Theatre Minor
Minor
We desire to equip our students for both professional and ministry careers through personalized learning in a small department setting. Our curriculum is focused on rooting students in their faith and training them to be a light in the workplace.
Students are involved in every aspect of production. Bethel offers opportunities for students to direct, design, and even sometimes have their own written works produced before they graduate. Every year the Bethel University Theatre Department puts on two main stage shows, one musical and one or two studio shows. Students also can participate in student-directed scenes, our traveling drama group and occasionally 24-hour theatre.
1:1
mentoring opportunities with faculty
100%
of students receive some form of financial assistance
4 - 5
2 mainstage shows
1 musical
1-2 studio shows
Theatre Minor
Courses include:
- Performance Techniques for multiple styles and settings
- Technical Design Skill
- Set/Costume/Prop Construction
- Stage Management
- Stage Make-up and Hair Skills
- Theatre and Christian Worldview
Prepare for an exciting future as a/an:
- Actor
- Production Manager
- Company Manager
- Stage Manager
- Producer
- Designer
- Technician
Our graduates have performed on both union and non-union stages throughout the U.S., worked national tours both onstage and backstage, performed on cruise lines, held a consistent role on a well-known television show as well as other film and television roles, stage managed in Chicago, Milwaukee and Detroit, held numerous technical positions in prestigious regional and collegiate theatres, written and produced/published short movies and novels, become a published playwright, worked the winter Olympics in Sochi, worked for Disney, worked for theatre equipment companies, taught in schools – both high school and collegiate level – and founded a professional theatre.
Recent graduates have found jobs as:
- Actor
- Designer (Scenic, Lights, Sound, Costume, Props/Effects, Makeup/Hair)
- Scenic Painter
- Production Manager
- Stage Manager
- Educator
You’ll gain career-shaping skills such as:
- The value and impact of design on storytelling
- The importance of a well-managed production
- How to work to achieve a high-quality onstage performance
- How vital collaboration is to a successful theatrical production
Students participate in annual networking visits to the Stratford Experience, to the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival and with alumni.
Theatre Minor Highlights
Graduates of the theatre program will be well-rounded and learn a wide range of skills covering many areas of theatre. Graduates will be well prepared to stand out as capable professionals in the theatre industry while being rooted in their faith and trained to be a light in the workplace.
Also Consider These Areas of Study
Bethel is one of only a few Christian universities to offer a standalone theatre arts major. Our degree pairs well with many other majors in other disciplines, allowing you to graduate with two degrees. You may consider these other areas of study along with it:
Still deciding?
Meet Our Faculty
Don Hunter
Theatre Department Chair; Production Manager, Theatre
Becky Branch, M.A., C.M.H.C.
Coordinator of Fine Arts Programs; Box Office Manager; Adjunct Professor, Music
Financial Aid
Apply for admission to Bethel University before submitting the theatre scholarship application.
Students are strongly encouraged to audition/interview for the theatre scholarship
during the fall semester of their senior year of high school to be best reflected on their financial aid award letter.
Juniors are also highly encouraged to audition/interview.
Questions? Contact the theatre department at 574.807.7747.
Take the Next Step
Take the first step toward your Bethel University degree in theatre arts. Visit campus, apply, request information or ask questions about financial aid.