Working on project in School of Drama.

Join a creative community that tells impactful stories

At the UW School of Drama, we believe in the power of theatrical storytelling to elevate individual and collective voices, promote understanding and nurture compassion. Our undergraduate and graduate programs prepare students for careers as theatre professionals and scholars, while developing skills that are relevant to a wide range of fields. The School of Drama maintains close ties to the Seattle theatre community, one of the most vibrant in the country. Our faculty and alumni have founded or currently hold leadership positions in many of our region's theatres, providing students with extensive connections and job and internship opportunities. 

 

Visit Department Site View Factsheet
Group discussion during drama rehearsal.

Undergraduate Programs

Students discussing a costume in the School of Drama costume shop.

Careers

School of Drama students develop skills that apply to a variety of careers. The ability to work collaboratively, communicate effectively and solve problems creatively are traits that successful theatre artists share with successful professionals in all fields. Our programs are designed to prepare you for a life in the theatre — or any other career.

Career Paths

Drama alumni work in a diverse range of fields, with job titles such as:

  • Actor 
  • Stage manager
  • Costume designer
  • Film and TV director
  • Artistic director
  • Educator
  • Producer
  • Arts administrator
  • Theatrical agent 
  • Event designer
  • Nonprofit manager
  • Attorney
  • Entrepreneur 
  • Business owner
  • Marketing professional 
  • Creative director 

 

Student building design model for theater production.

Learn by doing.

The School of Drama’s mainstage season features six fully produced shows in three state-of-the-art spaces on campus. Over 8,000 patrons attend these performances annually. Additionally, UW Drama Labs projects provide further opportunities for experimentation and exploration — often alongside prominent, internationally known artists. UW also hosts a vibrant extracurricular theatre scene. The Undergraduate Theatre Society (UTS) produces a five-play season of undergraduate work as well as regular cabarets, a new works play reading festival and quarterly workshops with guest artists.

More About Performances

 

Find Yourself in Drama

Develop your craft in a challenging, supportive environment in one of the country’s most dynamic theatre communities. 

 

School of Drama Stories

Illustration of a game board

All the World's a Stage — and a Game

Students in DRAMA 480 learn how techniques used in game design can be adapted for interactive theater productions. 

Headshot of Tré Cotten

For Dialect Coach, Every Voice is Unique

As a dialect coach, Tré Cotten (MFA, 2017, Acting) has gained national attention for his ability to help actors bring authenticity to their characters. 

Nikki Yeboah in Cal Anderson Park

The CHOP Returns, On Stage

UW professor and playwright Nikki Yeboah explores Seattle's 2020 CHOP protests in a play informed by interviews with nearly 30 CHOP participants.