Why Communication and Theatre?
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.
Why PLU?
Concentrations
- Broadcast and Print Journalism
- Public Relations
- Communication Studies
- Theatre
- Social Justice and Advocacy
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:
- Critical Thinking
- Interaction and Team Building
- Oral and Written Expression
- Valuing Multiple Perspectives
Careers in Communication & Theatre
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.
Co-Curricular Activities
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:
- Theatre – We stage four productions each year, including one student-directed production. Members of our program are affiliated with Alpha Psi Omega, the national theatre honorary society.
- Speech and Debate – We participate in regional and national competitions in both individual events and debate. We are affiliated with Pi Kappa Delta, the national forensic honorary society.
- Student Media – KCCR/KCNS are the campus radio and television stations. Students produce, promote, and present a variety of programs. Students may also work for The Mooring Mast, the award-winning campus newspaper. Students may also become a member of our student chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists.
Artistic Achievement Awards
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.
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
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.
Undergraduate Concentrations
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.
BA Bachelor of Arts, Communication Studies
BAC Concentration in Media Performance and Production
BAC Concentration in Journalism
BAC Concentration in Conflict Management
BAC Concentration in Public Relations/Advertising
BA Bachelor of Arts, Theatre
BFA Theatre
Course Requirements
For a list of course offerings check-out the catalog »
Faculty
Michael Bartanen, Professor
Ph.D., University of Southern California
Argumentation, Communication History, Conflict Studies
Jeffrey Clapp, Associate Professor
M.A., Mankato State University
Artistic Director of Theatre
Brian Desmond, Assistant Professor
A.B.D., University of California, Santa Barbara
Theatre - Acting/Directing
Peter Ehrenhaus, Professor and Chair
Ph.D., University of Minnesota
Rhetoric, Media and Cultural Studies
Amanda Feller, Assistant Professor
Ph.D., California Institute of Integral Studies
Experiential Learning and Internships
Melissa Franke, Assistant Professor
Ph.D., University of Southern California
Director of Forensics
Diane Harney, Associate Professor
Ph.D., Purdue University
Public Relations
Edward Inch, Professor
Ph.D., University of Washington
Conflict Studies, Communication Theory, Rhetorical Theory
Kirk Isakson (faculty associate)
Broadcast, Video Production
Arthur Land, Instructor
M.A., University of Georgia
Journalism
Joanne Lisosky, Associate Professor
Ph.D., University of Washington
Journalism, Media and Society
Henry Loughman, Assistant Professor
B.A., San Diego State University
Theater-Technical Design
Maureen McGill, Associate Professor
M.A., Western Washington University
Dance
Cliff Rowe, Professor
M.S.J., Northwestern University
Journalism
Robert Marshall Wells, Assistant Professor
Ph.D., University of Maryland
Journalism, Media Studies
Amy Young, Assistant Professor
Ph.D., University of Texas - Austin
Public Relations, Rhetorical Studies
Visit www.plu.edu/coth for more about Communication and Theatre faculty, programs, student media and organizations.
