Theater is a form of human expression, shaped by social, economic, technological, personal, and artistic forces. Duke's Department of Theater Studies combines scholarly theater research with productions of plays both old and new, from all over the world and the creation and development of new performance works. We offer students unique opportunities to study and interpret the rich world of drama, with specializations in critical studies in theater and performance, dramatic writing, acting, design, dramaturgy and directing. We create enlightened artists and scholars who approach theater as both an art and a discipline for exploring and expressing the concerns and hopes of our human communities.

Our faculty include scholars in dramatic literature, theory, theater history, dramaturgy, and performance studies and theater professionals in acting, administration, design, directing, and playwriting.  Classes are small, insuring a high level of interaction between students and faculty.