Drama

What undergraduate programs does the Department of Drama offer?

We offer three programs:

• Major in Drama: 33 credits, leading to a Bachelor of Arts in the College of Arts & Sciences
• Minor in Drama: 18 credits
• Minor in Dance: 20 credits

What are the requirements for the Drama major?

Before you declare, you need to finish one DRAM or DANC course at the 2000 level or higher with a grade of C or better. The major has 33 credits: 9 Discovery hours, 12 Learning Areas hours, and 12 Focused Inquiry hours. See the full list in the Drama Major Course Requirements.

What are the requirements for the Drama minor?

The minor has 18 credits: 3 Discovery hours, 9 Learning Areas hours, and 6 Focused Inquiry hours. See the Drama Minor Course Requirements.

What is the Dance minor like?

The Dance minor combines studio practice with theory. You study dance as a way to investigate, express, and collaborate. Every semester you can choreograph and perform in concerts with work by students, faculty, and guest artists. The minor takes 20 credits, and students from many different majors complete it. See the Dance Minor Course Requirements.

Why should I major or minor in Drama?

Theatre training builds skills employers value: collaboration, leadership, critical thinking, public speaking, time management, adaptability, and the ability to work under pressure. Learn more on Why Major in Drama? For help with careers and internships, visit the UVA Career Center and Handshake.

How do I declare the Drama major or minor?

Fill out the Declare a Major or Minor form on the College website, and make sure you pick the correct program. You should hear back within 5 business days during the fall and spring semesters, or within 10 business days at other times.

If the form isn't working, email CollegeForms@virginia.edu. If you haven't heard back in that time, email drama-declarations@virginia.edu with your full name, computing ID, and the program you are declaring.

How do I declare the Dance minor?

Contact Dance Minor Advisor Kim Brooks Mata. You can also call (434) 243-2349 or (434) 924-3326.

Do I need to declare before I can take classes or join productions?

No. Any UVA student can take many of our classes and take part in department productions without declaring a major or minor.

Do I apply to the Drama department separately from UVA?

No. You must first be admitted to the University. After you enroll, you can declare a Drama major or minor. Apply through the UVA Office of Admission.

Do I need to submit an arts portfolio?

No, the arts portfolio is optional. If you plan to be seriously involved in UVA's arts departments, you can submit one through the Common Application via SlideRoom. Faculty evaluations are shared with the admission committee. The portfolio is used only in the admission review. You do not need one to take arts classes. Portfolios must arrive by the application deadline and follow the submission guidelines.

Can I visit the department?

Yes. To set up a tour and interview, contact the department at least one week ahead: call (434) 924-3326 or email Director of Undergraduate Programs Michael Rasbury at mr2xk@virginia.edu. Prospective dance students can also contact the Virginia Dance Committee to set up a meeting or tour.

Who can audition for department productions?

Any UVA student can audition, and students get casting priority for Mainstage and Development productions. Charlottesville community members and UVA faculty and staff are also welcome to audition. Dance concert auditions are usually open only to UVA students.

How do I prepare for a Mainstage audition?

Prepare two short, contrasting pieces of one to two minutes each. For musicals, also prepare a short song, and be ready to dance at callbacks. Callbacks use readings from the script and may include improvisation. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early. Performance faculty can help you choose material.

Where are auditions announced?

Mainstage auditions are posted at least two weeks ahead on the main department bulletin board in the office lobby next to Room 201, and on the Auditions & Casting page. Lab Series directors post their own audition notices on department bulletin boards, so check at least once a week.

What is the Virginia Players Lab Series?

The Lab Series lets students produce and direct their own theatre work, with mentoring from the Virginia Players Executive Board and Drama faculty. Selected projects get up to $200 and a department space, usually the Helms Theatre.

What is the New Works Festival?

Since 2018, the department has held a yearly festival of short plays written, directed, and performed by UVA students. Students can submit original scripts of about 25 pages or less, or apply to direct. Calls for scripts and directors are posted on the Auditions & Casting page.

What student organizations are affiliated with the department?

• Virginia Players: the student drama organization, which runs the Lab Series with the department
• Virginia Dance Committee: the student branch of the Dance Program, which hosts guest artists and events for anyone interested in dance

For other theatre and dance groups at UVA, see Hoos Involved.

Is there funding for dance students?

Yes. Through the Ruth Sacks Caplin Dance Grants, rising second-, third-, and fourth-year dance students can apply for up to $5,000. Grants can pay for intensives, conferences, commissioning a solo, or internships and research during winter, spring, or summer break.

Deadlines are October 15 for winter and spring projects, and the Friday after Spring Break for summer projects.

What facilities will I use?

The Drama Building, on the Betsy and John Casteen Arts Grounds, has three theatres:

• the 520-seat Culbreth Theatre, which has a proscenium stage
• the flexible Helms Theatre, which seats 160 to 200
• the 300-seat Ruth Caplin Theatre, which has a thrust stage

The building also has classrooms, studios, and costume and scene shops. The Fiske Kimball Fine Arts Library is next door.

Who do I contact with questions?

• Drama major and minor: Michael Rasbury, Director of Undergraduate Programs, mr2xk@virginia.edu
• Declarations: drama-declarations@virginia.edu
• Dance minor: Kim Brooks Mata
• Main office: (434) 924-3326, drama@virginia.edu
• Box office: (434) 924-3376