Acting Performance

Undergraduate Minor

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Three students stand together during a theatre performance in a scene

Catapult your performing arts career with an acting minor

Refine your acting skills and prepare for a successful career in performing arts with UW’s acting minor.

As part of our acting program, you’ll join a welcoming community of nationally recognized creatives. This program offers well-rounded performance training that focuses on artistic curiosity, innovation and risk-taking. Students are exposed to various acting methods and styles as well as a variety of production techniques. Ready to get started? We can’t wait to meet you!

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Three students stand together during a theatre performance in a scene

This program is currently offered in
the following locations:

Laramie Campus

About the Minor in Acting Performance

Our acting performance minor was designed with students like you in mind. Students in this minor get the opportunity to refine their acting skills while pursuing other academic interests… the best of both worlds!

This program trains students in various acting methods and techniques. Students also learn key communication, collaboration and production skills. In all of your courses, you’ll interact with like-minded students and our nationally recognized faculty.

Outside of class, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in university theatre performances and take advantage of our modern performance and rehearsal spaces.

 

Students must be pursuing a major in the Department of Theatre and Dance to qualify for the acting performance minor.

Two student actors performing a scene

 

 

 

 

Above all, our theatre department fosters an environment of artistic curiosity and interdisciplinary collaboration, where we encourage students to explore and innovate. The program values diversity and inclusivity and always strives to create a supportive and enriching atmosphere for all students.

Two student actors performing a scene

 

 

 

Acting Performance Minor Highlights

Theatre Experience

All acting students actively participate in university theatre productions, giving them exposure to the entire production process. Students have the opportunity to act in UW productions and work with various directors, giving them invaluable experience that translates to professional theatre work.

CURRENT SHOWS

Students have access to internship opportunities across the theatre industry, including those with theatre companies, television stations and film production companies. These internships give students real-world experience, industry insights and a professional network — all of which make them more competitive in the job market upon graduation.

 

The theatre department is proud to offer study abroad programs that encourage students to explore global theatre traditions, methods and styles. These programs broaden students’ cultural perspectives, which enhances their acting versatility and exposes them to different practices.

Explore Study Abroad Programs

Our theatre program encourages outreach projects, including performances and workshops in local schools and community centers. These service learning opportunities teach students leadership and teaching skills in addition to giving them time to connect with the broader community.

 

Students have the opportunity to complete creative projects while at UW. Projects may include developing original performances, exploring new acting techniques or studying the history and impact of theatre. Not only do these projects give students the chance to explore areas of interest, but they can also discuss projects in job interviews and may have the opportunity to present their findings at conferences or in publications.

 

The theatre department is led by a group of diverse and accomplished faculty members, each with their own expertise in acting, directing, movement, voice and on-camera performance. Our faculty members have professional credits in regional theatre, television and film. Their research often explores innovative acting methods and theatre's cultural impact. Their contributions have garnered regional and national recognition, and their mentorship has helped students achieve success across the performing arts industry.

Meet Our Faculty

Students have access to workshops and masterclasses led by visiting professionals. These sessions include specialized training in areas like auditioning, acting for the camera and other professional skills needed to succeed in the industry.

 

The theatre department features state-of-the-art theaters, costume design facilities, set shops, rehearsal studios and technical equipment. These facilities support both live performances and on-camera training, so students graduate with plenty of experience working with high-end tools and facilities in professional environments.

 

The acting performance program offers a well-rounded education that includes fundamental courses, advanced scene study and specialized classes like Acting for the Camera and Acting Styles. This breadth of training prepares students for diverse acting roles and performance environments.

 

Theatre Experience

Select a Highlight

WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH AN ACTING PERFORMANCE MINOR?

This minor prepares students to pursue the acting career of their dreams, whether that includes stage or on-camera work. Students graduate with hands-on experience working in local theatre, university theatre, on-camera acting studios and with technical skills.

Our program has a long track record of success in preparing students for professional careers in performing arts. In fact, many of our graduates have gained regional and national recognition for their work in theatre, television and film.

  • Theater Actor
  • Television Actor
  • Voice Actor
  • Commercial Actor
  • Stunt Performer
  • Musical Theater Performer
  • Acting Coach
  • Casting Director
  • Stand-Up Comedian
  • Background Actor (Extra)
  • Motion Capture Actor
  • Actor for Theme Parks and Live Events
  • Audiobook Narrator
  • Acting Director/Producer
  • Stage Combat Choreographer

Yes! UW has a fantastic Theatre and Dance department. You can major in theatre and dance, and concentrate in acting performance. 

At this time, the acting performance minor is reserved for those pursuing a major in the Department of Theatre and Dance.

Acting minors take foundational acting classes and several electives. Elective topics range from musical theatre to movement for actors.

Explore All UW Theatre and Dance Has To Offer

There are few things our theatre students love more than the supportive community at UW! You'll make friends for life, collaborate with other theatre students and work on exciting projects. Learn to produce live shows, perform new styles of theatre and get experience in writing and set design.

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Related Programs

Interested in an acting performance minor? These programs may also be of interest to you: