University of Missouri - Columbia

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Department of Theatre

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111 Jesse Hall
Columbia,Missouri 65211
573.882.2021
sylerc@missouri.edu

DEGREES OFFERED

Bachelor of Arts in Theatre - Performance

Bachelor of Arts in Theatre - Design/Technical

Bachelor of Arts in Theatre - Writing for Performance

Minor in Theatre

Welcome to the Department of Theatre at the University of Missouri. We are excited about the opportunities that each semester brings to our undergraduate and graduate program. Our historic commitment to academic scholarship and artistic innovation began in 1925 when Professor Donovan Rhynsburger joined the MU faculty and legitimized the Missouri Theatre Workshop. Today, we celebrate the unique distinction of being named one of the most prolific programs in the country for theatre research, as well as one of only a few Theatre departments that offer the BA, MA and PhD. We continue to explore the endless possibilities of theatre and performance by fostering creativity, enlightenment, and academic investigation. The resident faculty is nationally and internally recognized in various areas of academic research, theatre technology/design, writing for performance and teaching. Faculty research activities continue to establish important relationships with theatre scholars worldwide. Frequent invitations for faculty to work as designers and directors with regional professional theatres enhance the development of a vibrant and innovative production program and provide exciting career avenues for qualified students. We remain dedicated to the inherent value of introducing our students to the most brilliant and accomplished theatre professionals in the business. An impressive list of guest artists, visiting playwrights and scholars, who graciously share their experiences and creative processes continues to bring a wealth of knowledge and provocative ideas each year. Students from various academic disciplines who enroll in our courses as well as those who participate in the production program have discovered that the collaborative nature of theatre encourages a sense of collegiality that provides a safe environment for the development of intellectual acuity and creative expression. As a result, many have found the study of theatre to be a viable and rewarding academic endeavor. Through the concerted efforts of excellent faculty, dedicated staff and accomplished students, the Department of Theatre has become a highly visible presence on the MU campus and an essential contributor to the cultural climate of the surrounding community. The Theatre Department is growing in both our student population and in the College of Arts & Sciences's plan for renovations to our facilities in the next few years. While our production season offers a variety of engaging theatrical performances, we also are proud of our students' talents in design, performance, and writing, and in working for theatre as social justice on the national and global stage.

Faculty Info:

Kevin Brown, Heather Carver, PhD, David A. Crespy, PhD, Les Gray, PhD, Joy Powell, PhD, Claire Syler, PhD, Marc W. Vital II.

UTA Theatre Arts And Dance To Present DANCE DECONSTRUCTED, New Works By Students And Faculty
by A.A. Cristi - November 17, 2025

The University of Texas at Arlington Department of Theatre Arts and Dance will present Dance Deconstructed, November 21 through 23, at the University of Texas at Arlington Fine Arts Building in the Studio Theatre.

UTA Theatre Arts And Dance To Present Staged Reading Of MISS YOU LIKE HELL
by A.A. Cristi - November 10, 2025

The University of Texas at Arlington Department of Theatre Arts and Dance will present a staged reading of the 2018 musical Miss You Like Hell by Quiara Alegría Hudes and Erin McKeown.

TOO MUCH LIGHT MAKES THE BABY GO BLIND Returns to the University of Southern Maine This November
by A.A. Cristi - November 04, 2025

The University of Southern Maine Department of Theatre will present the third annual production of Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind (30 Plays in 60 Minutes) by Greg Allen, directed by Sara Valentine.

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 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!

TAKING OFF! Comes to the Wharton Center
by Stephi Wild - September 02, 2025

The MSU College of Arts and Letters’ Department of Theatre, in collaboration with Wharton Center, will present Taking Off!, a high-flying new musical comedy.

California's Teenage Drama Workshop Sets Summer Productions
by Josh Sharpe - June 16, 2025

Teenage Drama Workshop (TADW) will host a three-week public run of two stage productions, including Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical JR. and The Hobbit, beginning in July at California State University Northridge.

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.

USM Department of Theatre Presents Spring Dance Concert
by A.A. Cristi - April 17, 2025

USM Department of Theatre wraps up its 2024-2025 season with the USM Spring Dance Concert, featuring new dance works by five choreographers and performed by USM dance students April 25th-27th at Russell Hall on the USM Gorham Campus.

UTA Theatre Arts And Dance To Present TREASURE ISLANDS
by A.A. Cristi - March 26, 2025

The University of Texas at Arlington Department of Theatre Arts and Dance will present Treasure Island, the 2014 adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's 1883 adventure book, adapted by British playwright Bryony Lavery.

USM Theatre to Present LITTLE WOMEN THE BROADWAY MUSICAL
by Josh Sharpe - March 12, 2025

The University of Southern Maine Department of Theatre will welcome Spring with the fantastical & heartwarming Little Women, the Broadway Musical, April 4-13th at Russell Hall on the USM Gorham Campus.

Six Finalists Unveiled For 2025 Young Playwright Festival at Wharton Center
by Chloe Rabinowitz - March 06, 2025

Experience the original works of six 2025 Young Playwrights Festival finalists on Saturday, May 10, 2025, in Wharton Center's Pasant Theatre. Learn more and see how to attend!

Late Night Theatre Company Presents COME PLAY WITH US! New Plays Festival
by A.A. Cristi - February 20, 2025

The University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa's Department of Theatre & Dance and Kennedy Theatre will present Late Night Theatre Company's new playwriting showcase, Come Play with Us! New Plays Festival.

NATASHA, PIERRE, AND THE GREAT COMET OF 1812 Set for UTA Theatre Arts and Dance
by Blair Ingenthron - February 08, 2025

The University of Texas at Arlington Department of Theatre Arts and Dance will present Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812, the 2012 electropop opera by writer/composer, Dave Malloy, based on Leo Tolstoy's novel War and Peace.

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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