Department Statement
Greetings from the Chair,
On behalf of the Theatre faculty, staff, and students, welcome to Marshall University Department of Theatre.
The study of Theatre develops transferable skills in self-reliance, self-discipline, teamwork, good communication and collaborative skills, and experiences in meeting creative challenges. Theatre students participating in public performances are working in a “real time” metaphor, conceiving, developing, and presenting a product for public approval within specific time and fiscal constraints.
The Marshall University Theatre Department offers students opportunities to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Fine Arts with a major in Theatre in two areas of emphasis: Performance and Production. Students may also elect to minor in Theatre or in Dance. Students will discover that majoring in Theatre is excellent preparation for graduate school for careers in theatre and the entertainment industry, including film, television, public relations, law, medicine, sales.
The Marshall program is designed to maximize opportunities for individualized attention and personal growth. With five full time faculty, five part time faculty, and five staff members, all with excellent professional credentials, students have the opportunity to engage in experiences suited to their long term goals . All students are assigned an advisor.
The Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center is one of the largest and best equipped theatre facilities in the state with two large theatres, an acting studio, well equipped scenic and costume shops, and state of the art lighting systems. Each year the Department presents four Joan C Edwards Theatre productions and numerous Francis Booth Experimental Theatre productions in conjunction with class work.
Students are encouraged to participate in the West Virginia Theatre Conference, the Southeast Theatre Conference, the United States Institute of Theatre Technology South East and its national conference. In addition, each production is attended by an American College Theatre Festival responder who will nominate students from each play to participate in the Irene Ryan Competition at the Region IV Conference.
Students are strongly urged to contact the Department before registering for the first semester of the freshman year. Student academic commitments, especially in the first two years are substantial.
An audition or interview is not required for acceptance into the Theatre program. Freshmen interested in tuition assistance should contact the Office of Financial Aid. Freshmen are encouraged to audition for all main stage productions.
Thank you for taking the time to visit the Marshall University Department of Theatre website. If you have further questions please contact the Department Chair, Julie Jackson at 304-696-6584 or e-mail jacksonju@marshall.edu.