Welcome to the Theatre Program
Just the Facts
Entry: Fall or Spring
Length: 4 semesters
Award: Associate of Arts
Admission Requirements
Admission to the college is granted to all individuals who are high school graduates or the equivalent. We encourage you to review our Getting Started Checklist for specific requirements for admission.
Program Information
If you enjoy performing, working backstage, stage management, or arts administration, you should consider majoring in Theatre. Iowa Western Community College's theatre program prepares you for a 
variety of aspects within the collaborative field of theatre. You will develop your fundamental performance skills such as acting approaches, body and voice training, and movement. You will also be trained in the design and technical coordination of scenery, lighting, costumes, and make-up.
Students gain practical experience on both department productions and serving as assistants on professional shows traveling through the Arts Center.
Graduates of this two-year program are awarded an Associate of Arts 
degree. Associate of Arts degree requirements may be found in the IWCC catalog.
The Theatre program also prepares students to transfer to four-year colleges and universities in order to pursue undergraduate majors in theatre, speech or related fields of education.
"The theatre students are a close-knit group who work together and learn from each other." - Student Madison Bilsten, 2005
We also offer a Technical Theatre program at Iowa Western. The Technical Theatre program prepares students for entry-level technical positions in the entertainment industry. Additional information for may be found on the Technical Theatre program web page.
Program Philosophy
The theatre department strives to instill a profound appreciation of the arts, and to provide practical experience for students to enhance their career paths upon graduation. Our graduates will be self-directed learners who will pursue challenges with an open mind, a creative spirit, and a love for exploring their own theatrical passions.
"The department also welcomes people from outside the department and the college to participate in the shows, and that expands my learning experience." - Student Ryan Hinkel, 2005
Course Sequence
For recommended course sequence, please refer to the program guide or the IWCC catalog. Theatre course descriptions may also be found in the catalog.
Articulation/Transfer Opportunities
Iowa Western Community College has articulation agreements with various four-year schools, local and state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I visit a class?
Absolutely! Just contact the Program Chair to arrange a visit. Most theatre classes are taught on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
How do I apply for a theatre scholarship?
You just need to fill out the Theatre department scholarship application, which you can download from this web site. Scholarship auditions are held in March, so contact the Program Chair in January or February to set up an audition appointment.
When are auditions?
Auditions for the fall semester shows are held on Tuesday and Wednesday of the second week of classes in the Fall semester. Auditions for the spring semester shows are held on Tuesday and Wednesday of the first week of classes in the Spring semester.
What do I need to prepare for an audition?
You should prepare two short contrasting monologues, and 16-measures of a Broadway song if we are producing a musical that semester. All material needs to be from a play or musical (no movies) and memorized. You should also prepare an introduction which states your name, and the name of the selections you will be performing.
What should I wear at auditions?
Dress nicely, like you would for a job interview: skirts for women, dress pants and shirt for men.
How many shows do you do?
We typically do one small production in October, one large production in November, and another large production in March or April.
Are there other performance projects besides the productions that we can be involved with?
Yes. We are involved in many small projects through our classes, and with outside events such as the American College Theatre Festival and the Great Plains Theatre Conference which provides other performance opportunities for students.
Can I do shows in other theatres outside of the college?
As a theatre major, you are advised to only participate in other theatres if the schedules do not conflict with the IWCC Theatre Department schedule. From September-November, and January-April, you will be expected to be available for all IWCC theatre projects.
Can I attend a show there while I'm still in high school?
Absolutely! We offer special performances just for high school students with almost all of our shows. Check with your high school drama teacher, or contact the Program Chair for specific dates and times.
The Facility
The theatre department is housed in the Arts Center on the campus of Iowa Western. Breathtaking views and a pleasant environment surround this beautiful state-of-the-art facility, which was constructed in 2001.
The facility includes:
- An acoustically excellent performance theatre with a 45' wide proscenium opening, seating 667, including two balconies
- A 45'x45' black box space, featuring the flexibility of
staging and seating unique to each production - Three air-wall joined dressing rooms
- One multi-use dressing room
- Make-up room with full facilities
- Green Room
- Scene Shop
- Costume Shop
- Costume/Prop storage areas
Classrooms at Iowa Western have the latest technologies for faculty to deliver quality instruction. Iowa Western's spacious classroom and laboratory facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and technology.
Our wireless network also allows students to access the internet from virtually anywhere on campus.
Scholarship Information
Scholarships are available for Theatre majors. Scholarship applicants must complete the Scholarship Application for Department of Theatre AND set up an audition or interview with the Program Chair.
Iowa Western Community College has many other scholarship opportunities available for new and continuing students. We encourage you to take a moment to explore these options by visiting our Scholarship Page - the few minutes it takes to fill out the application may literally pay off.
American College Theatre Festival
Every year the college enters productions and attends the Kennedy Center/American College Theatre Festival in January. The location of the festival varies each year.
For more information on the American College Theatre Festival click on the link below.
Current Productions
Our current productions provides a wide variety of entertainment and experience..
Audition Information
Auditions are open to the our theatre students and the community. If you are interested in auditioning for one of our productions, please contact the Program Chair.
Come See Theatre Program for Yourself!
It is important to research the program you would like to study and school you would like to attend, but it is equally important that you experience both before making your selection. We encourage you to come experience Iowa Western for yourself by scheduling a visit or attending a program day.
Other Resources
American College Theatre Festival
Contact Information
Carl Dumicich, Instructor
Program Chair, Theatre Department
2700 College Road, Box 4-C
(712) 388-7146 or 1-800-432-5852, ext. 7146
Return to the Iowa Western Community College Academic Program Page