The Theatre Major is for students who want to explore every aspect of theatre -- from acting to producing to designing. If your goal is to work as a director, producer or dramaturg, this is for you. You'll develop a well-rounded understanding of the what, how and why of theatre. The best candidates for our performance emphasis are ready to take artistic risks, support the ensemble, and be leaders in the ODU Theatre community. Performance students commit to performing as a member of ODURep and completing the rigorous sequence of classes. Senior students may be eligible for internships at the Virginia Stage Company, Norfolk's Equity company.
Program Highlights
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Theatre at ODU is home for creative people exploring the possibilities, excitement, and energy of the performing arts beyond the safe boundaries of the familiar. We feature individualized instruction, rigorous curriculum, dedicated faculty, and professional internship options
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Performance Emphasis students are mentored as pre-professionals and should be passionate about performance. That passion should lead them towards doing the work of the actor - reading scripts, finding audition material, keeping in shape, and rehearsing, rehearsing, rehearsing!
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The Design/Technology Emphasis is for students who wish to become professionals in the theatre off-stage. Our Design/Technology students become Designers, Scenic Artists, Technicians, Engineers, Stage Managers and Producers. Design/Technology majors make a commitment to work as pre-professionals on at least one production for ODURep each semester. Usually by the third year, our students are designing their own productions, and they may be eligible to complete a professional internship
Careers
Check out these ideas from ODU's Center for Career & Leadership Development and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is a midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.
Producers and Directors
Produce or direct stage, television, radio, video, or motion picture productions for entertainment, information, or instruction. Responsible for creative decisions, such as interpretation of script, choice of actors or guests, set design, sound, special effects, and choreography.
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary
Teach courses in drama, music, and the arts including fine and applied art, such as painting and sculpture, or design and crafts. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Commercial and Industrial Designers
Develop and design manufactured products, such as cars, home appliances, and children's toys. Combine artistic talent with research on product use, marketing, and materials to create the most functional and appealing product design.
Actors
Play parts in stage, television, radio, video, motion picture productions, or other settings for entertainment, information, or instruction. Interpret serious or comic role by speech, gesture, and body movement to entertain or inform audience. May dance and sing.
Requirements
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A Performance emphasis requires an audition; a Design/Technology emphasis requires a portfolio review. These are both scheduled in Spring semesters.
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Performance emphasis majors are required to audition for shows, and all majors are strongly urged to audition each semester.
Transfer
At ODU, we understand that as a transfer student you have unique needs that require a wide array of campus resources. The Center for Advising Administration and Academic Partnerships aims to create a transfer inclusive culture that supports the successful...
Cost
Estimated rates for the 2024-25 academic year. Rates are subject to change. Anyone that is not a current Virginia resident will be charged non-resident rates. That includes international students.
Ways to Save
Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending ODU. For more information visit University Student Financial Aid.
Scholarships
The Edith b. & Forrest White scholarship The Viburnum Scholarship
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