*gRADUATE sCHOOL*

About the Department of UO

The Department of Theater Arts offers major curricula leading to the bachelor of arts (B.A.), bachelor of science (B.S.), master of arts (M.A.), master of science (M.S.), master of fine arts (M.F.A.), and doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees. Courses in theater arts are available for students majoring in other disciplines who want to develop their communication skills and their ability to appreciate and evaluate what they see and hear.
The theater arts department offers a cross-disciplinary and liberal-arts education. Preprofessional courses provide vocational competence in teaching and in some aspects of commercial theater. Some students seek careers in commercial, educational, and community theaters as designers, actors, technicians, stage managers, or theater managers. Many continue specialized training in M.F.A. degree programs or nondegree professional training schools. Some students use their liberal-arts background to pursue vocational opportunities that require advanced skills in communication and organization.
Students may gain practical experience in theater studies through University Theatre productions and other opportunities.
Theaters. The Robinson Theatre has a proscenium stage and seats nearly 400 people. The new Miller Theatre project will include a "black box" arena theater seating 150200 people, a new lobby serving both the Robinson and tbe new Arena Theatre, a new costume shop, and an expanded scene shop. Construction is expected to be complete by October 2008. The Pocket Playhouse, in Villard Hall, is a small proscenium stage and seats seventy-five people.
Technical Facilities. The scene shop is well equipped with power tools for wood and metal fabrication. Lighting equipment includes computerized controls and up-to-date instruments. The costume shop has power sewing and serging machines and a laundry and crafts area. Students are encouraged to sign up for production workshop classes or to practice their crafts as volunteers. Those who qualify for work-study financial aid are hired to assist in the shops. The shops are open every day.
Pocket Playhouse. Pocket Playhouse is the site for a series of productions presented by an elected student board. Student directors may propose plays and the board makes selections by lottery.
University Theatre. The department's season is composed of productions in two venues: the Robinson Theatre and the new Arena Theatre. Faculty members and graduate students direct and design as many as six shows a year.