Theatre Arts

At Stetson University, theatre is a liberal art that prepares students for life beyond college, whether in graduate study, professional activity or a career path outside the theatre. For those whose career plans include teaching drama in the public schools, Stetson University offers teacher training through a cooperative program with the teacher education department.

Through hands-on learning, not only do students learn about theatre, they also learn other things while participating in theatre. This training for the real world includes developing such universal skills as working under the pressures of competition and deadlines, creative problem-solving, teamwork and self-expression.

Theatre arts classes cover a broad spectrum. By choosing course offerings in the department, students can tailor a program to fit their interests and needs, within the guidelines established by the College of Arts and Sciences. From the outset, your teachers will support your goals. They stress learning by doing, and you will be asked to carry out projects with real-world applications.

What makes the program distinctive?

This program is an integral part of the Department of Creative Arts, which brings together faculty and students engaged in the study and practice of creative pursuits. See relevant sections of the Stetson University Catalog and other pages on this website to learn more about the department's other programs in art, art history, digital arts and humanities.

Academics and Research

Independent research

Students' course of study is crowned by a senior project that addresses their individual career goals.

Facilities and opportunities

Stetson University partners with the Museum of Florida Art, where the Stetson University theatre arts program's classes and performances have moved into the theatre space at the museum adjacent to campus. The program makes use of the facility's 8,700-square-foot main theatre, box office, back stage/scene shop, green room, makeup room and upstairs areas that include space for teaching and storage and provide access to control booths.

The theatre arts program emphasizes one-on-one faculty mentoring and provides plentiful opportunities for all students to participate in productions. To further enhance the learning experience, the theatre arts program strongly supports students' development of relationships with outside arts organizations

Awards and Recognition

Distinguished faculty

Excellence in teaching and a focus on student development are hallmarks of Stetson University and of this department. Highly professional and dedicated to their programs, faculty and members take a personal interest in their students and their progress. They stay in touch with their field through research and/or performing. Our faculty includes:

• William D. Elliott, M.F.A., Virginia Tech University; design and production for the performing arts
• Kenneth W. McCoy, Ph.D., Bowling Green State University; Latin American theatre (website)
• Julia Ann Schmitt, Ph.D., Bowling Green State University; theatre theory/history, performance studies

Grant-funded research

Students are encouraged to take part in the Stetson Undergraduate Research Experience (S.U.R.E.). Each year undergraduate scholars are selected in a university-wide competition for grants to work with a faculty mentor on a summer research project.

Beyond the Classroom

Performances

Outside the classroom, the Stetson University theatre arts program helps translate theory into action through performance. We are dedicated to providing a well-rounded approach to the study and practice of theatre, striking a balance between study and application, between academic and professional opportunities, between performance and technology - with all students collaborating on an equal footing, whether as actors, technicians, designers or directors.

Internships

Theatre arts students are encouraged to seek professional work during the summer through regional auditions as well as local contacts.

After Stetson

Learning and doing theatre within a liberal arts environment helps students develop a well-informed world view that has a profound influence on their life and contributes to abilities to pursue varied future goals. Our graduates are drama teachers, directors, actors, playwrights, directors of entertainment, technicians and more.