor or participant. The student must also maintain a 2.50 cumulative grade point average. Learn More

Career Options

Theatre arts is a creative and broad industry...pursue your passion as a:

Technical Director
Performer
Literary Manager
Costume Designer
Stage Manager
Scenic Designer
Director
Theatre Carpenter
Education / Outreach Manager
Theatre for Young Audiences Teacher
Company Manager
Sound Designer
Makeup / Hair Artist
Talent Agent
Production Manager
House Manager
Lighting Designer

What Can I Do With This Major?

Course Requirements

DOwnload Degree Checklist

GV Degree Combinations

You may also be interested in one or more of the following:

Awards and Accomplishments

Faculty

Kristin Larson • Associate Professor and Chair of Theatre Arts co-founded Goldfinch Theatre, and recently produced and directed No Coast, an original play by Raygun’s Mike Draper that was a hit with the greater Des Moines community. In 2016, Kristin co-wrote Lost and Found, with her husband and writing partner Craig Petersen. Lost and Found was performed at Grand View for free to children from all over Des Moines; the production received numerous awards and was held for consideration for performance in the Regional V Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival.

Alumni

Randy Young • After serving three years as Grand View Theatre’s interim technical director and designer, Randy was accepted to the MFA program in Scenic Design at University of South Carolina.

Carmen McDermott • Received the KCACTF Costume Design commendation for her 2017 design of Alexander Who’s Not Not Not Not Not Not Going to Move.

Paige Beck (2016) • Theatre Arts Major graduate, is the resident stage manager for the Pyramid Theatre Company in Des Moines

Michael Tallman (2014) • Theatre Arts Major Graduate runs Scriptease, a play reading series for Iowa Stage in Des Moines.

Elizabeth Penrose (2012) • Theatre Arts Major Graduate is a professional Stage Manager in Chicago.

Is a Theatre Arts Major the Right Fit for You?

If you’ve ever acted in a play, you know how much work it takes to put a production together. A theatre major is your ticket to every corner of the theatre world.

Whether you specialize in acting or design, you’ll learn in class, backstage, and onstage. You’ll read, discuss, and write about all kinds of theatrical works. You’ll also get your hands dirty applying what you learn in class as you build sets, design costumes, direct, or act in department productions.

It Helps To Be...

Creative, organized, and able to manage your time well. You may be working on a paper about Shakespearean comedy while rehearsing your own performance art piece.

Theatre Arts Major

Why Grand View?

GV Degree Combinations

Awards and Accomplishments

Faculty

Alumni

Is a Theatre Arts Major the Right Fit for You?

Are You Ready To...

It Helps To Be...

Faculty

Viking Theatre