Earn Your Degree in Theatre on-campus in La Grande, Oregon or Online at Eastern Oregon University.
Step into a vibrant, student-centered community of artists dedicated to the mastery of creativity and collaboration. At Eastern Oregon University, you will receive intensive, hands-on training in every dimension of the theatrical arts. EOU offers customized academic pathways, including a specialized Musical Theatre concentration that prepares students for senior capstone projects, graduate study, and professional theatre careers. Prefer a broader focus? Choose our general Theatre degree for maximum curriculum flexibility, or opt for a versatile Theatre minor designed to fit your unique schedule, interests, and preferred course delivery mode.
Merit-based scholarships are available for Theatre Majors. Complete the Theatre Award application and submit a demonstration of your skill, via audition or portfolio. Funds can range up to $2,000/academic year and are renewable for four years.
Nurturing Versatile, Multi-Talented Artists for the Modern Stage
Eastern Oregon University’s Theatre Arts program in La Grande, Oregon, is designed for passionate creatives who want to do more than study theatre—they want to make it. Our program fosters a close-knit, supportive environment where students are challenged to develop a personal aesthetic, master technical skills, and build a cohesive artistic vision.
- Direct Production Involvement: Gain practical, resume-building experience by participating in every aspect of our annual 3–5 production theatrical seasons from your very first term.
- National Conference Gateways: Travel, network, and showcase your work at the prestigious United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT) Conference and the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF).
- Dedicated Creative Scholarships: Reduce your educational expenses with annual, renewable merit-based Theatre Scholarships of up to $2,000 per academic year.
- Total Credits: 180 Quarter Credits
- Delivery Format: On-Campus (Major), Online (Minor)
- Classrooms & Stages: Housed in Loso Hall
- Annual Production Season: 3 to 5 Full Productions
- Scholarships: Up to $2,000 / year (Renewable for 4 years)
Core competencies
Develop the essential ability to work seamlessly with actors, designers, directors, and technicians to execute a unified artistic vision.
Master the resourcefulness and adaptability required to solve complex physical, scenic, logistical, and technical challenges under tight deadlines.
Gain hands-on mastery of industry-standard theatre equipment, tools, scene shop safety, sound systems, and theatrical lighting technologies.
Build elite verbal communication, physical poise, and expressive projection skills that translate to any stage, boardroom, or classroom.
Learn to organize rehearsal schedules, coordinate cross-functional design departments, manage theatrical budgets, and lead complex creative projects.
Acquire commercial skills in box office operations, house management, marketing, and public relations to drive ticket sales and engage regional audiences.
LEARNING OPTIONS & DELIVERY MODALITIES
In-Person (La Grande)
The Mountaineer Experience
Experience an engaging, student-centered campus community in the beautiful Grande Ronde Valley. Perfect for students seeking traditional classroom debates and face-to-face peer groups.
Highlights: • Small class sizes with personalized instructor feedback.• Direct access to campus libraries, research labs, and regional networks.• Participate in EOU’s on-campus clubs and quarterly speaker events.
Online (minor only)
Uncompromising Flexibility
Highlights: • No on-campus requirements — study where and when it’s best for you.• Identical curriculum, assignments, and credentialing as on-campus programs.• Full access to EOU’s online advising, library resources, and tutoring centers.
Maximize Your Prior Credits
Turn your previous college coursework or Associate degree into a powerful, career-accelerating bachelor’s degree at EOU.
Highlights: • Flexible transfer policy — EOU accepts up to 135 credits from other institutions. • Seamlessly integrate previous credits. • Personalized advisor support to build a fast-track completion plan. • Accelerate your timeline to save money and enter the job market sooner.
Mentorship from Active, Connected Theatre Professionals
At Eastern Oregon University, you will never be lost in a crowd. Our classes are led by dedicated, resident faculty members who are active, working artists in professional theatre settings, festivals, and national design circles.
Our instructors recognize the vital importance of professional networking. They actively guide and travel with students to premier national conferences, including the United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT) and the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF – Region 7). Through these faculty-led trips, you will present your design portfolios, audition for national agencies, attend specialized workshops, and build connections with industry professionals from across the country.
With this degree you may be interested in…
Master of Arts in Teaching
The MAT program is ten months (4 terms), beginning in the Summer term and extending through the following Spring term.
Online Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.S.)
Ready to Step Center Stage and Master Your Craft?
Join the EOU artistic family and turn your passion for performance and design into a lifelong career.
