Western Connecticut State University Department of Theatre Arts

181 White Street
Danbury, Connecticut 06810
203.837.8250
admissions@wcsu.edu

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Degrees offered

Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Arts - Acting
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Arts - Design/Tech
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Arts - Stage Management
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre

About the program

Our NAST-accredited Department of Theatre Arts provides a strong professional training approach to the study of the art and craft of theatre. Students who pursue a BFA in Theatre Arts prepare for a myriad of professional careers as they relate to the student’s personal interests in Acting, Design/Technology, or Stage Management through our specialized and rigorous curriculum. Students pursuing a BFA in Musical Theatre prepare for professional performance careers through the BFA program’s intensive curriculum and training. For students interested in a broader/liberal arts theatre education, the BA in Theatre Arts program is the perfect place for a more expansive, less specialized, approach. While there is no audition or interview process for the BA in Theatre Arts Degree, the BFA in Musical Theatre degree, as well as all concentrations within the BFA in Theatre Arts degree do require an in-person audition/interview for admittance into those programs.

Acceptance rate

Reported acceptance rate (source/year not provided by school): Western Connecticut State University's overall acceptance rate is 84%, and while there isn't specific data on the Theatre Arts department's acceptance rate, it's likely similar to the university's overall rate, making it a relatively accessible program.

Faculty

Dr. Justin P. Cowan Associate Chair
Assistant Professor
Musical Director [Musicianship for the MT Actor] Dr. Donald Gagnon Professor [History of Theatre/Senior Portfolio] Frank Herbert Professor [Technical Theatre/Lighting/Playmaking with Children/Play Production] Tim Howard Associate Professor
Coordinator of BFA in Musical Theatre [Acting II/Transition Workshop/MT Workshop] Joni Johns-Lerner Assistant Professor
Costume Shop Manager [Costume Technology I/II] Pam McDaniel Professor
Chair [Acting/Directing] Elizabeth Popiel Professor [Set Design/Costume Design/ Scenic Art/ Intro to Theatre/ Computer Graphics
Puppetry
Theatre Design Fundamentals] Sal Trapani Professor [Acting/Directing/Devised Theatre Workshop/Theatre History]

Student Blog: Prioritizing Passion With A Growing Career, College, and More

by Student Blogger: Shelby Lewis, February 26, 2025

Ella Sigurdsson is a costume designer, makeup artist, and theater artist; along with being a full-time student in the department of theatre arts at Western Connecticut State University (WCSU).

Blue Mountain Gallery Hosts 2023 Master of Fine Arts Thesis Exhibition of Students From Western Connecticut State University

by Stephi Wild, June 12, 2023

Blue Mountain Gallery has announced the 2023 Master of Fine Arts Thesis Exhibition of students from Western Connecticut State University.

Western Connecticut State University's Department of Theatre Arts Presents MARAT/SADE Opening April 21

by A.A. Cristi, April 5, 2023

Western Connecticut State University's Department of Theatre Arts announced the live show 'Marat/Sade' opening on Friday, April 21, and running through Sunday, April 30, at the university's Visual and Performing Arts Center (VPAC), 43 Lake Ave. Extension, Danbury.

WCSU Presents FAIRVIEW Beginning This Month

by Stephi Wild, March 17, 2023

DANBURY, Connecticut - Western Connecticut State University's Department of Theatre Arts announced the production 'Fairview,' a relevant, evocative play touching on the issues of race and racism in American society, from March 31 to April 16, at the university's Studio Theatre in the Visual and…

WCSU Presents Rodgers and Hammerstein's ALLEGRO This Month

by Stephi Wild, February 9, 2023

DANBURY, Connecticut - Western Connecticut State University's Department of Theatre Arts presents Rodgers and Hammerstein's original musical 'Allegro,' an early creation from these Broadway legends that first premiered in 1947.

Blue Mountain Gallery Presents 2022 Master of Fine Arts Thesis Exhibition of the The Department of Art at Western Connecticut State University

by Stephi Wild, June 8, 2022

The Master of Fine Arts is the terminal degree for practicing, professional artists.

WCSU Stages to Present ERNEST AND THE PALE MOON

by Chloe Rabinowitz, March 22, 2022

Western Connecticut State University's Department of Theatre Arts will stage 'Ernest and the Pale Moon' in the university's Studio Theatre in the Visual and Performing Arts Center, 43 Lake Ave. Extension, Danbury, from April 1-10.

More CT college programs

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Central Connecticut State University Department of Theatre New Britain
Central Connecticut State University Music Department New Britain
Connecticut College Department of Dance New London
Connecticut College Department of Music New London
Connecticut College Department of Theater New London
Eastern Connecticut State University Performing Arts Department - Music Willimantic
Eastern Connecticut State University Performing Arts Department - Theatre Program Willimantic

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Past student productions

Past student productions at Western Connecticut State University
Show	Dates	Theater
Hot Pick The Wild Party	11/7/2018 – 11/18/2018	Western Connecticut State University
Hot Pick Uncle Vanya	10/12/2018 – 10/21/2018 Photos	Western Connecticut State University