Theatre Arts Program
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 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
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 DeLand’s Museum of Art and includes a 240-seat modified proscenium/studio theatre with a scene shop, design studio/computer lab, and costume shop.
2025-2026 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.
All are welcome! Auditions are open to all Stetson students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members!
Auditions are held in the Second Stage Theatre, 600 N Woodland Blvd (across from Smith 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:
The Real Inspector Hound
By: Tom Stoppard| Directed by Ken McCou
Performances: September 25-27 at 8:00 pm and September 28 at 3:00 pm
AUDITIONS: TBA
Stetson Students - please note that audition information will be announced at the Theatre Arts Welcome Event on Wednesday evening during FOCUS.
About the play:
The Real Inspector Hound by Tom Stoppard is a multi-layered spoof of a typical English country house murder mystery, where two theatre critics in the audience become incorporated into the whodunit on stage. Behind the scenes sexual intrigues, the performance aspirations of literary critics, and the thin line between the actor and the role are all in play with this hilarious and illuminating meta-theatrical comedy.
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In Pieces: A New Musical
By: Joey Contreras | Directed by Olivia Yokers
Produced in Collaboration with the Stetson University School of Music
Performances: October 30-November 1 at 8:00 pm and November 2 at 3:00 pm
AUDITIONS: TBA
About the play:
In Pieces is a contemporary song cycle by Joey Contreras that weaves together the lives of six individuals as they navigate love, self-discovery, and the pivotal moments that define them. With a vibrant, pop-driven score, the musical captures the highs and lows of relationships—past, present, and future—revealing how every experience shapes who we become. Authentic, heartfelt, and deeply relatable, In Pieces is a moving exploration of identity, growth, and acceptance, resonating with anyone who has ever faced a turning point in their life.
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Girl in the Goldfish Bowl
By: Morris Panuch | Directed by Rebekah Lane
Performances: February 19-21 at 8:00 pm and February 22 at 3:00 pm
AUDITIONS: TBA
About the play:
Girl in the Goldfish Bowl, by Morris Panych, tells the story of a young girl named Iris who believes that the world has been held together by her pet goldfish and that his death has led both to the disintegration of her parents' marriage and the Cuban Missile Crisis. Almost immediately after her pet's death, Iris finds a man washed
up on the beach and thinks he is the reincarnation of the goldfish. She brings the stranger back to her home, pinning all her messianic hopes on his well-being.
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Theatre for Young Audiences: A Devised Production
Title: TBD
Directed and mentored by Julie Schmitt
Performances: April 16 at 8:00 pm and April 17-19 at 3:00 pm
AUDITIONS: TBA
About the play:
In collaboration with our community partners, Stetson Theatre Arts students will devise an original production highlighting some of the important issues impacting our cultural environment. The production will be toured throughout the Spring season to local area schools and will culminate in a special exhibition performance at Stetson’s Second Stage Theatre.
The Real Inspector Hound
by: Tom Stoppard | Directed by Ken McCoy
September 25-28
Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 8:00 pm | Sunday at 3:00 pm
The Real Inspector Hound by Tom Stoppard is a multi-layered spoof of a typical English country house murder mystery, where two theatre critics in the audience become incorporated into the whodunit on stage. Behind thescenes sexual intrigues, the performance aspirations of literary critics, and the thin line between the actor andthe role are all in play with this hilarious and illuminating meta-theatrical comedy.
In Pieces: A New Musical
by: Joey Contreras | Directed by Olivia Yokers
Produced in collaboration with the Stetson University School of Music
October 21 - November 2
Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 8:00 pm | Sunday at 3:00 pm
In Pieces is a contemporary song cycle by Joey Contreras that weaves together the lives of six individuals as they navigate love, self-discovery, and the pivotal moments that define them. With a vibrant, pop-driven score, the musical captures the highs and lows of relationships—past, present, and future—revealing how every experience shapes who we become. Authentic, heartfelt, and deeply relatable, In Pieces is a moving exploration of identity, growth, and acceptance, resonating with anyone who has ever faced a turning point in their life.
Girl in the Goldfish Bowl
By: Morris Panych | Directed by Rebekah Lane
February 19-21
Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 8:00 pm | Sunday at 3:00 pm
Girl in the Goldfish Bowl, by Morris Panych, tells the story of a young girl named Iris who believes that the world has been held together by her pet goldfish and that his death has led both to the disintegration of her parents' marriage and the Cuban Missile Crisis. Almost immediately after her pet's death, Iris finds a man washed
up on the beach and thinks he is the reincarnation of the goldfish. She brings the stranger back to her home, pinning all her messianic hopes on his well-being.
Theatre for Young Audiences: A Devised Production
Title: TBA
Directed and mentored by Julie Schmitt
April 16-19
Thursday at 8:00 pm | Friday, Saturday, Sunday at 3:00 pm
In collaboration with our community partners, Stetson Theatre Arts students will devise an original production highlighting some of the important issues impacting our cultural environment. The production will be toured throughout the Spring season to local area schools and will culminate in a special exhibition performance at
Stetson’s Second Stage Theatre.
Tickets are $12, $10 for seniors, 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.
Conferences
Florida Theatre Conference (FTC)