The Department of Theatre Arts seeks to develop effective and creative communicators in order to challenge others to thoughtful examination of ideas, cultures and values.  Students majoring in theatre arts will develop skills and thinking that reflect the historical foundations of the discipline as well as recent advances.  Through both traditional classroom instruction and performance and production experience, students will enhance their skills of observation, analysis, development and performance in order to better prepare them for their careers and lives.  A major in theatre serves the purpose of (a) providing more intensive study in the discipline within the student’s liberal arts education, (b) preparation for advanced training leading to a career in the professional theatre, (c) preparation for graduate work leading to a Master of Arts or a Master of Fine Arts degree in theatre, or (d) preparation for work in a non-commercial field of theatre such as community theatre.

Students in the theatre design and technology major will complete forty-eight hours including TH 212, 224, 225, 231, 311, 312, 331rt, 341, 345 and 485; AR 141; two courses from TH 221, 222 or 223; two courses from TH 321, 322 or 323; three hours from TH 391, 392 or 393; and one course from TH 396, 397, 398, or 399.

As a theatre student at Huntington University, you will combine classroom study, studio work and production experience to gain a balanced education. Your typical season will include mainstage and studio productions, children’s shows, musicals, workshops, and student-directed one-acts. (Photos of some recent productions are available online at www.huntington.edu/theatre.)

Many of your classes will be held in the Merillat Centre for the Arts. Its state-of-the-art facilities include  a 700-seat mainstage theatre, studio theatre, acting studio, well-equipped sceneshop, costume shop and more. 

You may audition for summer stock productions and traveling shows, such as “Cotton Patch Gospel.” These talented student troupes use the powerful medium of musical theatre to communicate the life-changing Gospel of Jesus Christ.

At Huntington, you will gain experience in the full range of theatre arts including stage craft (scenic design, lighting, costuming), acting, and directing. Off-campus learning opportunities are also available, including the programs offered by the Los Angeles Film Studies Center in cooperation with the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities.

Several Huntington alumni have launched successful careers as actors, directors, or designers in the professional theatre. One (Mike Hickman, 1977) was a regular in the hit TV series, “Christy.” Other graduates have used their training in a variety of Christian ministries, or used their skills in advertising, public relations, sales, or other fields. Employers like theatre majors because they tend to be personable, articulate, creative, task-oriented, and team players. These qualities are important to career success in many fields.

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