School of Theatre

Gain the skills, experience, and professional know-how to pursue careers in the demanding world of the stage.

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

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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 2025-2026 Season!

Sneak Preview
Rhinoceros
Crazy for You
Antigone
The Morris & Essex Line
Our Town
Detroit '67
My Fair Lady

Learn More

Buy Tickets

Degree Offerings

Theatre students performing a scene from Argonautica.

B.F.A. in Acting

Musical Theatre students performing the halftime show at Beaver Stadium.

B.F.A. in Musical Theatre

Photo of a female presenting student on a dark background

B.A. in Theatre

School of Theatre dress rehearsal of Argonautica.

B.F.A. in Theatre

Scenic design from the play Argonautica.

M.F.A. in Theatre

Stage crew students adjusting sound and lighting for the production rehearsal of Violet, located in the Playhouse Theatre at Penn State University Park campus.

Theatre Minor

alumni spotlight

Phillip Fazio

Theatre, M.F.A. 2020

One week after graduation, Phillip started his new job as Artistic Director of the NorShor Theatre at The Duluth Playhouse. Located in downtown Duluth, Minnesota, the NorShor is a 600 seat performing arts complex with over one hundred years of history as a former movie palace and vaudeville theatre.

www.phillipfazio.com

Studios, Labs and Venues

Production studio spaces, a design and lighting lab, and venues that support student, faculty, and professional performances.

Pavilion Theatre

Penn State Downtown Theatre

Penn State’s School of Theatre production of American Idiot, the musical inspired by Green Day’s seventh album of the same name, at the Playhouse Theatre.

Playhouse Theatre

Microphones in the foreground, with instruments and recording equipment in the Penn State ROARS studio.

ROARS Recording Studios

Students adding a cylindrical top to a prop they created out of styrofoam.

Theatre Arts Production Studio (TAPS)

Students present their final projects for William Kenyon's Lighting Design course.

Theatre Lighting Lab

See all our Faculty

Students around a piano, working alongside Simpkins and playwright Joe Iconis.

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).