About VCUarts Theatre
The Department of Theatre educates and trains students in the fields of performance, design / technology, and theatre pedagogy. The department provides students with the professional and cultural foundations essential for achieving the highest standards of the art of theatre.
Our faculty and alumni practice their craft as artists locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally. They work on the stage, in TV and films, author books in their disciplines, and hold elected offices in some of the nation’s most prestigious organizations. Collectively, the faculty and staff pride themselves on their ability to help you bridge the gap between life as a student and life as a professional beyond VCU.
MAINSTAGE PRODUCTIONS
UP NEXT: "RENT"
RENT
Book, Music, and Lyrics by Jonathan Larson
Directed by Desirée Dabney
April 21st – 30th, 2023
Read more and see the full 22-23 season here. Tickets here.
VIEW PAST MAINSTAGES
The department takes pride in our mainstage season which showcases the acting and design talents of our students. You can visit past production photos, videos, playbills and more in our archive.
Photo by Aaron Sutten
Department Faculty
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Aaron D. Anderson, Ph.D.
Professor -
Bonnie Brady
Assistant Professor -
Desirée Dabney
Assistant Professor -
Keith Byron Kirk, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor -
Karen Kopryanski
Assistant Professor -
Emily J. Mattison
Assistant Professor -
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Jesse Njus, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor -
Sharon Ott
Associate Professor -
Jill Parzych
Assistant Professor -
Tawnya Pettiford-Wates, Ph.D.
Professor -
Kendra Rai
Assistant Professor -
Chris Raintree
Assistant Professor -
Wes Seals
Assistant Professor -
Preston Spence
Assistant Professor -
David Emerson Toney
Assistant Professor -
BJ Wilkinson
Assistant Professor -
Dorie Barton
Instructor/Adjunct Faculty -
Elizabeth Byland
Instructor/Adjunct Faculty -
Jeff Darland
Instructor/Adjunct Faculty -
Beth Davis
Instructor/Adjunct Faculty -
Ashley Grantham
Instructor/Adjunct Faculty -
Stephanie “Tippi” Hart
Instructor/Adjunct Faculty -
Vanessa Jackson
Instructor/Adjunct Faculty -
Xiaolin Lan
Instructor/Adjunct Faculty -
Amber M. Martinez
Instructor/Adjunct Faculty -
Elyssa Mersdorf
Instructor/Adjunct Faculty -
Janel Miley
Instructor/Adjunct Faculty -
Cathy Motley-Fitch
Instructor/Adjunct Faculty -
Mariah Taghavie-Moghadam
Instructor/Adjunct Faculty -
Thomas Vecchione
Instructor/Adjunct Faculty
The faculty and staff of the Department of Theatre at VCUarts unequivocally condemn all forms of bigotry, racism, and anti-Blackness. We are determined to support all our students by mindfully creating a culture of both safety and accountability within our department where BIPOC students feel seen and all our students feel valued.
Read the department’s entire Anti-Racism Statement here.
UNDERGRAD PROGRAMS
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre
The BFA track is a competitive pre-professional training program with concentrations in Performance, Musical Theatre, Scenic Design, Costume Design, Lighting Design, and Stage Management. The BFA curriculum and schedule is intense and focused.
Photo by Aaron Sutten
Bachelor of Arts in Theatre
The BA track is designed for students who desire a strong emphasis in theatre combined with a liberal arts education and a minor in another course of study. Students in our BA program pursue interests in areas such as Business, English, Mass Communications, Gender Studies, and Religious Studies to name a few.
Photo by Aaron Sutten
Minors
The department offers a Minor in Theatre and a Minor in Musical Theatre. VCUarts also offers an interdisciplinary Minor in Sound Design.
GRADUATE PROGRAMS
MFA in Theatre Pedagogy
The Master of Fine Arts in Theatre with a concentration in pedagogy/performance is tailored to prepare early- to mid-career theatre professionals to enter the field of teaching at the university or college level.
This dynamic two-year program combines classes in pedagogy, performance studies, dramaturgy, and critical studies with production work and the opportunity to teach and assist in undergraduate classes.
MFA in Costume Design
The MFA in Theatre with a concentration in Costume Design provides the foundation of theatre studies synthesized with intense and professional practicum. The MFA program in Costume Design/Technology implements professional and cultural experiences essential for achieving the highest standards of theatre.
Photo by Aaron Sutten
VCUarts Theatre News
Read More
DEPARTMENT RESOURCES
Current Students
Information for current students including handbooks, department communications, and links to student organizations.
Header image by Aaron Sutten