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.
Contact
School of Theatre
116 Theatre Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-865-7586
814-865-5754 (fax)
Kikora Franklin
Interim Director, School of Theatre
Judy King
Administrative Support Manager, School of Theatre
Connect
Other Contacts
- General Inquiries: theatre@psu.edu, (814) 865-7586
- Tickets: (814) 863-0255
- Publicity Contact: Cheri Sinclair
- Assoc. Director of Academics: Dan Robinson
- Theatre Admissions Coordinator: Shannon Ritter
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 by emerging masters. Tickets on sale July 16.
Penn State Centre Stage 2024-2025 Season!
- Sneak Preview
- John Proctor is the Villain
- Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
- How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying
- Love's Labour's Lost
- Alice in Wonderland
- Special School of Theatre production: Much Ado About Nothing
- Special Town & Gown Annual Event: A Christmas Carol
alumni spotlight
Andrew Giffin
“Penn State embraced my vision for a cross-disciplinary education that combined electrical engineering with theatre and stage lighting.”
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.
faculty spotlight
John Simpkins
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).
