Take the stage. Run the show behind the scenes.
Overview
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.
Featured Theatre Student Story
Additional Programs
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.
Experiences & Outcomes
21-22 Theatre Season
The six-show season begins October 1 with “Puffs,” a comic spoof on the Harry Potter stories told by members of the Hufflepuff house. The season continues with a staged production of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” the popular children’s story. In January, the college will produce the two-character musical, “The Last Five Years,” and a unique theatrical experience, “White Rabbit/Red Rabbit.” Finally, the season wraps up with “Gaslight,” a classic from 1938, and “The Laramie Project,” a documentary play.
21-22 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.
Virtual Tour
Brown Auditorium & Mingenback Theatre
Take a 360° virtual tour of the performance spaces at McPherson College.
Virtual Tour
Faculty & Staff
Jd Bowman M.F.A.
- Professor of Theatre
- “I love theatre as an agent of social change. I geek out about shows dealing with pop culture, LGBTQ+ issues, civil rights equality, and feminism. Beyonce’s visual album Lemonade is ten times better than anything ever produced by the whiney Taylor Swift (but you can still fight me on that). But I’m a super fan of my partner of over 20 years and our 4 kids.”
Jen Pollard M.A.
- Assistant Professor of Theatre
- "I believe we learn through doing, so I make people jump up and join me. “Quick drop what you’re doing and come see this,” is a common phrase muttered in my classes. Through hands-on experience, peer review, and constant development, we produce amazing things. I still pinch myself this is my job. I get too excited, talk a million miles per hour, run around the set, and baffle students used to a lecture classroom setting."
