Stetson University Department of Theatre Arts

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 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, between performance and technology—with all students collaborating on an equal footing, whether as actors, technicians, designers, or directors. The Theatre Arts program emphasizes one-on-one faculty mentoring, and to further enhance the learning experience, the Theatre Arts program strongly supports the development of relationships with outside arts organizations. We offer a rigorous and rewarding curriculum for those students interested in majoring or minoring in theatre arts. Our theatre arts program produces at least four mainstage shows each year in a hands-on liberal arts program devoted to training the whole artist. 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 which includes a 240 seat modified proscenium/studio theatre with scene shop, design studio/computer lab, and costume shop. At Stetson, we approach theatre not only for career training, but as a kind of “rehearsal for life.” Through applied study and hands-on experience, students not only learn about theatre, they also learn other things while doing theatre. This “training for the real world” prepares students for a variety of careers in our ever-changing world.