Theatre

Take the stage. Run the show behind the scenes.

We offer a theatre major and theatre teaching licensure for you to take an interdisciplinary approach to performance. With individualized education plans and opportunities, both on stage and behind the scenes in five to six productions each year, you will graduate with a wide range of experience in every aspect of theatre.

Our faculty will support you to express yourself creatively and make a positive impact on the world around you. You’ll have the opportunity to practice your talents in our season productions each year, ranging from musical comedy to social-driven drama. You’ll learn that theatre is more than just about performing, it is also a social service project that brings together communities. The skills you build in the program easily transfer to careers on stage, behind the scenes, in the front of the house, or even outside of the theatre. Faculty-led trips to New York City offer you a real-world glimpse into all aspects of theatre performance and management.

"At all the other schools I had to pick one – either track or theatre – I couldn’t do both. I get to do what I love here and didn’t have to give up anything.”
Tanner Trigg '20, Theatre
Doing it all is something Tanner applies to many aspects of his college experience. Although his primary focus is on theatre performance, through his coursework and participation in shows he has built a broad-based skillset. He has designed sets, worked with sound and lights, stage management, and has even recently learned to sew.
"What was really exciting about coming to McPherson was that I could do both on-stage and off-stage work. The other programs were going to make me choose.”
Liz Thornton '20, Student-Designed Major: Theatre/Business/Communications
Aside from being able to design her own major and not have to compromise on what she could focus on, Liz said McPherson College was also the most affordable choice.

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Teaching Licensure
Share your passion and knowledge of the theatre with the next generation of thespians.
Design Your Major
If you’re interested in theatre and another subject, consider designing your own major to combine your talents. We’ll find a path that best sets you up for a successful career.

20-21 Theatre Season
The McPherson College Theatre department presents its 2020-2021 season, which includes two digital and two in-person productions. The first two productions of the season are Brian Friel’s “Molly Sweeney” scheduled for November and “Dutchman” by Amiri Baraka offered in January. Instead of presenting these as traditional productions, students will learn about acting for the camera and audiences will be able to log on to watch the work from their homes.
20-21 Theatre Season
First Nighters
First Nighters dinner theatre membership includes a play-themed dining event for all mainstage shows before each performance. Contact the theatre box office at 620-242-0444 or at theatre@mcpherson.edu.
Alpha Psi Omega
The theatre honor society offers a unique opportunity to experience theatre outside of the classroom. Members of APO plan, organize, and host a play-themed dining event at all mainstage shows for First Nighters, the season ticket holders organization. It is the longest running dinner theatre program in Kansas.

Brown Auditorium & Mingenback Theatre
Take a 360° virtual tour of the performance spaces at McPherson College.
Virtual Tour

Jd Bowman M.F.A.
- Professor of Theatre
- Phone
- Email
Jen Pollard M.A.
- Assistant Professor of Theatre
- Phone
- Email

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Quicklinks

Overview

"At all the other schools I had to pick one – either track or theatre – I couldn’t do both. I get to do what I love here and didn’t have to give up anything.”

"What was really exciting about coming to McPherson was that I could do both on-stage and off-stage work. The other programs were going to make me choose.”

Additional Programs

Teaching Licensure

Design Your Major

Experiences & Outcomes

20-21 Theatre Season

First Nighters

Alpha Psi Omega

Virtual Tour

Brown Auditorium & Mingenback Theatre

Faculty & Staff

Jd Bowman M.F.A.

Jen Pollard M.A.

Get started.

See for yourself.