Theatre Arts Program
We are dedicated to providing a well-rounded approach in the theatre arts curriculum, striking a balance between study and application, between academic and professional opportunities, and between performance and technology—with all students collaborating on an equal footing, whether as actors, technicians, designers, or directors. The Theatre Arts Program (THEA) emphasizes one-on-one faculty mentoring and the development of relationships with outside arts organizations.
At Stetson, 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. The study of theatre arts in the classroom and through production emphasizes creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and cross-disciplinary approaches, allowing it to play a unique role in a liberal arts education. We offer a rigorous and rewarding curriculum for those students interested in majoring or minoring in theatre arts. Not only for career training but as a kind of “rehearsal for life” through applied study and hands-on experience. This “training for the real world” prepares students for a variety of careers in our ever-changing world.
“The mission of the theater, after all, is to change, to raise the consciousness of people to their human possibilities” – Arthur Miller
Second Stage Theatre
Check out our current show!
Our Theatre Arts Program produces at least four main stage shows each year. Participation in our program is open to all Stetson students, and we offer plentiful opportunities to participate onstage and off. Currently, the Theatre Arts Program is housed in a performance complex inside the Museum of Art (600 N Woodland Blvd) and includes a 225-seat modified proscenium/studio theatre with a scene shop, design studio/computer lab, and costume shop.
2026-2027 AUDITION ANNOUNCEMENT
Auditions for Stetson Theatre Arts productions are held early in the fall semester for the fall productions, and late in the fall semester/early in the spring semester for the spring productions. The times associated with production are listed below. SEE BELOW FOR PRODUCTION-SPECIFIC INFORMATION
All are welcome! Auditions are open to all Stetson students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members!
Auditions are generally held in the Second Stage Theatre, 600 N Woodland Blvd (across from Emily Hall). Please enter through the stage door on the NW corner of the building (single red door on the parking lot side). No need to sign up for a specific time; just come when you have availability during the designated audition times and check in with the Stage Manager who will provide you the necessary paperwork to proceed. You do not need to attend all audition sessions unless you find it exciting to do so.
What to prepare for your audition: Scripts will be available at auditions. Students looking to audition will be asked to rehearse and perform selected cold reads.
AUDITION DATES:
'night Mother
By: Marsha Norman | Directed by Trevin Cooper
Performances: November 5-7, 2026 at 7:30 pm and November 8, 2026 at 2:30 pm
Auditions for 'night Mother
- TBD
Auditions will be held on stage the Second Stage Theatre, located at 600 N Woodland Blvd. Please enter through the stage door at the NW corner (single door on the parking lot side of the building). You will be greeted by the Stage Manager who will direct you to the audition space.
Audition Process:
No need to sign up for a specific time; just come when you have availability during the designated audition times, check in with the director and fill out the audition forms provided. If you have a prepared monologue, please let the director know upon your arrival.
All are welcome!
Auditions are open to all Stetson students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members!
Important dates:
- Rehearsals: TBD; rehearsals are generally Monday-Friday, 7-10 pm and Saturday and/or Sunday afternoons. The exact schedule will be set once the cast has been selected.
- Technical rehearsals at Second Stage: November 1-4, 2026 (tenative)
- Performances at Second Stage: November 5-7, 2026 at 7:30 pm and November 8, 2026 at 2:30 pm
About the play:
In a modest aging home, Thelma and her daughter, Jessie live what appears to be a quiet existence. However, when Jessie revels a carefully detailed secret, these two women will unpack their lives, their relationship and their history in one extraordinary night. Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, playwright, Marsha Norman's masterpiece, 'night Mother, is a soul searing examination of love, hate and perhaps the most complex word of all, "family."
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The Senior Capstone Project
Conceived and produced by the 2027 Senior Theatre Arts Majors
Performances: February 11-13, 2027 at 7:30 pm and February 14, 2027 at 2:30 pm
Auditions for The Senior Capstone Project
- TBD
Auditions will be held on stage the Second Stage Theatre, located at 600 N Woodland Blvd. Please enter through the stage door at the NW corner (single door on the parking lot side of the building). You will be greeted by the Stage Manager who will direct you to the audition space.
Audition Process:
No need to sign up for a specific time; just come when you have availability during the designated audition times, check in with the director and fill out the audition forms provided. If you have a prepared monologue, please let the director know upon your arrival.
All are welcome!
Auditions are open to all Stetson students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members!
