The speech/theatre minor offers the opportunity to develop and expand speech or theatrical talents and skills as well as knowledge about the performing arts while pursuing a chosen major. Students can tailor the program to fit their particular interests in speech and/or theatre. Students will complete 12 credits of specified courses and then choose another 12 credits from a list of additional options. Students can also take advantage of the many performing opportunities available throughout the year.

There are no prerequisites to participate in the speech/theatre minor program.

Topics of Study

• voice and diction
• world theatre
• acting
• technical theatre production
• play analysis
• speech for business and the professions
• storytelling
• directing

Career Opportunities

• roles in national touring companies
• roles in regional professional theatres
• full-time work at local theme parks

Experiential Learning Opportunities

• musical theatre productions
• dramatic theatre productions
• cabarets
• in-residence workshops with established music theatre artists
• internship opportunities with a local theme park or theatre company
• Dance Happening
• Spring Dance Concert

On-Campus Associations

• Alpha Psi Omega (dramatic fraternity)

Commonly Asked Questions

Do you have to audition to become a speech/theatre minor?
No. You do not need to audition to declare a speech/theatre minor.

Are there scholarships available for speech/theatre minors?
Financial assistance is available to all students who meet the requirements. The University offers up to $30,000 in scholarship/gift assistance (that equals up to $7,500 per year). Students interested in more information should speak to their admissions counselor and/or the financial aid office.

How do I get involved in campus speech and theatre productions?
We produce three theatrical productions each semester: two on the Falk Theater main stage and one in the smaller Reeves Theater in the Vaughn Center. All students on campus are eligible to audition. Additionally, the Oral Interpretation of Literature class stages a performance each semester and the department sponsors a Speech Contest during the year.

What are speech/theatre minor students doing after graduation?
Some of our students have found employment performing on cruise ships and theme parks while others have gone on to perform at various theaters or touring productions. Some are pursuing graduate work or are employed in the film, television and broadcasting industries.