Department of Theatre

v c u arts students on stage

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.


Read 2022-23 Department Highlights

Includes exciting alumni news, our 2023 SETC Award Winners, this year’s past mainstage season, and an in depth look at the collaboration “Whitesplaining” and its connection to James H.T. McConnell’s generous donation to the department.

MAINSTAGE PRODUCTIONS

image of water and flowing fabric with the title anonymous overlaid

VCUarts Theatre 2023-24 Mainstage Season

UP NEXT:
Anon(ymous)
by Naomi Iizuka
Directed by Chelsea Burke
February 22nd – 25th, 2024

Read more.
See the full season here.

v c u students acting in mainstage

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


VCUarts is grateful to the following Mainstage sponsors:

  • Jo Anne Draucker and Jim Thompson
  • Rejena Carreras
  • Sharon Larkins-Pederson and Edson Pederson
  • Mathis and Stephen Powelson
  • Sherry and Kent Titus
  • Jerry Williams aka TVJerry
  • Lorna and Randy Wyckoff

Department Faculty

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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

v c u arts students on stage

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

director speaking to v c u arts students

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

v c u students performing on stage

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

v c u arts students participate in class

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


DEPARTMENT RESOURCES

actor on stage in costume camera is looking out to the audience

Facilities

Read more about VCUarts Theatre facilities.

Photo by Aaron Sutten

v c u arts students performing on stage

Current Students

Information for current students including handbooks, department communications, and links to student organizations.


Header image by Aaron Sutten

Contact Us

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