Our Theatre Performance Major

Perform stories that define human nature

Take center stage at Susquehanna and beyond in our theatre performance major.

You'll grow artistically as an actor. From critical analysis of dramatic literature, to authentic and powerful acting on stage, you'll develop in your craft beyond what you thought possible.

Explore characters that force you out of your comfort zone and learn something about yourself in the process. You'll focus on the tools you need to improve your acting. Our intensive acting classes are supported by coursework in theatre history and dramatic theory, enhancing your performances. Adding one of our interdisciplinary minors, like arts administration and women's studies, help you gain a better understanding of important topics in today’s world.

In ways more broad-based than fine arts degrees, you'll gain a better understanding of human communication and culture.

Opportunities abound

The department follows a professional model, preparing you for the environment you'll step into after graduation. Shows are produced by developing the strength of the ensemble, which helps you build collaboration skills with your fellow theatre practitioners.

Our students often begin performing on the main stage in their first semester.

There are four mainstage productions each year, including a student-directed show and a major musical, and six second stage productions
You'll collaborate with the Department of Music on their annual opera program
We offer a second stage season-experimental, edgy and fueled by students' artistic desires

Our faculty will help you find the right internships in theatres across the country. You will develop your professional experience resume and build your network so you can pursue an advanced degree or employment opportunities in acting or related theatre fields.

A Susquehanna education provides students with flexibility in coursework so they can conduct research, intern and study abroad. When it comes to your major, you’ll begin taking classes in your chosen program of study in your first year.

Here are some of the courses that theatre performance majors take in their first few semesters at Susquehanna.

Acting Fundamentals
Western Theatre History
From Page to Stage
Acting II: Voice and Movement

Download the current course catalog on this page to see the full list of classes and course descriptions for Susquehanna’s majors.

Recent graduates have gone on to school at:

Bowling Green State University
California Institute of the Arts
Florida State University
Kent State University
Illinois State University
The New School, New York City
Ohio University
Roosevelt University, Chicago College of Performing Arts
University of Arizona
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
University of Houston
University of Maryland at College Park
University of Missouri-Columbia
University of Pittsburgh
University of Texas – Austin
University of South Carolina
Villanova University
The Yale School of Drama

Recent graduates have gotten jobs at:

Arden Theatre Co.
ArtsPower National Tour
Berkshire Theatre Festival
Cirque du Soleil
Delaware Theatre Company
Disney Cruise Lines
Glimmerglass Festival
Merry-Go-Round Playhouse
NetWorks Productions (Broadway tours)
New Jersey Shakespeare Festival
Playwrights Horizons
Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival
Portland Stage Co.
Syracuse Opera
Walnut Street Theatre
Weston Playhouse Theatre Company