Theater Department

The major in theater gives students background in acting, technical work, directing, and dramatic literature. The combination of practical and theoretical preparation forms a basis for graduate or professional work in theater or for high school drama coaching. Students in theater also participate in McKendree University Theater productions on campus, thus learning to apply the skills gained in course-work and gaining valuable experience. A theater major can help prepare the student for a variety of professions in the arts, education, and business.

Students will learn advanced techniques in acting, directing, and stage and lighting design and be able to apply those techniques in production. They will also know the major historical periods and genres of world drama and be able to analyze a script from both the performance and production perspective. Courses in the theater major build skills in movement, voice, interpretation, design, production, analysis, critical thinking, and writing.