School of Theatre
Succeed around the globe
Award-winning faculty whose experience spans the world provide individualized instruction, giving students the extra edge they need to succeed. Preparation that extends beyond skills and experience – that’s what you’ll find in the School of Theatre.
The School of Theatre offers undergraduate and graduate degrees covering a range of areas, including Acting, Musical Theatre, Stage Management, Theatre Design and Technology, and Directing.
Learn more about our community commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
Create on Centre Stage
The School of Theatre houses Penn State Centre Stage (PSCS), the professional theatre training program in Central Pennsylvania. PSCS presents theatrical masterpieces and new gems – including a series of livestreamed virtual performances – by emerging masters.
Degree
Offerings
B.A. in Theatre
The B.A. in Theatre inspires the next generation of theatre professionals to shape the future of the industry after experiencing an impactful education supported by endless artistic outlets.
B.F.A. in Acting
The B.F.A. in Acting degree program trains the next generation of stars using a holistic educational approach that prepares performers for success on every stage.
B.F.A. in Musical Theatre
The B.F.A. in Musical Theatre is a revered and intensive professional training program that prepares students to step into the spotlight on Broadway and beyond.
B.F.A. in Theatre
With options in Stage Management and Theatre Design and Technology, the B.F.A. in Theatre trains the behind-the-scenes theatre professionals to produce a transformative theatrical experience by artistically engaging modern technology and skills.
M.F.A. in Theatre
The M.F.A in Theatre program is one of the most unique and well-respected theatre education programs in the country that consistently exists as a conduit to Broadway and beyond. Collaboration...
Theatre Minor
The Theatre minor is designed for personal enrichment or to enhance study particularly for students in the humanities, communication, and the arts.
Teaching and Learning during COVID
Performance classes – on campus, on Zoom – always flexible, creative, and engaged!
Design Technology and Management is dedicated to achieving even deeper learning and higher levels of productivity and technique during the pandemic.
Alumni Spotlight
Penn State provided the specialized training required to succeed in my field in the “real world,” as well as a strong network of alumni to guide me once I got there.
Alumni Spotlight
Carolyn Quinn
B.F.A. in Theatre 2016Carolyn Quinn is an events professional based in New York City. She is currently a production coordinator at Sequence Events, a Global Top 50 Events Agency. Prior to Sequence, Carolyn spent time at Baseline Theatrical and in the general management office of Hamilton: An American Musical, as well as freelancing for high-profile corporate and non-profit events, new
theatrical works, and television and film, including working on the production team for the 71st Annual Tony Awards.
Studios, Labs and Venues
Production studio spaces, a design and lighting lab, and venues that support student, faculty, and professional performances.
See All Studios, Labs and Venues
Theatre Arts Production Studio (TAPS)
The Theatre Arts Production Studio (TAPS) features a large, state-of-the-art equipped scenic shop with adjacent properties shop and scenic paint studio. The costume shops, Learn More
Pavilion Theatre
The Pavilion Theatre, built in 1915, is a key venue for the Penn State School of Theatre. Designed by architects Frank Miles Day and Charles Learn More
Penn State Downtown Theatre
Finished in 2003, the Penn State Downtown Theatre Center is an intimate 152-seat theatre in the heart of downtown State College. The Penn State Learn More
Playhouse Theatre
The Playhouse Theatre is a 383-seat proscenium-thrust theatre equipped with a dual level, moveable pit, full fly space, and advanced lighting and sound control Learn More
Theatre Lighting Lab
The Penn State School of Theatre Lighting Lab is one of the most advanced and well-equipped labs of its kind in the country. Seating Learn More
Faculty Spotlight
John Simpkins
Head of Musical Theatre
John Simpkins is head of Musical Theatre and the Nagle Family Endowed Chair at Penn State. He is also a professional director who recently directed the world premiere of Tony-nominated Joe Iconis’ Love in Hate Nation, which was commissioned by Penn State Musical Theatre as part of its New Musicals Initiative.
His recent new musical credits include the World Premiere of Legendale (music by Andrea Daly, words by Jeff Bienstock) at Fredericia Teater in Denmark and the subsequent American Premiere at Human Race Theatre Company. Recent new plays include the World Premieres of Raging Skillet (by Jacques Lamarre) at Theaterworks Hartford, The Bus (by Jim Lantz) at 59E59 Theaters and For Better, For Worse (by Reed Arnold). Regionally, he has directed at Sacramento Music Circus, Lyric Theatre Oklahoma, North Carolina Theatre, the Engeman Theatre, and Sharon Playhouse (where he also served as Artistic Director).
Apr 22 - 25
"The Last Five Years" by Jason Robert Brown
Virtual“The Last Five Years,” by Jason Robert Brown, directed by Jennifer Delac, and music directed by Jordon Cunningham, April 22–25, 7:30 p.m. EDT at www.showtix4u.com.
Events
Go. Explore.
News from A&A
Penn State Centre Stage Virtual to present modern twist on marriage in “The Last Five Years”
Penn State Centre Stage Virtual will present “The Last Five Years,” a musical sharing a modern twist on marriage, at 7:30 p.m. April 22-25, at showtix4you.
The Penn State Centre Stage Virtual will present “The Last Five Years,” a musical sharing a modern twist on marriage, at 7:30 p.m. April 22-25, at showtix4you. The musical was
M.F.A. Director Alison Morooney connects with tragic tale in “Sea Wall”
Before the curtain is drawn and the play begins, a lot goes into a performance. The costumes are made, the lines are rehearsed, and the stage is designed and set. Read More
Theatre freshman named a winner of NPR's Student Podcast Challenge
School of Theatre freshman Miriam Colvin is a winner of NPR's 2021 Student Podcast Challenge: College Edition. Read More