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
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Live theatre at 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.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
Sensory-Friendly Performances: October 3&6
All seats $12.50
- Lower sound level
- Lights remain on at a low level in the theatre during the performance
- A reduction of strobe lighting or lighting focused on the audience
- Patrons are free to talk and leave their seats during the performance
- Designated quiet and activity areas within the theatre
- Space throughout the theatre for standing and movement
- Guidance and sensory supports (fidgets/earplugs/ear-muffs) available in the lobby before the show
- Audience members are welcome to bring their own manipulatives, seat cushions, comfort objects, and extra support items to the show
- Use of tablets, smart phones, and other electronic devices can be used with headphones during the performance
- Extra staff and volunteer support
- House staff trained to be inviting and accommodating to families’ needs
Prior to the performance, tours can be scheduled with house management to see the facilities in advance if needed. Please email theatre@psu.edu to schedule a visit.
Tickets on sale now!
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
Current and former students meeting together in the Penn State Theatre Convergence Lab.
Curtis Craig
Head, Sound Design
Curtis Craig (Sound Designer, Composer, Projection Designer) Recent work: Pipeline (Cleveland Playhouse, Actor’s Theatre of Louisville, Detroit Public Theatre), Indecent (Denver Center Theatre Company), world premier – Dominique Morriseau’s Mud Row (People’s Light & Theatre Company), world premier – The Great Leap (Denver Center Theatre Company, Seattle Rep), The Bacchae (Classical Theatre of Harlem), How to Catch Creation (Baltimore Center Stage, Philadelphia Theatre Company). In 2017, his sound design and composition from the Denver Center production of All The Way was awarded the Silver Medal in Sound Design at the World Stage Design exposition in Taipei, Taiwan. He previously won the Gold Medal in Sound Design for Pentecost in 2009 in Seoul, South Korea. His work can be heard at www.curtiscraig.com.
Sep 28 - 30
Preview - Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time
Playhouse Theatre15-year-old Christopher has an extraordinary brain: He is exceptional at mathematics but ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. He has never ventured alone beyond the end
Events
Go. Explore.Matinee - Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
Theatre Bldg, Playhouse Theatre, 144Performance- Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time
Theatre Bldg, Playhouse Theatre, 144News from A&A
Higgins receives Association for Theatre in Higher Education outstanding teacher award
Jeanmarie Higgins, associate professor of theatre, is the 2021 recipient of the prestigious ATHE Oscar Brockett Outstanding Teacher Award.
Jeanmarie Higgins, associate professor of theatre, is the 2021 recipient of the prestigious Oscar Brockett Outstanding Teacher Award, given by the Association for Theatre in Higher Education (ATHE). The award
Arts and Architecture names college, academic unit marshals
We are proud to announce our student marshals for spring 2021. Crystal Dahm, who will receive dual degrees in Theatre and French/Francophone Studies, is the college marshal. Read More
Alum brings together theatre and film communities with award-winning production company
Theatre alum Sarah Ellis' award-winning production company, MT Shorts, brings together film and theatre communities. Read More