Theatre
About
Theatre is a hands-on, transformative learning experience. Our program immerses students into the culture of theatre. By taking courses in acting, directing, technical theatre, design, playwriting, theatre history and dramatic literature, you’ll develop the skills needed to take on any part of the theatrical world. Our main stage and student productions give you the opportunity to show what you can do on stage through acting roles, stage management, design and technical positions, as well as writing and directing. At Scranton, we’re educating the next generation of theatre artists.
Our students practice what they learn, getting hands-on experience in every facet of theatrical productions with professors and theatre professionals. Studying theatre fosters collaboration, encourages creative expression and gives students life-long skills that will help them in numerous professions.
- Hank Willenbrink, Ph.D.
Theatre Program Director
Why Theatre is in Demand:
- The arts express what it is to be human. Theatre is a way of being in the world, promotes understanding, generates useful tools for everyday life and has the unique ability to generate community from a group of strangers.
- Theatre students are adept thinkers and doers who exercise their abilities in the unique and challenging realm of live performance.
- The performing arts are collaborative practices that develop creativity, team building, leadership and personal responsibility.
- According to this article in The Huffington Post and a recent IBM survey, global CEOs named creativity as the most important leadership competency for the future.
Is it for me?
- Are you ready to make art?
- Do you work well with others?
- Will you try new things and test your boundaries?
Five Reasons to Choose Scranton for Theatre
Preparing You For Personal & Professional Successplus or minus
As a theatre major, you’ll learn how to:
- Gain an awareness of the human condition
- Acquire knowledge about how a theatrical concept is realized
- Analyze and interpret plays and productions
- Reach an audience effectively
- Express yourself through performance
- Develop your creative imagination, inquiring mind, social responsibility, discipline, collaborative attitude, standards for artistic judgment and respect for the art form of theatre
- Respond as a critically informed audience member
Internships
Our students have earned internships at major regional theatres, work with award-winning theatre artists, and create their own theatre companies.
What You'll Learnplus or minus
Curriculum
You’ll take a variety of courses in acting, technical theatre, design, directing, theatre history, playwriting and dramatic literature. You may also choose to focus your course of study by selecting elective concentrations in any of these areas.
Click here to see the curriculum.
Pursue Your Passion and Make a Differenceplus or minus
Thornton Wilder said it best: “I regard the theatre as the greatest of all art forms, the most immediate way in which a human being can share with another the sense of what it is to be a human being.” As a theatre major at The University of Scranton, we take this quotation to heart. We practice the art of cura personalis, and our students use this human connection on and offstage in a common desire to help others and improve the world through the Ignatian calling to be men and women for and with others.
Careers
Where will theatre take me?
Wherever your imagination, innovation and ambition may carry you! Our program is designed to enhance your natural talents and abilities while teaching practical skills applicable to a variety of career settings.
The strong foundations you’ll build in this major are versatile and flexible, allowing you to pursue an array of post-graduation opportunities in theatre and other disciplines.
Employment Opportunities
From television to musical productions, you’ll find University of Scranton theatre graduates performing and working in a variety of settings.
Here are just a few examples:
- Janelle Caso ('10) is currently attending Columbia University's MFA program in stage management.
- Michael Flynn ('10) worked as the Associate Director for It's Only a Play by Terrence McNally on Broadway (starring F. Murray Abraham, Matthew Broderick, Rupert Grint, Nathan Lane, Stockard Channing and Megan Mullally). Michael also functions as the Artistic Director for Scranton Shakespeare Festival.
- Kiley Lotz ('13) recently made her NYC deput as Ruth in Underland by Alexandra Collier at 59e59.
- Jacki (Kubiak) Vadney ('01) recently directed Evita at Gannon University, where she serves as the Technical Director of Theatre.
- Anthony Mercado ('09) will premiere his play Kill or Be Dead at the Kansas City Fringe Festival in July 2015 and will premiere a new adaptation of A Winter's Tale at the 2016 Scranton Shakespeare Festival.
- Samantha Morales ('10) recently appeared in Theatre for a New Audience's production of Pericles, directed by Sir Trevor Nunn. She was also recently in The Skin of Our Teeth at Theatre for a New Audience (NYC).
- Stephanie O'Brien ('09) recently stage managed Outside Mullingar at Hudson Stage Company.
How Scranton Gives You a Competitive Edge
Your experiences as a theatre major at The University of Scranton will stretch far beyond our campus and stage. Our faculty is made up of professional artists and recognized teachers who will push you to become your best. You’ll leave with a deeper appreciation of your abilities and understanding of your talents, your dreams and yourself. You’ll gain confidence to follow your passions and make valuable contacts in the theatrical world.
Take the Next Step
Get the Facts
For More Information
Office of Admissions
The Estate
Scranton, PA 18510
1-888-SCRANTON or (570) 941-7540
570-941-7572
admissions@scranton.edu
English and Theatre Department
Hank Willenbrink
Director, Academic Theatre Program
570-941-4353
robert.willenbrink@scranton.edu