Transylvania University

Home Find a College Scholarships Show Calendar Blogs News

Department of Theater

Visit Web Site Admissions Information Course Catalog Alumni Page

Twitter/X

Facebook

Instagram

300 North Broadway
Lexington, Kentucky 40508
859.233.8623
admissions@transy.edu

DEGREES OFFERED

Bachelor of Arts in Theatre
Minor in Theater

The theater major at Transylvania encourages experience-based class work and participation in productions in our highly flexible and well-equipped Lucille C. Little Theater, even for students who don’t pursue a theater degree. We offer beginning and advanced courses in acting, directing, technical theater and design, costume design and construction, theater history and dramatic literature and playwriting. In all our courses, we emphasize both theory and practice and offer students hands-on training through acting, constructing scenery and props, building costumes, writing plays, directing and attending plays in production. Transylvania University Theater stages two to three major productions each year, representing a wide range of theatrical styles and literary genres, in addition to a number of student-directed plays. Recent productions include “Beware Wolf and Other Nightmares” “She Kills Monsters,” “Dying City” and “Lawrence Booth’s Books of Visions,” adapted from professor Maurice Manning’s award-winning book of poems. Casting is open to all Transylvania students with no pre-casting, putting first-year students on an equal plane with other students. The Transy Theater Mentorship Program allows students to assume major responsibilities—directing, stage management, producing and costuming, set and lighting design—while working in a supportive environment with highly individualized faculty guidance. This is a rare opportunity for students to put into practice ideas and skills that they have studied, focus on an area of special interest and collaborate with other students and faculty on creative production.

Acceptance Rate:

Transylvania University has a high acceptance rate of 90.7%

Faculty Info:

Daniel Bennett, Tosha Fowler, Missy Johnston.

Avery Deutsch Wins 2025 Neukom Playwriting Award for THE AGE OF MARY
by A.A. Cristi - February 12, 2026

Avery Deutsch's play 'THE AGE OF MARY' has been selected for the 2025 Neukom Playwriting Award, with upcoming workshops and public readings in Vermont and New Hampshire.

Temple Theaters Will Present THE ANASTASIA TRIALS IN THE COURT OF WOMEN
by Nicole Rosky - January 30, 2026

Temple Theaters will stage 'THE ANASTASIA TRIALS IN THE COURT OF WOMEN,' a unique interactive comedy where the audience's verdict decides the fate of the characters. This engaging production, directed by Lynne Innerst, offers a blend of humor and courtroom drama, set against the historical backdrop of the Romanoff family's mystery.

by BWW Awards - December 29, 2025

DANCE NATION By Clare Barron Comes to UCSB
by Stephi Wild - May 15, 2025

The Department of Theater and Dance at UC Santa Barbara will present Dance Nation by Pulitzer Prize finalist Clare Barron, a funny and deeply moving play that captures the raw ambition and emotional complexity of adolescence.

Jonathan Berry Will Step Down as Artistic Director of Penobscot Theatre Company
by Stephi Wild - March 31, 2025

Penobscot Theatre Company has announced that Artistic Director Jonathan Berry will step down at the conclusion of the 51st Mainstage season. Learn more here!

UCSB Department of Theater/Dance's LAUNCH PAD Kicks Off 20th Year With STRANGE BIRDS
by A.A. Cristi - February 10, 2025

The UCSB Department of Theater/Dance's new-play development program, LAUNCH PAD, will present a preview production of a new play, Strange Birds, written by E. M. Lewis and directed by Artistic Director Risa Brainin.

Spend Your Summer Training at UCLA
by Team BWW - February 06, 2025

Join the UCLA Department of Theater Summer Institutes for a transformative experience that will allow students to expand their creative horizons in every way. Artists will train with world-renowned faculty and build a foundation in their chosen area of study while learning the art of networking.

OPERA America Selects Four Teams for the 2025 Robert L.B. Tobin Director-Designer Prize
by A.A. Cristi - January 22, 2025

OPERA America will award the Robert L.B. Tobin Director-Designer Prize to four teams of creative artists. The prize connects these rising artists with producers who can advance their careers.

Northern Stage Will Host 2024/25 New Works Now Festival
by Stephi Wild - December 04, 2024

Northern Stage has announced a fresh and bold line-up of new works for the 2024/25 season. Learn more about the upcoming season lineup and get tickets here!

UCLA Theater Department Chair Michelle Liu Carriger Wins The Barnard Hewitt Award
by Chloe Rabinowitz - November 19, 2024

Michelle Liu Carriger of UCLA's Department of Theater received the Barnard Hewitt Award for her book on theater history, recognized for its innovative approach and meticulous scholarship. Learn more!

Temple Theater to Present THE TEMPEST in December
by Blair Ingenthron - November 11, 2024

Directed by Douglas C. Wager, William Shakespeare's The Tempest will debut at the Tomilson theater this December. Learn more about the production and how to get tickets here!

Spend Summer 2025 Training at UCLA
by Team BWW - November 07, 2024

Join the UCLA Department of Theater Summer Institutes and Summer Workshops for a transformative experience. Artists will expand their creative horizons through training with world-renowned faculty and build a foundation in their chosen area of study while learning the art of networking.

UCSB Department of Theater/Dance Will Perform THE THREEPENNY OPERA
by Stephi Wild - October 30, 2024

The Department of Theater and Dance at the University of California, Santa Barbara will present Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill’s groundbreaking musical, The Threepenny Opera.

UCSB Department Of Theater/Dance to Present Santa Barbara Dance Theater's 2024 Fall Season A PLACE FOR US
by Blair Ingenthron - October 25, 2024

Explore Santa Barbara Dance Theater's 2024 Fall Season, 'A Place for Us,' presented by UCSB's Department of Theater/Dance. Discover the innovative performances and creative vision behind this season.

Brown/Trinity Rep Presents FUGITIVE SONGS
by A.A. Cristi - October 24, 2024

Brown/Trinity Rep has announced the presentation of FUGITIVE SONGS, a musical exploring themes of escape and self-discovery.

Videos