Theatre (B.A.)

Program Overview

The Theatre major at Messiah University leads to a B.A. degree with an emphasis in acting, directing, or technical production and design. Our curriculum includes course work in dramatic literature, theatre history, and theory as well as applied studio courses in acting, directing, and technical production and design. Our program is designed to develop students’ creative gifts as they gain knowledge and experience in a variety of educational settings.

Enrichment Program

We recognize that professional theatre thrives in urban centers. For this reason, we believe it is essential for students to learn about themselves and their craft in the city. Enrichment credits may be earned at department-approved programs throughout North America and Europe typically during the junior year. Our students have enriched their Mechanicsburg education through theatre training at the Gaiety School of Acting, Dublin; Royal Holloway, University of London; The Wesley Institute, Sydney Australia; the Eugene O-Neill Institute and internships with professional theatre companies. Students return to the Mechanicsburg campus to continue course work and propose a Senior Capstone Project. This portfolio project represents the culmination of the student's training and serves as a bridge to graduate programs, professional theatre, or other job opportunities.

Acting Emphasis

The acting emphasis at Messiah University offers students the benefits of individualized attention in an intimate environment. Studio courses, workshops, and master classes are complemented by a robust season that includes three mainstage, one black-box, and several student-directed productions each year. 

Directing Emphasis

The directing emphasis is designed to equip directors with both foundational and intimate knowledge of the theatrical process. Directors apply course work in directing theory, acting, design, and production to studio projects as well as to a fully mounted, one-act play in the Senior Capstone Project.

Technical Production and Design Emphasis

The technical production and design emphasis is structured to provide students with a strong understanding of the design and production processes. Along with learning about and experiencing some of the current technological advances in theatre production, our curriculum assists students in developing an aesthetic perception of their art. With a combination of classroom and realized production and design experiences, students will learn the communication skills necessary to work effectively not only with actors and directors, but also with other designers and technicians.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates from Messiah’s Theatre program can:

1. Students will acquire the ability to develop and defend informed judgments about theatre.
2. Students will demonstrate an understanding of play writing and production processes, aesthetic properties of style, and the way these shape and are shaped by artistic and cultural forces.
3. Students will demonstrate a broad understanding for a wide selection of theatre repertory including the principal eras, genres, and cultural sources.
4. Students will demonstrate the ability to think conceptually and critically about text, performance, and production.
5. Students will demonstrate the ability for realizing a variety of theatrical styles.
6. Students will demonstrate intermediate to advanced competence in one or more theatre specializations in creation, performance, scholarship, or teaching.
7. Students will develop effective and practiced audition techniques.
8. Students will gain self-awareness of identity, character, and vocational calling.
9. Students will demonstrate ability to cultivate the stewardship of the intellect and imagination by articulate the intersections between Christian faith and theatre art.

Major Requirements

Complete the following for your major:

Enrichment Program (9 credits)

Minimum of 9 credits at a department-approved institution OR 9 credits of Theatre or Dance electives (not to include more than two dance studio credits)

One of the following Emphases (12-13 credits):

Acting Emphasis (13)

Two of the following:

Directing Emphasis (12)

Technical Production and Design Emphasis (12)

Theatre majors are required to complete a senior capstone portfolio project within their chosen area of emphasis.

In the fall semester of the junior year the theatre major may attend a pre-approved Enrichment Program. Current Enrichment Programs include Temple University; The Gaiety School of Acting, Dublin; Royal Holloway and Goldsmith's, London; Atlantic Acting Company, NYC; Circle in the Square, NYC; National Theatre Institute, CT; Wesley College, Sydney; and London internships administered by Arcadia University. The Enrichment Program is not a requirement.

General Education Requirements