Learn about... Univ. of Georgia

Home > Tour the Colleges! > Indiana > USI

The Acting Program At...

The USI Theatre Program presents students with exciting experiences that carry the work of the classroom forward into the practical realm of the University's fully-produced season of plays, a season that ranges from such classic playwrights as Sophocles and Shakespeare to contemporary plays and musicals. Moreover, these productions enjoy a professional component rare at any University, including those with robust graduate programs.

This professional component is made possible by a unique relationahip between between USI's academic program and the New Harmony Theatre, a professional summer repertory company produced by the University and employing theatre artists from all over the United States each year. Not only can USI Theatre students receive their first professional experience working at this theatre, but with dedicated mentoring and placement guidance from the faculty,  students also begin to work in other professional  theatres around the country during their study, so there are always opportunities to pursue, both in and out of the classroom.

Furthermore, a new program of joint productions between the the University and New Harmony theatres called The Repertory Project, has brought the professional connection into the Fall production season and a special internship class that organizes the project.  No other program of study can do more to provide real professional experience to its students.  The USI program is unique, not only in the state of Indiana and its immediate region, but in a national context as well, where the practical experience it provides rivals that of the finest graduate schools in the country.

The USI program is dedicated to serving the professional ambitions of its students. However, as Baccalaureate candidates, students prepare for a full range of possibilities following their college experience. Therefore, while a strong professional focus is maintained throughout the program, the USI Theatre program of study has far-ranging applications, greatly increasing students' sense of personal discipline, their critical thinking, and their communication skills. Graduates of the program are generally well-prepared for graduate study, specialized internships in the field, as well as for the professional world. Many will seek a career in teaching, combining their study with a Secondary Education field, such as English. Others may pursue the study of Law.

The Theatre Program at USI believes strongly that Theatre students, regardless of their area of focus, must have an appreciation for the theatre as a whole. It, therefore, requires a balance between performance and technical subject areas. All students are required to take some history or survey classes, as well. Still, the program provides a great deal of flexibility, enabling performance students to choose Acting, Directing, and Playwriting electives, while technology and design students may develop equally in the areas of Lighting, Scenery and Costume. Special Topics classes are periodically offered to address alternative interests and the needs of the students, as well.