Principia College

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Department of Theatre and Dance

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One Maybeck Place
Elsah, Illinois 62028
618.374.5010
collegeadmissions@principia.edu

DEGREES OFFERED

Bachelor of Arts in Theatre
Minor in Theatre
Minor in Dance

Develop problem solving, leadership, communication, collaboration, and critical and creative thinking through theatre and dance. Whether at the experimental Davis Black Box, the newly-renovated McVay Center, or the spacious Cox Auditorium, you’ll find the perfect venue for your exploration of the arts at Principia. With many opportunities to perform, direct, choreograph, and work on all aspects of technical production alongside our dynamic faculty and visiting professional artists, you’ll challenge yourself and grow. Connect with current industry professionals, like Principia alum David Lovegren, by participating in the Los Angeles Spring Break trip. You’ll have opportunities to visit studios, network, and get a behind-the-scenes look at the entertainment industry today. Further your exploration of theatre and dance internationally. On the United Kingdom Study Abroad, open to all students, you will research a variety of artists and art forms across the U.K. in castles, museums, libraries, and historic homes, learning what it means to see through the eyes of an artist. When you return to campus, you’ll put your learning into practice by performing a Shakespearean play with your classmates.

Acceptance Rate:

Principia College has a general acceptance rate of 45%

Faculty Info:

Chrissy Calkins Steele, Tom Halsey, Erin Lane, Leah McFall, Trish Brown Schmit, Dr. Jeffrey C. Steele.

USC Theatre to Present Virginia Woolf's ORLANDO at Benson Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - February 09, 2026

The USC Department of Theatre and Dance will present Orlando, Sarah Ruhl's theatrical adaptation of Virginia Woolf's groundbreaking story of self-discovery.

UC Davis Department Of Theatre And Dance To Present THE DROWSY CHAPERONE
by A.A. Cristi - January 20, 2026

UC Davis Department of Theatre and Dance will present THE DROWSY CHAPERONE, a Tony-winning musical, at Wright Hall's Main Theatre with performances scheduled for late February and early March.

Judith Lynn Stillman & William Wilson To Present THE MISCAST CABARET AT RHODE ISLAND COLLEGE
by A.A. Cristi - December 05, 2025

Rhode Island College will present The Miscast Cabaret, the first artistic collaboration between the institution’s newly formed Department of Music and Department of Theatre and Dance.

Tickets Are Now Available for Carbonell Awards Watch Party
by Stephi Wild - November 06, 2025

The 48th annual Carbonell Awards, South Florida’s Theater & Arts Honors, today reminded local theater fans that tickets are now available for this year’s Carbonell Watch Party in FAU’s Livestream Lounge.

Carbonell Awards Add Special Watch Party to Ceremony at FAU’s University Theatre
by Stephi Wild - October 31, 2025

The 48th annual Carbonell Awards, South Florida’s Theater & Arts Honors, today announced that the glittery annual ceremony and after-party at FAU’s University Theatre in Boca Raton is SOLD OUT.

The Carbonell Awards Add Special Watch Party for Sold Out Ceremony
by Team BWW - October 31, 2025

The 48th annual Carbonell Awards, South Florida’s Theater & Arts Honors, announced that the glittery annual ceremony and after-party at FAU’s University Theatre in Boca Raton is SOLD OUT. The fun, festive, entertainment-packed event is scheduled for Monday November 17, at 7:30 pm.

Student Blog: Student Blog: Starting in a Year of Transition
by Student Blogger: Robin Shepley - October 22, 2025

As the Ball State Department of Theatre and Dance prepares to transition into both a new performing arts center and a new class building, expected to be finished by next fall, our theatre community has to find temporary spaces to hold classes.

THE WORLD ACCORDING TO SNOOPY!!! is Coming to Bridgetown Musical Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - October 13, 2025

Bridgetown Musical Theatre is presenting The World According to Snoopy!!! for the holiday season in Portland and Salem. The show will be performed by two separate casts, with performers ages 11 to 18. Learn more!

Michigan Shakespeare Festival to Return in 2026 With Previously Announced Season
by A.A. Cristi - August 04, 2025

The Michigan Shakespeare Festival has announced it will return in 2026 with its previously planned 2025 season, including Richard III, Much Ado About Nothing, and a world premiere adaptation of The Beaux’ Stratagem. A recovery plan is now in place, beginning with a September 27 kickoff event at the Hilberry Gateway in Detroit. Tickets at wsushows.com.

Cal State LA to Present THE JOHN LION NEW PLAYS FESTIVAL
by Chloe Rabinowitz - April 18, 2025

The Department of Theatre and Dance at Cal State LA will present the 27th annual John Lion New Plays Festival at the university's State Playhouse. Learn more and see how to attend.

IN THE MIDDLE OF A STORY: A Celebration of Athol Fugard to be Streamed
by Chloe Rabinowitz - March 17, 2025

BroadwayWorld previously reported that South African playwright, novelist, and actor, Athol Fugard, passed away at age 92. A memorial for the playwright will be streamed. Learn how to tune into the tribute and see more about his life and career.

Contemporary Dance Showcase STAY To Premiere At New York City Fringe Festival
by Chloe Rabinowitz - March 14, 2025

Ara Dance Project will present Stay, with choreography by Ashley Taylor, Kevin Vogel, Angela Joy, Natalia Nikitin, and Mackenzie Rawls, and directed by Ashley Taylor. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.

Playwright Athol Fugard Dies at Age 92
by Stephi Wild - March 10, 2025

BroadwayWorld is saddened to report that South African playwright, novelist, and actor, Athol Fugard, has died at age 92. Learn more about him and read the full obituary here.

THE GOOD PERSON OF SETZUAN to be Presented at Cal State LA
by Chloe Rabinowitz - February 25, 2025

The Department of Theatre and Dance at Cal State LA will present The Good Person of Setzuan. Bertolt Brecht's modern classic play is translated by Wendy Arons. Learn more and see how to attend.

THE TRICK to Open at Theatre 68 in February
by Chloe Rabinowitz - January 21, 2025

The Trick, written by Joe Praml, and directed by Linnea V. Praml will be presented at Theatre 68 Arts Complex in February. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.

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