The theatre majors are designed to introduce students to all areas of theatre to prepare them as a well-rounded theatre artist. Students can choose between the Theatre Studies emphasis, Musical Theatre Emphasis and Theatre Education degrees. The Theatre Studies Emphasis trains students to consider the art of theatre critically and creatively in order to engage in professional positions or graduate study. The Musical Theatre Emphasis will train students in theatre, music and dance for future work or study in the theatre industry. Students pursuing the theatre education track will also earn K-12 licensure to teach theatre arts. The Theatre program also offers a Theatre Minor and, in collaboration with the School of Music, a Musical Theatre Minor. For more information about our Theatre program please visit our Theatre webpage.
Career Opportunities
Theatre
- Theatrical designer (costumes, sets, sound, lights)
- Stage manager
- Theatre technician
- Theatre director
- Arts administrator
- Actor
- Theatrical set carpenter
- Theatre electrician
- Playwright
- Dramaturg/Literary
- Manager
- Props master
- Producer
Theatre Education, K-12 Licensure
- Theatre Teacher
- Teacher Education Director, professional theatre
What to Expect
Hub/Support/Tutoring
Academic assistance is available for all students through Lee’s support services. Tutoring for specialized major classes may be requested.
Travel/Global Trips
The theatre program conducts regular trips to various locations. Past trips have included excursions to UK, Vienna, Budapest, and Prague.
Club/Social
- Alpha Psi Omega
- Theatre Honor Society
Awards/Honors
Each discipline awards one outstanding graduate prior to spring commencement. The entire department gives an honors award to the department’s most outstanding graduate.
Service
Service learning is embedded within several courses.
Capstone
Capstone courses offer students the opportunity to integrate their major with the university’s religion courses and shared core values of ethical action, redemptive service and responsible citizenship. These courses consider how faith relates to their anticipated professions, providing a bridge between academic studies and life beyond graduation. Art and Theatre each have their own capstone course.
Home/Location
The physical heart of the department is the Communication Arts Building. Constructed in 2014, this building houses unique spaces for all major programs. Theatre students spend most of their time in the rehearsal room, design lab, Buzz Oates Theater, and in the off-site scene and costume shops
Internships/Practicum
Professional theatre internships are available. Past interns have worked with Endstation Theatre, The Rose Theatre, Lexington Children’s Theatre, Seagull Theatre, Florida Repertory, and many others.
Research/Competition
Theatre students who show aptitude in design, direction, or dramaturgy are frequently given production roles in the theatre season which requires a good deal of research. Theatre students are encouraged to present design work at the Southeastern Theatre Conference each year.
Arts/Performance
- Lee Theatre produces four shows per year in the Buzz Oates Theater and the Dixon Center Auditorium.
- Shenanigans Improv Team performs throughout the year on and off campus.