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The Theatre Arts program emphasizes both intellectual and creative dimensions of theatrical performance studies. Our curriculum bridges theoretical approaches—including dramatic literature analysis, performance theory, historical context, and critical evaluation—with hands-on performance elements like acting techniques, stage direction, production design, collaborative creation, and scriptwriting. Distinctive program components include credit-bearing faculty-led productions, along with extracurricular activities such as guest artist workshops, panel discussions, script-in-hand performances, and theater excursions. A standout feature is our biennial Edinburgh Project, where selected majors develop a performance piece for presentation at Scotland's renowned Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Additionally, high-achieving students may pursue honors thesis projects, choosing either practical performance work (acting, directing, or design) or academic research as their focus.
International applicant should have completed a program of secondary education that would enable you to enter a university in your own country (e.g., A-levels, Abitur).
A strong command of the English language is necessary for successful study at Penn. Applicants whose families do not speak English at home, or applicants who have not attended a high school or secondary school where the primary language of instruction is English, are asked to take the TOEFL, the Test of English as a Foreign Language, administered by the Educational Testing Service. In the event the TOEFL is not readily accessible, Penn will accept results from the IELTS, the International English Language Testing System.