Theatre for Non-Majors: Courses that Cultivate 21st Century Skills

You don’t have to be a theatre major to benefit from theatre training. Many of our courses are open to non-majors, offering a unique opportunity to build essential skills that set you apart in any field.

In a world increasingly shaped by AI, human skills—creativity, communication, collaboration, and critical thinking—are more valuable than ever. Theatre classes cultivate these in a hands-on, dynamic environment where you’ll learn to think on your feet, express ideas with confidence, create original work, and collaborate effectively with others.

Whether you’re interested in acting, directing, design, or playwriting, our courses can help you develop the skills that make you uniquely human.

Browse the list of courses open to non-majors, learn more about the Theatre Minor, and check out our FAQ below.

Classes Open to Non-Majors

While many of our specialized and advanced courses are reserved for Theatre majors, there are plenty of classes open to all FIU students—no major or minor required.

If you’re curious about theatre, looking to develop new skills, or simply want to try something different, we encourage you to enroll in these courses when space is available.

The following classes are not available every semester. To inquire about when a specific class will next be offered, please contact Program Coordinator, Jeff Burleson, at jburleso@fiu.edu or 305-348-2895.

Classes Currently Available to Non-Majors

THE 2000: Theatre Appreciation
DAN 2100: Dance Appreciation
DAA 1200: Ballet Techniques
DAA 1100: Modern Dance Technique I
DAA 2610: Dance Composition
TPP 4600: Playwriting I
TPP 2653: Playscript Analysis
THE 3243: History of Musical Theatre in America
TPP 2100: Introduction to Acting
TPP 3265: Introduction to Acting/Directing for Film
THE 4370: Modern Dramatic Literature
THE 4314: Classical Dramatic Literature
TPA 3002: Period Styles in Theatre Design
TPA 3230: Costume History
TPA 3433: Business of Theatre

Classes Available with Instructor Permission

TPP 3530: Stage Combat I
DAA 1500: Jazz Dance Techniques
DAA 2520: Tap Dance Techniques
TPA 3930: Special Topics in Theatre Design (CAD / Scene Painting / Costume Crafts / Costume Patterning)
TPP 3310: Directing I
TPA 4930: Special Topics in Theatre Performance
THE 4110: Theatre History I
TPA 2010: Introduction to Design
TPA 3045: Costume Design I
TPA 2332: Costume Technology
TPA 2248: Stage Makeup
TPA 2220: Stage Lighting I
TPA 3226C: Lighting Design I
TPA 3060: Scenic Design I
TPA 3073: Stage Rendering
TPA 2210: Stagecraft I

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I audition for FIU Theatre’s plays without being a theatre major?

We’re glad you’re interested in our productions! However, auditions are limited to students admitted to our theatre program. Our productions serve as a “lab” where theatre majors put into practice the skills they develop in the classroom. These opportunities are reserved to ensure that our students receive the hands-on training essential to their development as theatre artists.

I took Intro to Acting and/or Theatre Appreciation and I loved it! Can I sign up for Acting 1 now?

We’re thrilled you enjoyed Intro to Acting! However, Acting 1 and other performance-focused classes are reserved for theatre majors. If you’re looking for another chance to act, we recommend checking out Stage Combat, a course open to non-majors that also lets you explore performance in an exciting and dynamic way. Directing I is also a class that has some performance opportunities.

What classes can I take as a non-major?

FIU Theatre offers several classes open to non-majors! Intro to Acting and Theatre Appreciation are specifically designed with non-majors in mind and satisfy Undergraduate Core Curriculum (UCC) requirements. While most of our courses are reserved for theatre majors, some are open to non-majors when space is available. Theatre majors have priority enrollment for these courses, but if spots remain, non-majors are welcome to join. Check out the full list of classes available to non-majors above and find one that sparks your interest!

Are there any theatre clubs I can join as a non-major?

Absolutely! FIU Theatre is home to a chapter of Alpha Psi Omega (APO), the national theatre honor society, and it’s open to all students who share a passion for theatre, regardless of their major. APO hosts a variety of fun, creative events every semester, from performances to workshops and social gatherings. It’s a great way to meet like-minded people and get involved in FIU’s vibrant theatre community. For more details on how to join APO, visit our website or follow them on Instagram.