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
Director, 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. New this season: opening night pre-show reception and designer discussions. Reception and show tickets are on sale now.
Penn State Centre Stage 2026-2027 Season!
- Sneak Preview
- Sister Act
- The Wolves
- Tyrants
- Guys and Dolls
- PSCS Festival
- Noises Off
alumni spotlight
Mary Dennis
“The Penn State Theatre program is saturated with shows of all types, which really allowed me to work in many different scenarios across various theatrical spaces and orientations. Within the three-and-a-half years I was there, I was able to adapt to wherever I was, work with a lot of great professors and other passionate students, and just in general learn a lot about the process – both the do’s and the don’t’s.”
Mary Dennis graduated from Penn State in 2017 with a B.F.A. in Theatre with a stage management focus. Since then, she’s toured the United States, where she ended up transitioning to the props department. She currently works on Broadway, subbing on multiple shows.
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).
