Why Butler’s Theatre Program?

Innovative

We encourage risk taking. We push the boundaries. We love devising new work, reinventing the classics, and producing new plays. Our black box theatre is a laboratory where we experiment and explore. We don’t duplicate the past; we create the theatre of the future.

Flexible

It’s important that at Butler you not only grow as an artist, but as a person. Butler provides a strong liberal arts foundation combined with extraordinary experiences—both on and off campus. Our theatre degrees are flexible so that you can double major, study abroad, undertake internships, and much more. You are empowered to create a customized experience that is perfectly tailored to your post-graduation goals.

Globally-Minded

It’s important that our students understand theatre from many diverse perspectives. We bring in experts from around the world who work closely with our students as part of our Christel DeHaan Visiting international Theatre Artist program. We also have many exciting study abroad opportunities, including an annual summer trip to The Moscow Art Theatre School.

Heart of the Community

We are at the center of a thriving arts and cultural community in Indianapolis. We have close relationships with artistic organizations around the city and our students have the opportunity to learn from and work with companies like the Indiana Repertory Theatre, the Phoenix Theatre, and Heartland Actors’ Repertory Theatre.

Yes, we do Musicals 

Many of our students discovered their passion for theatre through musical theatre, and many of our alumni find great success in performing in musical theatre all across the nation! We have always incorporated singing, dancing, and live music into many (or even most!) of our productions. And students can study voice and dancing each semester through our outstanding School of Music and our renowned Dance Department. Now join us as we commit to producing a musical on a regular basis beginning with an exciting production in fall 2017.