Theatre

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Program Overview

Theatre is a vibrant study of humanity, a mirror to society, and a pathway to self-discovery. If you find yourself drawn to the limelight, intrigued by the art of storytelling, or passionate about affecting change through performance, then a theatre major at King’s College is your spotlight.

Theatre is an ancient tradition, a contemporary craft, and a future-facing career. Our theatre program equips you with highly transferrable skills such as public speaking, collaboration, problem-solving, and adaptability—which help you to grow on and off the stage.

At King’s College, located in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, we believe in the power of theatre. A B.A. in theatre is your gateway to understanding diverse narratives and a platform you to develop your unique voice.Through hands-on experience, you’ll build confidence, critical thinking, and a strong professional presence, enhancing your marketability in any field you choose.

What Can You Do With a Theatre Degree?

With a theatre degree, you can explore a range of theatre careers, from performing on stage to working behind the scenes. But the skills you learn aren’t limited to the theatre. They’re transferable to many fields, such as business, where presentation and people skills are crucial; or in any creative industry, where your ability to think outside the box can set you apart.

So, what jobs can you get with a theatre degree? Graduates with a theatre degree from King’s College develop a blend of analytical and creative skills that apply to various careers.

Theatre majors may go on to roles in performance and production, bringing stories to life on stage and screen. Others apply their degree in theatre to careers in education, using their skills to teach and inspire. Additionally, the organizational and leadership abilities gained through theatre studies make our alums well-suited for positions in event planning, arts administration, and beyond. Other graduates use their theatrical training in law, business, marketing, medicine, journalism, criminal justice, or psychology.

The versatility of a B.A. in theatre ensures that our students are prepared for the diverse opportunities that await them after graduation.

Top employers

Theatres
Motion picture industry
Dance and theatre studios
Theme parks
Broadcasting
Advertising
Educational Institutions

Graduate school placements

The Julliard School
Yale University
Rutgers University
Stony Brook University
Temple University
Binghamton University
NYU Tisch School of the Arts

Career paths

Actor
Stage manager
Director
Playwright
Drama teacher
Theatrical designer
Choreographer
Producer
Theatre critic
Lighting, set, or sound designer
Box office manager
Arts Administrator
Dramaturg

Program Details

At King’s College, the theatre department’s mission is to provide a dynamic, intensive, and comprehensive hands-on approach to theatre training. The bachelor of arts program offers students professional training in theatre performance and production for direct entry into the professional world or graduate school. The theatre’s academic and production programs provide great opportunities for students of all disciplines to participate in various educational experiences with performances in musical theatre, Shakespeare, drama, and comedy.

In addition to a comprehensive academic program, the theatre department mounts a program of several mainstage productions annually. Additionally, lunch and evening one-act theatre series are curated each semester. In addition to an annual mainstage Shakespearean production, the works of both classic and contemporary playwrights are staged in arena, thrust, open stage, environmental, and proscenium styles, providing students with invaluable experience.

two people talking to eachother on a stage

What Makes the King’s Theatre Program Different?

Students from all walks of academic life participate in theatre courses and production activities. Theatre is more than a major program at King’s College; the theatre is a service in the highest sense to the overall mission and goals of the College. Theatre stands with disciplines such as mass communications, English, education, philosophy, psychology, and history.

The theatre faculty, staff, and guest artists strive for high degrees of excellence and professionalism in its diverse academic and production offerings. Expert faculty and staff guide students in the study, process, and practical application of selection, research, analysis, design, casting, rehearsal, staging, and marketing through various theatrical presentations. This stimulates and expands everyone’s knowledge, skills, and creative abilities.

Theatre is a collaborative art, and the faculty and staff encourage students to exert leadership and accept positions of responsibility as they excel. Student directors and designers, for example, may receive mainstage experience rarely available to undergraduates in other theatre programs. Our faculty and staff consistently strive to present high-quality educational theatre productions and related programming to an ever-increasing audience from the College and the greater community.

Here's what makes our bachelor’s degree in theatre unique:

Dual concentration flexibility: Unlike many programs that require a singular focus, King’s theatre studies allow students to pursue multi-concentration, blending both acting/directing and design/technical skills. This approach equips students with a versatile skill set, preparing them for a wider range of roles in the theatre industry.
State-of-the-art facilities: Students at King’s College have access to the Maffei Theatre, a unique 200+ seat black box venue. With state-of-the-art lighting and sound technology, this versatile space allows for professional-level productions in various staging styles, from thrust to arena. It offers far more than a traditional auditorium, providing hands-on experience in innovative theatrical design and performance.
Personalized mentorship: With a commitment to small class sizes and individualized attention, King’s theatre program ensures that each student is mentored with one-on-one critique from experienced faculty and staff. This approach fosters a close-knit learning environment where students hone their craft and can thrive both personally and professionally.
Innovative production seasons: King’s Theatre Department is known for its innovative production seasons that include a diverse mix of classical, contemporary, and experimental works, reflecting the program’s commitment to a broad educational perspective. The College has presented a Shakespeare production annually for seven decades, one of the longest-known traditions

Theatre Major Curriculum

Students majoring in theatre have considerable flexibility in choosing courses. However, selections should be made in consultation with a departmental advisor regarding the individual student’s interests and career goals. Because some theatre majors will earn their living in areas outside of theatre after college, the theatre major is constructed to allow students to add a second major.

Upon successfully completing theatre coursework, students are well prepared to apply their skills in a variety of theatrical industries and various fields outside the theatre world. King’s College theatre alumni are in important positions throughout many aspects of the theatre community or have gone on to prestigious graduate programs.

The senior capstone project is an opportunity for students majoring in theatre to synthesize the knowledge and skills gained into a performance or research thesis.

Major Resources

Student Organizations

King's Players
King's College Theatre Facebook Page

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Visit Us

We welcome all potential students and their families to visit our beautiful campus and get a taste of the King’s College experience. Feel free to schedule a personal visit or register for one of our upcoming admission events.

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