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students performing in theatre production of "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown"

Theatre Major

Complete a bachelor's degree in theatre

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The theatre program at SBU will prepare you for a variety of career paths as you engage with all facets of theatre including acting, directing, set and costume design, lighting and sound design, script analysis, stage management and arts administration.

Theatre is one of the most hands-on programs, and the small class sizes provide more performance and technical opportunities than you might find elsewhere. You will grow as an artist in a supportive community where you receive an academic education and performance experience within the context of a Christian worldview.

The Theatre degree is offered through SBU's College of Arts and Sciences. 

Theatre Productions

SBU Theatre produces at least two mainstage productions each year, as well as other events such as improv shows, staged readings, 24-hour theatre, student plays and one-act plays.

To view the current season line-up, lists of past productions and photos from previous shows, or to buy tickets to upcoming productions, please visit the Theatre Productions page.

Learn More About Theatre Productions

Resources

Major Map (PDF)

Degree Plan

Theatre Scholarship Application (PDF)

2
annual
mainstage
productions

(SBU Theatre produces an average of two full theatrical productions during each academic year, in addition to other performances.)

theatre students in performance

The SBU Advantage

  • Be involved with theatre production right away, even as a freshman!
  • "Study abroad" for a semester at The King's College in New York City or at the Los Angeles Film Studies Center.
  • Participate in the Kennedy Center/American College Theatre Festival where numerous SBU students and faculty have received recognitions of merit through awards and scholarships for playwriting, acting, criticism, directing and design.
  • Complete an individualized capstone project your senior year that includes a portfolio, resume and/or audition package ready for potential employers.

Faith Integration

The intentional integration of faith and discipline distinguishes SBU's theatre program. You will receive a rigorous academic education while also being challenged to consider how you can incorporate your Christian faith in your work as an artist. 

SBU's theatre program carefully considers and integrates faith in all aspects of theatre, from show selection to casting, design and production. You will be challenged to learn and grow as an artist within an environment that upholds your beliefs and values.

Internships

SBU theatre majors have completed internships in various capacities at places such as:

  • Disney World
  • Kansas City Youth Audiences
  • Tent Theatre (Springfield, Mo.)
  • Theatre in the Park (Kansas City, Mo.)
  • Western Playhouse (St. Joseph, Mo.)
  • Des Moines Metro Opera, carpentry internship
  • Trike Theatre (Bentonville, Ark.)

Extended Study Opportunities

SBU theatre majors have the opportunity to "study abroad" for a semester through programs at:

Careers

SBU theatre graduates have pursued a variety of career paths in acting, arts marketing, church drama ministry, playwriting, stage construction, stage management, and teaching, at places such as:

  • Co-director of the Los Angeles Film Studies Center
  • Kansas City Repertory Theatre
  • Fox television show LA to Las Vegas
  • Sight and Sound Theatres
  • Unicorn Theatre in Kansas City
  • The Bible Museum in Washington, D.C. (lighting)
  • The Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington, D.C. (teaching artist)
  • Touhill Performing Arts Center, University of Missouri-St. Louis (production manager)
  • KidStage (Colorado)
  • Theatre in the Park (Shawnee, Kan.)

Full-Time Faculty

Jonathan Wehmeyer

Jonathan Wehmeyer, Assistant Professor

 

Theatre Program

As a theatre major, you will participate in the SBU Theatre Program. Non-theatre majors also are invited to participate. No audition is required to become a theatre major at SBU.

SBU Theatre produces at least two mainstage productions each year, as well as other events such as improv shows, staged readings, 24-hour theatre, student plays and one-act plays. You can participate in productions in many different ways including acting, lighting, sound, costume or set design, marketing and more.

Theatre Production Info

Scholarships

Whether or not you are a theatre major, you will have the opportunity to audition and apply for scholarship opportunities. Scholarships are awarded in both Theatre Performance and Theatre Production.

Theatre Scholarship Application (PDF)

Theatre Four-Year Plan

Freshman

Fall Semester

THR 1023 Acting I 3
THR 1053 Stagecraft 3
ENG 1113 English Composition I 3
BIB 1013 Old Testament History 3
CIS 1103 Computer and Information Management 3
UNI 1111 University Seminar 1
Total hours 16

Spring Semester

FAR/THR 1033 Introduction to Theatre 3
ENG 2213 English Composition II 3
COM 1103 Fundamentals of Speech Communication 3
BIB 1023 New Testament History 3
KIN 1162 Foundations of Physical Fitness/Wellness 2
THR 2031 Makeup 1
UNI 1121 Introduction to Critical Thinking 1
Total hours 16
 

Sophomore

Fall Semester

THR 2013 Script Analysis (Fall, odd) 3
  Foreign Language 4
ECO 2003 LIFE Economics 3
SPF 2012 Introduction to Spiritual Formation 2
THR 1011 Theatre Production Workshop 1
MAT 1143 College Algebra 3
Total hours 16

Spring Semester

THR 3033 Acting II 3
THR 3053 Scenic Design 3
  Foreign Language 4
  Physical Science course 4
  Elective 3
Total hours 17
 

Junior

Fall Semester

THR 4203 History and Literature of Theatre I (fall, even) 3
  THR Elective 3
PSY 1013 General Psychology or  
SOC 1003 Introductory Sociology 3
HIS 2213/2223 U.S. History I or II 3
  Elective 3
Total hours 15

Spring Semester

THR 4213 History and Literature of Theatre II (Spring, odd) 3
THR 3013 Stage Management (Spring, odd) or  
THR 4013 Theatre Management (Spring, even) 3
THR 4003 Lighting and Sound Design or  
THR 3063 Costume Design (Spring, odd) 3
  THR Elective 3
  Elective 3
  Elective 2
Total hours 17
 

Senior

Fall Semester

THR 4023 Directing of Plays 3
POL 1113 American Government and Politics 3
THR 4311 Senior Capstone 1
THR 3001 Theatre Performance Workshop 1
  Elective 3
  Elective 3
  Elective 2
Total hours 16

Spring Semester

BIO 1004 Principles of Biology 4
  Cultural Studies 2
  Elective 3
  Elective 3
  Elective 3
Total hours 15

This is a proposed guideline. Please check the catalog and see your advisor for your final degree requirements.
Southwest Baptist University reserves the right to make changes to degree plans without advanced notice or obligation.
The student is responsible for understanding and completing all general education, degree, departmental and graduation requirements.

Download in PDF format:
Theatre Plan (PDF)