Theatre is offered as one of the four options for study that a student might choose within the Department of Communication and Theatre at Millersville. The theatre program enriches the liberal arts mission of both the Department and the University, and contributes in a number of significant ways to the “creative campus” atmosphere encouraged at Millersville. The goal of the program is to provide undergraduate preparation that balances academic training in theatre fundamentals with production work in a variety of styles in order to provide a broad background in theatre.

More traditionally, academic coursework in the classroom is combined with practical experience through participation in productions here on campus. Millersville University Theatre produces three mainstage shows annually rotating play choices to represent all of the major historical periods, Shakespeare, American classics, contemporary plays and musicals. Advanced students with interest and talent may have the opportunity to direct or design for major productions as a part of the University Theatre season or as a special project. Guest directors and designers regularly offer their talents in the production of plays on the University Theatre season.

In addition to the mainstage season, students involved in theatre at Millersville, through the student theatre organization called Citamard (that’s “dramatic” spelled backwards) organize activities to expand performance opportunities through one act plays, staged readings, playwrighting opportunities and the production of an all-campus musical. As part of their course of study, theatre students in both production and performance areas are able to get valuable, practical experience through co-ops and internships at the many regional theatres in the area.

Theatre performance facilities include The Rafters Theatre, a 100-seat “black box” flexible theatre and a 50-seat studio theatre, both in Dutcher Hall. The 700-seat proscenium concert hall, Lyte Auditorium, is also used for performances, notably the annual student-produced musical, and touring companies.

Theatre support facilities include the well-equipped University Theatre scene studio and the costume shop. The Loeb Costume collection, a feature of the working shop, is one of the stock resources and includes over 12,000 costumes.

Technical and design students have frequent work opportunities at nearby professional theatres as production staff, contractors or crew.

The Theatre option is available as a Speech Communication minor.  The Theatre minor is often combined with degrees in English Education, Music Education or other undergraduate courses of study.

See Academic Advisement list of majors for course descriptions and requirements.