University of Iowa Department of Theatre Arts

The University of Iowa's Department of Theatre Arts, part of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, has been a pioneering force in theatre education for over a century. Established in the early 1920s, it evolved from a Department of Speech to a comprehensive program encompassing theatre, radio, film, and television. The department is renowned for its innovative approach, exemplified by the Iowa Playwrights Workshop, which emerged alongside the famed Iowa Writers' Workshop. E.C. Mabie, the first chair, was instrumental in championing new playwrights and establishing Iowa's reputation as a hub for original theatre. The department's mission focuses on developing new work and artists, fostering diversity and social responsibility, and engaging audiences. Over the years, it has expanded its facilities, including the E.C. Mabie Theatre, and adapted to challenges such as the 2008 flood and the 2020 pandemic. The department offers undergraduate and graduate programs, including an MFA in various disciplines, and emphasizes a collaborative, creative process. Students benefit from a supportive environment, state-of-the-art facilities, and opportunities for professional growth through internships and job-shadowing.