Communication is the process through which we create and share meaning with others – whether in the context of theatre, the messages crafted by journalists and public communicators, the negotiations of conflict mediators, or through the stories we encounter in popular film and television. Simply put, through communication we create and sustain community. And because communication is at the heart of all human endeavors, studying communication and theatre not only helps you prepare for a wide variety of careers, but for life.
The Communication and Theatre program mission is to create competent and caring communicators who are prepared for a changing job market and a changing world. We do more than train you to find your first job. We want to help you locate your strengths as a person and to develop the intellectual rigor and love of learning that will help you throughout your career. You will learn to blend theory with practice, put your skills to work in your community and apply basic communication skills in an ethical context. The program emphasizes four goals and abilities to help you better prepare for your life:
Communication and Theatre majors prepare for a wide range of careers. Just a few of these include: newspaper reporting and editing, working in corporate and nonprofit public relations departments, television and radio broadcasting and production, human resource development, professional acting and theatre production, music promotion and production, and teaching.
Most Communication and Theatre students are involved in at least one co-curricular activity. These activities provide you with an extremely valuable way of learning skills and building confidence in your individual abilities.
Communication and Theatre activities are open to every PLU student, regardless of major, and do not require that you have previous experience! All it takes is the willingness to learn and the enthusiasm to participate. Our co-curricular programs include:
Our department offers a variety of need and non-need based scholarships. These include artistic achievement awards for students who are talented in Speech and Debate and Theatre. Interested students must apply before March 1 to:
Melissa Franke, Speech and Debate
Department of Communication & Theatre
Pacific Lutheran University
Tacoma, WA 98447
Jeff Clapp, Theatre
Department of Communication and Theatre
Pacific Lutheran University
Tacoma, WA 98447
Internships offer you an opportunity to explore a variety of career fields in actual work settings. All Communication and Theatre majors are required to have at least one internship, and most have more than one. Academic credit is given for internships and they may be paid or unpaid. Most students think their internships are among their most important college experiences.
PLU interns are placed with a wide range of companies and agencies in the Puget Sound area, as well as nationally and internationally. Some include: The American Red Cross, KIRO Radio/TV, The News Tribune, Argosy Tours, and the Puyallup Fair.
The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Communication Studies and Theatre focus on liberal arts learning,critical understanding of communication and theatre, and an appreciation of the roles played by communication and theatre in our culture and the global community.
The Bachelor of Arts in Communication (BAC) and the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre (BFA) are pre-professional degrees intended to equip students for careers and graduate programs focusing on particular professional fields.