Important dates:
- Rehearsals: TBD; rehearsals are generally Monday-Friday, 7-10 pm and Saturday and/or Sunday afternoons. The exact schedule will be set once the cast has been selected.
- Technical rehearsals at Second Stage: February 7-10, 2027 (tentative)
- Performances at Second Stage: February 11-13, 2027 at 7:30 pm and February 14, 2027 at 2:30 pm
About the play:
The Senior Theatre Arts Majors collaborate as a class to conceive and produce a work of theatre. This work explores topics that the students are passionate about and will come to life as a fully realized theatrical production, or other creative endeavor in the form of live performance.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Complete Works of Jane Austin, Abridged
By: Jessica Bedford, Kathryn MacMillan, Charlotte Northeast, and Meghan Winch | Directed by Julie Schmitt
Performances: April 15-17, 2027 at 7:30 pm and April 18, 2027 at 2:30 pm
Auditions for The Complete Works of Jane Austin, Abridged
- TBD
Auditions will be held on stage the Second Stage Theatre, located at 600 N Woodland Blvd. Please enter through the stage door at the NW corner (single door on the parking lot side of the building). You will be greeted by the Stage Manager who will direct you to the audition space.
Audition Process:
No need to sign up for a specific time; just come when you have availability during the designated audition times, check in with the director and fill out the audition forms provided. If you have a prepared monologue, please let the director know upon your arrival.
All are welcome!
Auditions are open to all Stetson students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members!
Important dates:
- Rehearsals: TBD; rehearsals are generally Monday-Friday, 7-10 pm and Saturday and/or Sunday afternoons. The exact schedule will be set once the cast has been selected.
- Technical rehearsals at Second Stage: April 11-14, 2027 (tenative)
- Performances at Second Stage: April 15-17, 2027 at 7:30 pm and April 18, 2027 at 2:30 pm
About the play:
In this fast-paced romp, three actors take on all of Austen’s beloved heroines, friends, and love interests – and her incisive social satire – in just 80 minutes. But when they lose a cast member, the two remaining Janeites must teach an understudy about her work.
SECOND STAGE THEATRE PLAYBILLS
2026-2027 SEASON
'night Mother
By: Marsha Norman | Directed by Trevin Cooper
Performances: November 5-7, 2026 at 7:30 pm and November 8, 2026 at 2:30 pm
In a modest aging home, Thelma and her daughter, Jessie live what appears to be a quiet existence. However, when Jessie revels a carefully detailed secret, these two women will unpack their lives, their relationship and their history in one extraordinary night. Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, playwright, Marsha Norman's masterpiece, 'night Mother, is a soul searing examination of love, hate and perhaps the most complex word of all, "family."
The Senior Capstone Project
Conceived and produced by the 2027 Senior Theatre Arts Majors
Performances: February 11-13, 2027 at 7:30 pm and February 14, 2027 at 2:30 pm
The Senior Theatre Arts Majors collaborate as a class to conceive and produce a work of theatre. This work explores topics that the students are passionate about and will come to life as a fully realized theatrical production, or other creative endeavor in the form of live performance.
The Complete Works of Jane Austin, Abridged
By: Jessica Bedford, Kathryn MacMillan, Charlotte Northeast, and Meghan Winch | Directed by Julie Schmitt
Performances: April 15-17, 2027 at 7:30 pm and April 18, 2027 at 2:30 pm
In this fast-paced romp, three actors take on all of Austen’s beloved heroines, friends, and love interests – and her incisive social satire – in just 80 minutes. But when they lose a cast member, the two remaining Janeites must teach an understudy about her work.
Tickets are $12, $10 for seniors, and free to all students with a student ID and free to Stetson students and employees with a Stetson ID.
Reservations are available but not required. To reserve tickets, please contact the Box Office by emailing [email protected] or by calling 386-822-8700. Tickets will be held at Will-Call, and the Box Office opens one half hour prior to the start of the show. Alternatively, come and check in at the Box Office to get a ticket in the half hour prior to the start of the show.
Enjoy the show!
Keep in touch!
Stetson Students: please email [email protected] with your Stetson email address if you would like to be on our theatre email distribution list. All Theatre Arts majors and minors are also included on the Creative Students email distribution list, which is updated at the start of the fall and spring semesters.
Alumni and Friends of Theatre Arts, please email [email protected] if you would like to receive the Creative Arts newsletter.
Conferences
Florida Theatre Conference (FTC)