The arts are an important part of the human experience and our Theatre program works to embrace the vision that artistic endeavor and expression can unite people from diverse backgrounds and experiences and allow us to achieve more than we can individually.

The Kennedy Center’s mission statement makes the point that:

The arts are one of humanity’s most eloquent means of understanding the world. Through the arts, we share the highest achievements of every culture and find a universal language, which permit communication among all peoples. As such, the arts are an essential component of a complete education…. Such an education should occur both in and out of classroom setting as part of an ongoing learning process for all individuals…. A comprehensive arts education draws upon the expertise of both arts specialists and classroom teachers, and upon the experiences and resources of professional artists and community cultural resources. Only by using all of these resources can individual achieve the full educational potential of the arts.

William Joyner, International Herald Tribune, January 29, 2003 added:

The arts show us who we are and as such they are essential not incidental to humankind. Artists throughout history have moved and inspired millions to strive for the greatness that is in each of us. If the arts were given more prominence, rather than less, how much better off the world would be.

Art is very often relegated to a small corner of this modern society. In doing so, many of the ties between art, life, and learning have been severed. Art is an integral part of the human experience…. All of the arts, not just the visual, provide the tools [for] self-discovery.

Our Theatre program offers both Bachelor of Arts Degrees and Bachelor of Fine Arts Degrees in Acting/Directing and Technical/Design. Because we are part of a professional School of the Arts, our program is intended to provide an introduction to the business of theatre arts.

Our primary emphasis is on the development of skills, concepts, and sensitivities essential for theatre and arts professionals and they are designed to provide the background needed for students intending to earn advanced degrees.