The Theatre Arts Department at Gettysburg College explores the history and importance of live performance, providing a bachelor’s degree in theatre arts and a minor in theatre arts.
To nurture creative self-expression and teamwork, the department presents its main stage productions through its three theatres: the Kline Theatre, Majestic Theater, and Stevens Laboratory Theatre.
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Upcoming productions
All Gettysburg students—regardless of major—may audition for plays and musicals on campus.
Animal Farm
book by George Orwell. Adapted by Peter Hall
Music by Richard Peaslee
Directed by Trazana Beverley
October 24, 25, 26 at 7:30 PM
October 27 at 2:00 PM
Kline Theatre
Free Admission
Questions email ccoon@gettysburg.edu
The Ver**on Play
By Lisa Kron
Directed by Susan Russell
February 27, 28, and March 1 at 7:30 PM
March 2 at 2:00 PM
Kline Theatre *
Free Admission
Questions email ccoon@gettysburg.edu
Stupid F*#king Bird
Directed by Christopher Kauffman
April 17, 18, and 19 at 7:00 PM
Saturday, April 19 matinee at 2:00 PM
Kline Theatre *
Free Admission, tickets are not required
Open to the public
Questions email ccoon@gettysburg.edu
Why study theatre arts?
By studying theatre arts, you develop a breadth and depth of knowledge that you can apply to nearly every profession while building enduring skills such as communication, creativity, and teamwork through storytelling and collaboration.
This interdisciplinary field encompasses the work of creating and presenting performances while fostering empathy, self-expression, and cultural literacy. Through your theatre arts studies, you’ll uncover the complexities of the human condition, gaining insights that extend well beyond the stage.
Major in theatre arts
As a theatre arts major, you complete an introductory course, classes in theatre history, studio core courses, electives, and a senior capstone project. During your studies at Gettysburg College, we recommend that you choose a focus area. In addition, participating in the Guided Pathways can also help you purposefully connect your personal and professional goals with experiences that will allow you to deepen the skills you want to acquire to achieve success in graduate school or your career.
Note: As a theatre arts major, you may enroll as an individualized major, which allows you to create your education around courses that interest you while preparing for your graduate studies or career.
Explore the requirements for the theatre arts major.
Minor in theatre arts
The Theatre Arts Department provides a six-course minor available to all students regardless of their major. The theatre arts minor offers students an overview of the theatre arts field through theory and studio courses.
Review the requirements for the theatre arts minor.
Curriculum
All theatre arts majors and minors enroll in introductory courses, historical theatre classes, and electives of their choice.
Students seeking their bachelor’s in theatre arts complete a senior capstone, which can consist of one or a combination of the following:
- Collaborative piece
- Direction of a full-length play
- Performance
- Research thesis
- Stage design
- Stage reading of original plays
What’s unique about our department?
Gettysburg College’s Theatre Arts Department provides you with a highly flexible education, allowing you to write, act, or direct plays while completing your courses. Participate in a theatre arts internship in the Gettysburg area, join a production, lead a student organization, or study abroad—it’s all up to you!
Participate in exciting theatre arts productions
All Gettysburg students, regardless of major, may participate in stage productions in the Kline Theatre, Majestic Theater, or Stevens Laboratory Theatre. Productions include classical plays, contemporary plays, comedies, experimental pieces, musicals, and Shakespearean plays.
clickthrough images of previous productions
Study abroad
Our Theatre Arts Department provides study abroad opportunities for you to expand your creative horizons. Nearly 60% of Gettysburg College students study globally for at least one semester. Moreover, Gettysburg College does not limit the number of courses you can take during your global studies. You can complete much of your theatre arts education abroad, all while earning credit.
As a theatre arts major or minor, you can study acting, comedy, set design, and more in global studies programs designed specifically for the theatre arts. Consider studying abroad in:
- Argentina
- Australia
- Bath, England
- France
- Italy
- Japan
- Lancaster, England
- London
- Spain
Career preparation
Earning your theatre arts degree allows you to expand your career prospects. Our faculty and staff will impart a breadth and depth of knowledge in topics related to theatre arts through experiential learning opportunities. Through them, you’ll build the communication, teamwork, and critical thinking skills that can prepare you for graduate school or your career.
While each career path may require additional training or graduate study, you may find enjoyment in working behind the scenes for productions or teaching through the following occupations:
- Acting coach
- Casting manager
- Choreographer
- Community arts coordinator
- Costume designer
- Film director
- High school drama teacher
- Makeup artist
- Stage manager
- Theatre arts professor
Learn how the theatre arts major at Gettysburg College prepares you for career success.
Connect with Gettysburg’s theatre alumni
All theatre arts minors and theatre arts majors can engage with the connectGettysburg platform. As the College’s official online networking and mentoring platform, with more than 3,500 users, connectGettysburg offers a foundation of professional connections for students seeking careers in theatre arts
Participate in creative and collaborative theatre productions
Whether you want to star in a production or work backstage or facilitate programs that foster the growth of the arts in your community, the Theatre Arts Department at Gettysburg College is here to support you.
