On stage, backstage, and in the classroom, VWU theatre majors gain experience in all aspects of theatre. Majors and minors will encounter practical, theoretical, and critical perspectives on theatrical performance, production, theatre history and dramatic literature from Ancient Greece to the present. Students have the opportunity to study abroad, either for a travel course or for an entire semester. The multi-faceted nature of the program covers a variety of specialties that assists graduates in adapting to an exciting and fast-paced profession.
About The Program
The theatre major requires students to complete ten (10) courses in specified coursework and electives. While the major contains a breadth of coursework, students can use the major electives to deepen their skills in any of the theatre arts. The department also offers coursework to complete Teacher Certification in Theatre Arts Education (PreK-12).
Students from across campus have been successful using the skills they acquire in the major or minor to enhance their employment prospects in a wide variety of fields.
Majors: Theatre (BA), Theatre with Teacher Certification in Theatre Arts (PreK-12)
Minor: Theatre
Coordinator: Sally Shedd
School: Susan S. Goode School of Arts And Humanities
About the Major
Students majoring in theatre will gain practical skills in performance, research, collaboration, and communication. The theatre major requires students to complete 11 courses in specified coursework and electives. While the major contains a breadth of coursework, students can use the major electives to deepen their skills in any of the theatre arts. The department also offers the Pre-K-12 Teacher Endorsement in Theatre Arts Education. The skills gained in a theatre major can also complement other majors on campus. Students from across the campus have been successful using the skills they acquire in the major or the minor to enhance their employment prospects.
The Capstone Experience
Through the Senior Capstone Experience, theatre majors complete advanced creative and scholarly work to prepare them for future employment in the field or graduate school. The faculty meets with theatre majors during the sophomore year to conduct Sophomore Assessment Meetings where faculty work individually with each major to ensure that their ongoing course work and production work is developing the skills the student needs to successfully complete the capstone. Students can fulfill their capstones by assuming leading roles in projects such as directing a full-length play, presenting an acting recital, designing for a mainstage production, or completing an off-campus internship.
Beyond the Classroom
The experiential knowledge and skills gained in the theatre program are highly marketable and adaptable to the changing nature of the theatre and entertainment industry. Our graduates have been highly successful in their pursuit of advanced degrees in the field and they can be found performing professionally onstage and backstage across the country.
Theatre Productions
From student-directed one-act plays to Shakespeare, the presentation of live theatre productions is an essential component of the theatre major at Virginia Wesleyan.
Fall One-Act Play Festival
VWU Theatre students produce and direct a variety of plays from thought-provoking dramas to side-splitting comedies.