Theatre Resources
Begin your Journey
Here's where you'll find resources to help you choose classes, learn about available jobs, join a club and much more. If you don't find the information you need here, please contact the Program Director, Chris Hanna, at channa@odu.edu. Chris may not be able to answer your question, but he'll do his best to put you in touch with someone who can.
ADMISSIONS
Any undergraduate student admitted to Old Dominion University is welcome to declare a Theatre Major or Minor; no audition or interview is required for the general major (Students choosing concentrations in either Performance or Design/Technology need to audition/interview for continuance in those Emphasis Areas in January of every year.) This link will send you to the University Admissions Office to get started.
FIELDS OF STUDY
Approximately half our students choose the General Theatre major, while the others concentrate their study within four Emphasis Areas. It is important that all students, regardless of concentration, are introduced to every aspect of theatre practice during their time in the Program.
ADVISING
The faculty is committed to helping students navigate complex curriculum decisions leading to a successful University degree, as well as discussing the creative choices and pre-professional considerations of a Theatre degree. Students will find us available for those conversations in our offices, rehearsal studios and, frequently, the local coffee house.
Enhance your experience
PRODUCTION OPPORTUNITIES
A large part of the learning that happens in the Theatre Program comes through participation in ODURep, which produces four main stage productions every academic year. The shows are chosen each season to provide a broad variety of craft and style opportunities. All Old Dominion University students are encouraged to become involved; neither auditions nor technical positions are restricted to Theatre majors/minors.
INTERNSHIPS
When students choose to study at Old Dominion, they become part of Hampton Roads' large performing arts community. Outside of campus, they will continue to learn from the performances, relationships, and part-time job opportunities that are available in a vital urban setting. Old Dominion students regularly receive academic credit through internships at two professional arts venues in the area: Virginia Stage Company and Virginia Opera. Information on both institutions is available through these links. Students should discuss internship plans with those faculty members who regularly collaborate with these prestigious companies: Jim Lyden with Virginia Opera and Chris Hanna with Virginia Stage Company.
STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
The Starving Artists is student-operated theatre production companies based within the ODU Theatre Program, dedicated to providing an environment for students to develop their craft while benefiting the community. Alpha Psi Omega is a national Theatrical Honor society open to sophomores and above. Involvement in a variety of production tasks garners you the points necessary to graduate with this honor.
For more information or contact info for Alpha Psi Omega or The Starving Artists, please contact hclehr@odu.edu.
Scholarships
Currently there are two scholarship programs in Theatre: the Edith B. and Forrest White Scholarship, which is awarded to outstanding students of Acting; and the Viburnum Scholarship, which is awarded to outstanding technical, administrative, acting, or stage management students in Theatre.
Scholarships at ODU Theatre are competitive - an interview and/or audition is required. This will be held each Spring semester for the next academic year. A call will be put out for applications.
- The 2022-23 Forrest and Edith White Endowed Scholarship Award recipient is Brian Jinright
- The 2023-24 Forrest and Edith White Endowed Scholarship Award recipient is Taylor Tousignant
- The 2022-23 Viburnum Acting Scholarship recipient is Reicse Owen
- The 2023-24 Viburnum Acting Scholarship recipient is Angelina Paquin
