UVa Department of Drama

UVa’s Department of Drama believes theatre is a vital form of artistic expression in today's world and offers undergraduate programs in drama and dance and graduate degrees in acting, scenic design and technical production, lighting design, and costume design & technology.

The Department of Drama presents theatre and dance performances throughout the academic year. Their state-of-the-art complex includes the 520-seat Culbreth Theatre with proscenium stage, the flexible 160 to 200-seat Helms Theatre and, the 300-seat Ruth Caplin Theatre, a thrust theatre.

The Department of Drama is also home to UVa Arts Box Office, Virginia Players and the Heritage Theatre Festival.

Since 1974, the Heritage Theatre Festival has been in residence during the summer months as the Department of Drama's and the University's professional repertory theatre. Heritage has provided valuable connections between the department and members of the profession. Leading directors, designers, technicians, and actors from across the country join the company each year to produce a season of musicals and plays.

Recent productions of note include Damn Yankees, Lettice and Lovage, Ragtime, The Syringa Tree, Proof, Smokey Joe's Cafe, Sweeney Todd, To Kill A Mockingbird, Sylvia, The Miracle Worker, Guys and Dolls, Lost in Yonkers, Man of La Mancha, Carousel, Gypsy, Art, and West Side Story.

Students in the Department of Drama are invited to audition or apply for a variety of perfomance or technical jobs available with the company each summer. Design opportunities may occur on an individual basis.