Theatre (Minor)
Why study theatre?
Does the stage call to you? Do you want to develop your skills in the spotlight or behind the scenes? If so, a minor in theatre is for you. Theatre studies allow you to develop a core understanding and practical application of the performing arts — including acting, technical theatre, and stage design. With a minor in theatre, you will gain transferable skills that can be applied to a wide range of professions beyond the arts, including teamwork, collaboration, communication, and leadership.
At Aurora University, we are here to help turn your passion into purpose. That is why our theatre department gives students a place to explore and cultivate their various interests as they grow into the unique theatre artists they are meant to become.
As a theatre minor at AU, your studies will include an in-depth analysis of the genres of theatre, literature, and technique. From Shakespeare to modern theatre to original plays of your own, you will explore literary influences, theatre technology, techniques, and exercises.
You will have the opportunity to be involved in high-caliber productions and work directly with professional directors, designers, and artists. Through AU’s student-centered curriculum, you will learn to analyze performances perceptively and to evaluate them critically. Our faculty are professional theatre artists who will work collaboratively with you to refine your presentation skills for entry into the world of performing arts or graduate study.
At AU, I had the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse group of talented theatre professionals, gaining hands-on experience across a wide range of styles, from classical productions to contemporary scene work.Gregory Knoerr '25
- Acting
- Design for the stage
- Performance
- Play analysis
- Choir
- Elysian Literary Magazine
- Main Stage productions
- Spartan Stage productions
Because AU's theatre program mirrors professional productions, from auditions to tech week, I was prepared to apply what I was learning while working at the Paramount Theatre in downtown Aurora.Corri Rogan '25
Experiential learning
You will have opportunities to hone your craft and put your studies into practice; participate in department or student productions, take advantage of partnerships with local award-winning professional theatres within minutes of the AU campus, and even secure an internship in the field. Whether small, regional performances in the suburbs or big-city shows in Chicago, your attendance at a variety of theatre productions will substantially enrich your classroom learning experience. You will be able to glean insights from real-world observations and apply them to your own performances in AU’s state-of-the-art theatre facilities.