Do your dreams involve acting? Directing? Theater management? Set, costume, or lighting design? Teaching theatre in elementary or secondary schools? A graduate degree in theatre history or dramaturgy? Developing a theatre company of your own, or using your performance skills in professions such law, psychology, or politics? If so, we invite you to explore Southwestern’s Theatre program.

Grounded in theatre history and criticism, dramatic literature, performance studies and theatre's arts and crafts, Southwestern Theatre students receive education and training in the intellectual, artistic, and cultural dimensions of live theatrical performance. The Department offers a rigorous curriculum of study in theatrical design, performance and playwriting, balanced with a solid and comprehensive foundation in theatre history, theory and literature grounded in Southwestern University’s liberal arts tradition.

The 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. In addition to the Theatre major, Dance is offered as a minor and is a natural companion to majors in theatre, music, and art. Scholarships, internships (in Texas, across the US, and abroad), and experiential learning opportunities are also available to students in the Department.

Each year, the Theatre Department produces four mainstage productions, including musical theatre production. In addition, students produce their own performance projects throughout the academic year in our new Blackbox series. Auditions for major theatrical productions are open to all students.