ABOUT THE THEATRE DEPARTMENT

Does your dream involve acting? directing? theater management? set, costume, or lighting design? stage management? technical theatre, dance? teaching theatre in elementary or secondary schools? a graduate degree in theatre history? developing a theatre company of your own or using your performance skills in professions such law, psychology, or politics? Then check out Southwestern University's theatre program.

Grounded in theatre history and criticism, dramatic literature, performance studies and theatre's arts and crafts, students receive education and training in the intellectual, artistic, and cultural dimensions of live theatrical performance. Each year, the Theatre Program produces four mainstage productions including plays from a wide variety of dramatic genres and historical periods and a musical theatre production. In addition, students produce their own performance projects throughout the academic year and a summer theatre program is available to provide students with an intensive pre-professional experience.
 
SU's theatre program offers small class sizes that facilitate close interaction and collaboration with faculty. Guest artists have included actors, directors, performance artists, and scenic artists. Dance is offered as a minor and is a natural companion to majors in theatre, music, and art.
 
The Theatre Program curriculum and production program includes:
• areas of study including theatre production and design, performance, theatre history, literature, and criticism, performance studies, theatre management, and dance;
• opportunities as an undergraduate to gain hands-on performance and production experience and to conduct research, present papers and publish research with SU professors;
• Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in theatre or a Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) with an emphasis on Acting, Musical Theatre, or Design;
• a minor in dance;
• opportunities to work with distinguished guest artists
• opportunities to learn design and technical theatre skills using state-of-the-art lighting and sound equipment
• internships in Central Texas, across the United States and abroad,
• performing, visual and communication arts internships in New York City,
• double majors in a wide variety of fields, and an honors project option in theatre

Because Southwestern is a liberal arts institution, focusing on cross-disciplinary study, your theatre major course work is balanced with studies of American and Western cultural heritage, other cultures and civilizations, religions, values and ethics, and the social, physical and life sciences. Additionally, you can develop computer competence and writing skills, as well as, an appreciation of fitness and recreational activities. Plus Southwestern's size and mission foster leadership opportunities across campus.