The Division of Theatre offers students the knowledge, skills and critical perspective necessary for building the strongest foundation possible - in body, mind and spirit - for a lifelong engagement with their art and the world. We make and teach theatre that celebrates the human spirit, that is deeply engaged with the larger world, and that represents the very highest standards.
During four years as undergraduates in the Division of Theatre, students have the opportunity to explore their potential as actors, directors, designers, stage managers or playwrights and to go wherever their inspiration and abilities lead them. The study of theatre at SMU is intensive and, within a strong liberal arts context, unique.
If theatre artists are to represent life on stage, they must acquire personal and intellectual experience from the world in which they live. To this end all theatre majors pursue coursework not only in theatre but also in the social and natural sciences, literature, technology, communications and other areas of human experience.
The theatre program at SMU is one of the most highly regarded training programs in the country. Each year between 20 and 25 undergraduate students are admitted from over 300 auditions across the country. We seek students who represent the very highest standards of excellence and creativity. We seek students who reflect the diversity of our culture. We seek students with intelligence, imagination, talent and passion.
The Division of Theatre provides undergraduate students with two specializations, Acting and Theatre Studies, in order to create a more personalized education. The division believes that education and training in all areas of theatre is important to best understand the actor’s process. All undergraduate theatre majors focus on foundational actor training during the first two years of the program. This fosters a sense of ensemble within the class and allows students to build a foundation that will aid them in the Acting Specialization or the Theatre Studies Specialization track.
