Theatre | Major and Minor

Theatre is the study of theatrical performance in relation to its literary, physical, and historical contexts, and requires one to explore and analyze the world from multiple perspectives.


About the Theatre Major

The theatre major at Southern Virginia University provides students with experience in all aspects of theatre, including acting, directing, playwriting, design, costumes, and technical theatre. With acting opportunities, particularly those in digital media and teaching, growing at a rapid rate, the theatre major enhances students’ creative abilities in performing, writing, and design, and those involved both on and off stage develop their management and leadership skills, learn how to speak with power, and work with a wide range of people.

Learning in small class sizes, professors in the theatre program tailor their feedback to provide individualized learning opportunities and a rigorous education in both the craft and art of the profession to both for serious practitioners and anyone passionate about being involved. Our professors are not only accomplished scholars, but also passionate artists, creating a learning environment that not only challenges you, but also supports your faith, which is becoming increasingly rare in the entertainment industry.

Learning Outcomes

  • Basic knowledge of the theatre tradition in Western civilization.
  • Basic knowledge of stagecraft.
  • Basic knowledge of and skill in acting.
  • In-depth knowledge of and advanced skill in either: (1) acting, directing and playwriting; or (2) technical theatre.

Getting Started in the Theatre Major

  1. Enroll

    Begin by taking Stagecraft (THE 101) and Introduction to Acting (THE 110) in your first year

  2. Contact Your Advisor

    Get in touch with Professor Robert Stoddard to discuss your interests and goals

  3. Declare

    Turn in a completed Declare Major form to the Registrar’s Office

Careers

  • Theatre Teacher
  • Stage Manager
  • Technical Director
  • Playwright
  • Actor
  • Choreographer
  • Lawyer

Alumni Success


Layne MacPherson (’21)

Actor in Professional Tours and Productions

Read more


Apply Now

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“Acting isn’t as mysterious as you think it is. It’s applying your imagination to how you might act in different situations that you’ve already experienced. We have a world-class theatre program here at Southern Virginia University. It’s for both serious actors and anyone passionate about theatre. Here you get to be involved in all aspects of theatre, on and off the stage, and you will gain so many skills that are helpful in all walks of life.”

– Professor Robert Stoddard