University of Wisconsin–Madison

Advising

Whether you are a theatre major, high school student, transfer student, undecided freshman, or any major who just wants to be involved, welcome to the Department of Theatre and Drama community!

Navigating the vast campus resources, opportunities, and degree requirements can sometimes be overwhelming for any student. Your undergraduate Theatre and Drama advisor is here to answer your questions, help you stay on course, and make the best of your UW experience.

If you have questions about our undergraduate program, please contact our advisor, Audrey Lauren Standish. Current UW–Madison students can schedule a meeting through Starfish.

If you would like to schedule a tour of the Department, please fill out the form below.

Contact Our Advisor

If you have any questions regarding our undergraduate program, please contact our advisor, Audrey Standish.

Current UW students can schedule a meeting through Starfish.

Our undergraduate advising staff will:

  • assist you in developing an academic plan for graduation
  • clarify degree and major requirements
  • help you interpret your DARS (Degree Audit Reporting System)
  • provide information on educational resources such as internship opportunities, honors, distinction in the major, study abroad opportunities, financial aid, learning communities, etc.
  • evaluate your progress toward established collegiate and career goals
  • assist you in finding campus resources such as Career Services, the Writing Center, University Health Services, The Multicultural Student Center, etc.
|

We offer a traditional Bachelor of Science in Theatre and Drama. For students who are interested in a more focused in depth study we offer a Bachelor of Science in Theatre and Drama – Acting Option or Design and Technology Option. Additionally, the Department of Theatre and Drama offers a Certificate for those students that want to compliment their educational experience within their primary major.

Theatre and Drama majors are encouraged to meet with their advisor in person at least once a semester to review progress toward your degree, to avoid unnecessary coursework, and to prevent delays in graduation.

Our advising staff encourages students to reflect on their academic experiences, personal goals, life lessons, and passions in order to design a path to their future. We can help Theatre and Drama majors:

  • define career goals
  • find information and gain insight into the entertainment industry
  • learn what a professional in the business actually does in a typical day
  • find out what your next best steps might be regarding a job-search

If you are pondering the possibility of becoming a Theatre and Drama major, certificate, or even wonder if double majoring might be an option, please start by contacting our Academic Advisor or setting up a meeting on Starfish.

Non-majors who wish to extend their familiarity with theatre in theory and/or practice are encouraged to enroll in department courses. We’ve hosted students from law, business, medicine, art, dance, journalism, social work, and many other disciplines who wish to develop effective communication skills, enhance problem solving abilities, and cultivate visual acumen.

Prospective undergraduate freshmen who wish to declare Theatre and Drama as their major must first be admitted to the University of Wisconsin. For information regarding freshman admission requirements, application materials, and deadlines, please visit the Office of Admissions website.

Our department does not require an audition or portfolio for entry into the major at this time. If you would like to speak to a representative about our department’s offerings and degree requirements, or even to tour our facilities, please contact our undergraduate advisor.

If you are transferring from another college or university, please visit this website for application and deadlines, requirements, financial aid, etc. Our department does not require an audition or portfolio for entry into the major at this time.

Informational Events for Prospective Students

Spotlight on Your Future: UW–Madison Department of Theatre and Drama Info Session

Step into the spotlight and explore what it means to study Theatre and Drama at the University of Wisconsin–Madison!

Join us for an on-campus info session designed for prospective students interested in performance, design, directing,  stage management, and more. During this event, you’ll take a guided tour of our theatre spaces—including classrooms, rehearsal studios, and production shops—and get a behind-the-scenes look at where our students learn, create, and perform.

The session will include:

  • tour of our Theatre and Drama facilities
  • An overview of academic offerings, including majors and certificates
  • Q&A with current students and department representatives

Whether you’re dreaming of center stage or designing the world around it, this is your chance to see how UW–Madison can help you build your future in the arts.

Come curious, leave inspired. Your Theatre and Drama journey starts here.

For Dates, Tour Times, & Registration visit:   Visit Bucky | Office of Admissions and Recruitment – University of Wisconsin-Madison 

_____________________________________________________________________________

Cue the Questions: Virtual Advising with the Department of Theatre and Drama

📍 Held via Zoom

Are you a prospective student interested in studying Theatre and Drama at UW–Madison? Join us for Cue the Questions, a monthly virtual drop-in session designed to help you learn more about our department, academic pathways, and opportunities to get involved before you even step on campus!

This informal Zoom session is open to all prospective students. Whether you’re curious about majoring in Theatre and Drama, earning a Theatre Certificate, or simply exploring your options, this is your chance to ask questions and get personalized insights.

During the session, the department’s academic advisor will:

  • Answer your advising-related questions
  • Explain what it looks like to major or earn a certificate in Theatre and Drama
  • Share upcoming events and engagement opportunities to help you start your Badger journey

Come with your questions—or just come to listen. We look forward to meeting you!

Sign up today to reserve your spot and receive the Zoom link.

Register by  visiting: Visit Bucky – Event Information | Office of Admissions and Recruitment – University of Wisconsin-Madison

_____________________________________________________________________________

If the above options do not meet your schedule, you may request a tour by filling out the form below.

Department of Theatre and Drama Tours and Requests for Information

To schedule a tour of the Department of Theatre and Drama and to receive information regarding our programs, please fill out the information below and a staff member will be in touch to confirm the tour day/time and provide information.

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Name of Student*
Name of Parent/Guardian
Please indicate how many guests will join the tour
Email*
Address
Please select date(s) and time(s) you wish to tour the Department. Regular office hours for Department Administration are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday-Friday. Tours may be available outside of regular hours depending on availability of staff.
MM slash DD slash YYYY
Time*
:
MM slash DD slash YYYY
Time
:
MM slash DD slash YYYY
Time
:
Areas of Interest
Please let us know what area(s) of the Department you are interested in and would like more information about.
Do you prefer an in-person or virtual tour?