Theatre – Peck School of the Arts

Theatre is a powerful art form that can enrich your life and your community. That’s why our minor in theatre is designed for a wide variety of students like you who are interested in exploring theatre and the many ways it can enhance your own life.

Whether you have dabbled in theatre or are just starting out, our program provides you with a challenging and supportive theatre experience to complement your major. For many students, our minor is a way to build on previous theatre experience despite having a different major. For others, it’s a window into a new world – one that adds excitement and rounds out their education. Whatever your reason, a theatre minor is a great addition to your academic focus. We’re glad you are here!

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Program Type

Minor

Program Format

On Campus

The arts are for everyone

A minor or certificate in the arts provides a well-rounded education. That’s because the arts foster creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. They enhance communication and presentation skills, which are valuable in any professional setting. Engaging in the arts also increases empathy and understanding of diverse people and perspectives. Plus, they bring a unique selling point to your resume by demonstrating a versatile skill set.

And let’s be honest: The arts are also a lot of fun, adding stress relief and variety to your college experience.

All Minors & Certificates

89%Executives agree that creativity is a top skill

91%Americans agree the arts are vital to education

73%Americans say the arts help them understand others

45Minutes of art making can reduce stress levels

Program Details

As a student in our minor in theatre, you’ll have the opportunity to explore many aspects of theatre. You’ll set the stage by taking a course in theatre literacy, such as play analysis. Then you’ll go behind the scenes with a production or management course. You’ll also have the opportunities to showcase your own talents with performance courses, such as acting for non-majors or theatre games. The minor provides lots of choices for electives, giving you flexibility to explore makeup, lighting, playwriting, sound design, costuming and more.

You can also collaborate with other theatre artists, including opportunities to work on productions on campus. And you’ll do it all in a vibrant and diverse community of theatre artists and scholars who share your passion for the arts.

View the Theatre Minor requirements.

Current UWM students seeking to declare a minor or certificate should do so by contacting us directly.

Performances

From backstage to center stage, front of house or in front of a classroom, our public performances are a vehicle for training students in every aspect of theatre. They are also a source of high-quality performing arts entertainment for our campus and community. Explore our upcoming performances or take a look at recent productions.

Theatre Performances

Internships & Opportunities

Students work and intern professionally with Milwaukee’s professional music organizations, theatre and dance companies, and film festivals, as well as leading art museums, galleries and creative agencies. See where your education can take you. Learn more about internships and opportunities.

Student Organizations & Clubs

Meet like-minded people in a wide variety of student organizations and clubs who inspire creativity and will support your aspirations. Collaborate and create, network with professional artists, and deepen your connection with faculty, mentors and fellow students outside of the classroom.

Study Abroad

We believe that a complete education in the arts should take you beyond the classroom and the local community. By studying abroad, you’ll gain more than a change of scenery. You’ll embark on a transformative educational experience and bring a global perspective to your field of study. Explore upcoming trips offered in partnership with the Center for International Education.

Alumni Stories in Theatre

Theatre alum brings ghostly features to life in world premiere production

In Milwaukee’s recent World Premiere of The Forgotten Girl, production design is more important than ever. Viewers are immersed in the world of the main characters Iris and Daniel as they discover the abandoned grave of a girl in their grade and begin interacting with her ghost. Scenic designer Amaya …
UWM Grad Makes A Guest Appearance On Modern Family

Brittani Ebert, who earned her bachelor’s degree in theater from UWM’s Peck School of the Arts in 2002, has a co-starring role in the Sept. 30 episode of ABC’s “Modern Family.” Ebert, who grew up in Sun Prairie, also has appeared on the popular series “Jane the Virgin” and “Criminal …

View More Alumni Stories

Careers in Theatre

Actor/Actress
Agent
Art Director
Artistic Director
Arts & Entertainment Writer
Arts Administration
Arts Council Director
Box Office Manager
Broadway Theatre/Tours
Business Consultant
Camp Director
Carpentry/Scenic Artistry
Casting Director
Choreographer
Comedian
Community Arts Organizer
Computer Drafter/Designer
Conflict Resolution Facilitator
Corporate Trainer
Costume Designer
Costume Director
Costume Shop Manager
Crafts Artisan
Creative Director
Cruise Line Performer
Curator
Development Director
Dialect Coach
Director
Drama Therapist
Dramaturgy
Draper/Cutter

Drapery Fabricator/Installer
Education Administrator
Electrician
Entertainer
Entertainment Designer/Manager
Events Manager
Event Coordinator
Gaffer
Grip
Hair and Makeup
Lawyer
Life Coach
Lighting Designer/Director
Makeup Designer/Artist
Managing Director
Marketing & Sales
Master Carpenter
Milliner
Model
Musical Theatre Artist
Office Administration
Outreach Coordinator
Playwright
Politician
Producer
Production Assistant
Production Manager
Project Manager
Projection Designer
Properties Director
Props Artisan
Rigging Installer
Scenery Designer

Scenic Artist/Painter
Screenwriter
Scriptwriter
Set Designer/Decorator
Singer
Social Worker
Sound Designer/Engineer
Sound Technician
Special Effects Artist
Stage Director/Manager
Stagehand
Staging Fabricator
Stunt Double
Tailor
Talent Agent/Director
Technical Director
Television/Radio Personality
Theatre Consultant
Theatre Critic
Theatre Education Teacher
Theatre Equipment Sales
Theatre Journalist/Blogger
Therapist
Trade Show Designer
University Administration
University Faculty
Visual Effects Director/Engineer
Vocal Coach
Voiceover Artist
Wardrobe Specialist
Wigmaker

Program Faculty

Which faculty you have within this program is dependent upon your chosen courses or interests. For a list of all Theatre faculty and staff please follow the link below.

Theatre Faculty & Staff