Begin Your Journey
Here's where you'll find information to help you choose your major, get advising for your courses, learn about outside opportunities, join a club and much more. If you don't find the information you need here, please contact Helene Clehr at hclehr@odu.edu. She'll either answer your question or connect you with someone who can.
Academic Day
Come visit us for a Theatre Academic Day! On October 18 and November 22, high school juniors and seniors are invited to to spend a half-day with the ODU Theatre Program. Join an acting class, meet current students, get a Theatre facilities tour and get information about our various programs. All theatre-interested future Monarchs are welcome to join us - not just intended majors! If you would like a tour only, please contact Helene Clehr for arrangements.
Admissions
Any undergraduate student admitted to Old Dominion University is welcome to declare a Theatre Major or Minor; no audition or interview is required for the general major (Students choosing concentrations in either Performance or Design/Technology need to audition/interview for continuance in those Emphasis Areas in January of every year.) This link will send you to the University Admissions Office to get started.
Academics
Approximately half our students choose the General Theatre major, while the others concentrate their study within four Emphasis Areas. It is important that all students, regardless of concentration, are introduced to every aspect of theatre practice during their time in the Program.
Advising
The faculty is committed to helping students navigate complex curriculum decisions leading to a successful University degree, as well as discussing the creative choices and pre-professional considerations of a Theatre degree. Students will find us available for those conversations in our offices, rehearsal studios and, frequently, the local coffee house.
Scholarships
Our scholarships are competitive, they are awarded based on auditions, portfolio reviews, grade point average, and contributions to the Theatre Program.
2023-2024 Scholarship Awards:
Edith B. & Forrest B. White Scholarship - Taylor Tousignant
Viburnum Scholarship - Angelina Paquin
Production Opportunities
A large part of the learning that happens in the Theatre Program comes through participation in ODURep, which produces four mainstage productions every academic year. The shows are chosen to provide exposure to a broad variety of theater, from edgy contemporary to classics to musicals to Shakespeare. All Old Dominion University students are encouraged to become involved; neither casting nor technical positions are restricted to Theatre majors/minors.
Internships
When students choose to study at Old Dominion, they become part of Hampton Roads' large performing arts community. Outside of campus, they will continue to learn from the performances, relationships, and part-time job opportunities that are available in a vital urban setting. Old Dominion students regularly receive academic credit through internships at two professional arts venues in the area: Virginia Stage Company and Zeiders American Dream Theatre. Information on both institutions is available through these links. Students should discuss internship plans with those faculty members who regularly collaborate with these prestigious companies: Jim Lyden with Zeiders American Dream Theatre and Chris Hanna with Virginia Stage Company.
Student Organizations
The Starving Artists is a student-run theatre production team based within the ODU Theatre Program, dedicated to providing an environment for students to develop their craft while benefiting the community. Involvement is open to all ODU students.
¶ Alpha Psi Omega is a national theatrical honor society open to Theatre majors at the sophomore level and above. Involvement in a variety of ODURep productions and APO service projects garners you the points necessary to graduate with this honor.
For more information or contact info for Alpha Psi Omega or The Starving Artists, please contact hclehr@odu.edu.