May 1, 2025
HUNTINGTON, W. Va. (WMUL-FM) — “Training theater artists of tomorrow” is the phrase that sums up the School of Theatre and Dance at Marshall University.
Featuring four main programs, the School of Theatre and Dance has a variety of options for those interested in the fine arts.
Leah Turley, an assistant professor of theatre performance at Marshall, said the program stays busy putting out a multitude of shows each year.
“We run a four-show season, meaning we do four shows each season, plus an educational touring production,” Turley said.
As for the national festival, 125 students are invited to the Kennedy Center, located in Washington, D.C.
While at the festival, students receive awards in design, performance, directing, playwriting, stage management, and various other categories across eight regions nationwide.
Rory Johnson, one of the recipients representing Marshall, said the feeling of being awarded was nothing short of surreal.
Johnson said, “For myself, it was completely unexpected; this was my first time being a set designer, my first time attending the festival and I’m very grateful for it.”
The School of Theatre and Dance offers three main degrees: a Bachelor of Arts in the arts, a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a major in theatre, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a major in musical theatre.