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.
One Night on Broadway
May 15
Venue: Penn State Downtown Theatre
VIP: $250; reserved seating, champagne celebration w/performers on stage, event & program acknowledgement
General Admission: $125; seating + reception and hors d’oeuvres
VIP: $250; reserved seating, champagne celebration w/performers on stage, event & program acknowledgement
General Admission: $125; seating + reception and hors d’oeuvres
Degree
Offerings
B.A. in Theatre
The B.A. in Theatre develops the cross-trained artist/scholar, with a focus on playwriting, performance devising, directing, and preparation for graduate study.
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
Program Application Deadline The deadline for applications for AY 2023–24 is January 15, 2023. To be assured full consideration, please apply by this deadline. Review individual program descriptions for details...
Theatre Minor
The Theatre minor is designed for personal enrichment or to enhance study particularly for students in the humanities, communication, and the arts.
Alumni Spotlight
Penn State embraced my vision for a cross-disciplinary education that combined electrical engineering with theatre and stage lighting.
Alumni Spotlight
Andrew Giffin
Inter-College Bachelor of Philosophy, 2005
Andrew Giffin – a Schreyer Scholar who earned a inter-college Bachelor of Philosophy incorporating studies in Theatre Design and Technology plus Electrical Engineering – is the associate lighting designer for the rock band, Phish, and is widely considered as the top lighting programmer in the industry. Andrew has designed and programmed light shows for musicians such as Pearl Jam, Ariana Grande and Justin Bieber in addition to his work on music award shows, theatre productions and sporting events.
Web
www.gifld.com
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.
News from A&A
Alumni Spotlight: Faren Collins ('08 BFA Musical Theatre)
Allison Lee, past president of the Theatre Affiliate Program Group, interviews Musical Theatre alum Faren Collins, whose career has taken her from pageants to an MBA.
Faren Collins, a native of Georgia, knew that she wanted to study musical theatre and was drawn to the Penn State School of Theatre’s conservatory-type program because of the large
College of Arts and Architecture announces spring 2023 student marshals
The College of Arts and Architecture’s commencement ceremony will take place at 1 p.m. on May 6 in Eisenhower Auditorium and will be livestreamed. Read More
Penn State Centre Stage offers historic production of ‘Emilia’
"Emilia," which runs through April 22, highlights the life of Emilia Lanier, a feminist poet who was rumored to be Shakespeare’s “dark lady.” Read More