The University of Chicago Theater and Performance Studies

Five years ago "New Work Week" was established to workshop student written work, and TAPS recently staged fifteen plays in six days, culminating with Suzan-Lori Parks' "365 Days / 365 Plays."

Every project begins with a question.

Within the context of the College the Theater and Performance Studies (TAPS) and University Theater (UT) strive to create a place to explore questions of expression and communication of values through the study of performance. Since its founding in 1898, University Theater has been a place where intellectual discourse leads to theatrical experimentation. We believe that’s because of the unique perspective we bring to our work. The symbiosis of practical and theoretical coursework with student-driven productions has created a thriving program that is unique to the University of Chicago. Currently University Theater productions involve approximately 500 students, including actors, designers, directors, and production staffs with a yearly audience approaching 6,500.

Can academics engage performance?