Resources for Current Students

Students in the DU theatre program benefit from a wealth of practical experiences that help build the foundation for success in all aspects of theatre. Faculty mentors and guest artists provide further opportunities to dig deeper into an area through advanced courses and independent studies. Beyond the classroom, you will have opportunities to develop your career before you graduate, putting your knowledge to use through internships and creative projects.

The DU theatre community is ready to support your academic and personal needs while you're on campus and after you graduate, with career advising from staff and faculty, work placements and an alumni network around the globe.

For more information on auditions, capstone policies, crew and more, go to the Department of Theatre Digication page.

placeholder

Studios

Explore the performance, production, design and directing opportunities available to DU theatre students.

Opportunities for Students

Theatre Scholarships

Theatre majors can apply for merit-based scholarships through the Department. These awards can provide as much as $20,000–$45,000 of support spread over four years. Students must audition or provide a portfolio for review by faculty in order to be considered for the award.

Financial Aid

Work-Study

A wide range of work-study opportunities offer students additional ways to fund their DU education. Students can apply for work-study during the admission process. When approved for work-study by the University, contact the Department of Theatre for information regarding placement in theatre positions.

Learn More
theatre senior capstone

Senior Capstone Projects

For theatre majors at DU, your time on campus will conclude with a capstone project that demonstrates the skills you've developed during your four years. Students direct a one act play, overseeing every aspect of the production from casting to design approval.

Learn More

Student Projects

Independent Projects

Explore your creativity through simple or supported independent projects. There are two kinds of projects, Simple and Supported. The proposal submission deadlines for both types of projects are as follows:

  • Fall Quarter: due by Friday of week two by noon.
  • Winter Quarter: due by Friday of week two by noon.
  • Not available in Spring.

    Simple Projects

    Simple projects allow students to read or stage a play. You can sign out a theatre space in JMAC when you're ready to perform after checking in with the department chair. You'll have the following resources available for your show:

    • Rehearsal blocks
    • Available seating
    • Room lights (fluorescent and dimmable house lights)
    • Boom box

    Supported Projects

    If you would like to present a show involving technical elements (lights, sound, props and furniture), you can apply for funding to help you realize your production. These supported independent productions require partnership with a Tech Assistant (TA).

     Here's what you need to do:

    • Plan for what you want to do (lights, sound, furniture, costumes, etc)
    • Plan for how much time you need: rehearsals, performances, Tech Assistant (TA) time.
    • Make a budget ($400 for base TA time, plus lighting, sound and other likely expenses)
    • Fill out the proposal form
    • Submit to the Chair
    Download Proposal Form

    Resources for Supported Projects

    • Tech Assistance

      Tech Assistants (TAs) are paired with supported projects to help with the project's technical needs. TAs are paid $10/hour, and are assigned by the department according to the needs of your project.

    • Base Grants and Expenses

      Supported projects receive a minimum base grant of $400, which covers the hourly wage of the TA for roughly 40 hours. Extra support may be awarded where necessary, but students should expect hours to be allotted similar to the following:

      • 2 hours of targeted TA assistance (props, furniture, etc.)
      • 8 hours of tech/hang/risers
      • 12 hours of dress rehearsals (3 nights at 4 hrs each)
      • 16 hours of performance (4 performances at 4 hrs each)
      • 2 hours of strike
    • Material Support

      Materials we already have: Most materials the Department owns are available to borrow. You and your TA can visit props and furniture storage and work with the Costume Shop Supervisor. Plan ahead: you need to pay your TA to get materials and to put them back properly.

      Materials you want to buy: If your grant has extra cash above your TA requirements, you can buy materials. Talk to Jennifer about how to do that. There are very specific rules regarding purchases, and if you fail to follow DU procedures, you won’t get any money.

      Building materials: Not possible during Shop. If your TA has building skills, it may be possible to schedule time outside of Shop. All of this needs to be coordinated with and approved by the theatre director.

    • Lighting and Sound Expenses
      • Using the booth in the spaces requires the attendance of the TA. Plan ahead for this in your budget.
      • Sound gear is $10/day for speakers/desk/QLab
      • Lighting is 30¢/fixture per hour. This covers lamp costs, and makes you budget on how many instruments you will need. You can estimate costs based on your TA: for example, if you need lights for 36 hours of tech & performance, 36 hours X 30¢ = about $10 per lighting instrument
      • The light board is included in the lighting bid
    Department of Theater Shakespeare

    Photo Archive

    We have compiled photos from previous DU Theatre productions. Explore photos from recent seasons below.

    For photos from Davy Davis, please visit his Zenfolio site. 

    Featured Stories