Theatre, BA
Immerse yourself in the BA theatre major at Seattle University. Prepare for a professional theatre career or pursue specialized training in graduate school.
About this Program
Preparing Passionate, Intellectually Curious and Well-Rounded Theatre Artists
The theatre program at Seattle University offers a rigorous and comprehensive theatre-making experience within the framework of a broad Jesuit liberal arts education.
Our mission is to train a versatile theatre artist who brings intellectual curiosity and passion to their work, their life, and the world at large. We nurture your ambitions and strengths while delivering you a comprehensive education in all areas of theatre, including acting, design, directing, history, and production.
In tandem with classroom learning, you will receive practical training through our Mainstage Season working on all aspects of production: from acting to stage management, dramaturgy to assistant directing, backstage crew to design. The Mainstage Season is produced in the Lee Center for the Arts, which features a state-of-the-art 120-seat flexible space theatre, costume and scene shops.
Further performance and production opportunities are available to you through programs such as Scratch, a student-run showcase series; Stretch, which brings together artists-in-residence to work with you and faculty on workshops and performances; directing scene showcases; and student honors performances.
Our ultimate goal is to equip you with a strong foundation in all aspects of theatre in order to prepare you to enter the professional theatre community as resourceful emerging theatre artists or to pursue specialized training in graduate schools.
Lee Center for the Arts
The Lee Center is Seattle University’ state-of-the-art performance and exhibition space on the corner of Twelfth Avenue and East Marion Street. Designed to enrich the artistic experience of students, faculty, staff and the greater community, the center houses the "black-box theater" John Eshelman Stage, scene shop, costume shop, green room, dressing rooms and Hedreen Gallery.
Creative Spaces: Billodue Makerspace
The Billodue Makerspace at Seattle University, located in the Jim and Janet Sinegal Center for Science and Innovation (Sinegal Center), provides creative spaces for theatre students, especially for interdisciplinary projects. You will be able to participate in a variety of maker-related activities including sewing, fiber arts, 3D printing, laser cutting, electronics, vinyl cutting, and glass work.
Internships in Seattle’s World-Class Theatre Community
You are encouraged to connect with the rich and vibrant theatre scene in Seattle through internships. Students are encouraged to work with faculty to find the best opportunities to gain connections to the Seattle arts community.
Pathways to Professional Formation
The College of Arts & Sciences is committed to helping you through your lifetime journey of professional formation and discernment. We offer opportunities to deepen and broaden your understanding of your professional identity.
Arts and Sciences Advising Center
Our advising center is dedicated to your holistic academic and professional through academic advising and promotion of academic excellence. We work to solve problems, provide navigational guidance and build connections.
Connect to Seattle's Vibrant Theatre and Performing Arts Culture
Seattle is, at its heart, a world-class center for theatre and the performing arts. Through our program, you can connect to the wider arts community in a variety of ways:
- Our theatre faculty are working artists with strong ties to the professional theatre community.
- Artists-in-residence are brought in to work with faculty and students.
- Professional guest artists work alongside students in the Mainstage Season.
Hear From Our Alumni
Lia Gonia
As a Theatre and Communication & Media double major, I was also able to combine my interests and run the marketing communications for the department as a Theatre Communications Fellow. Just one month post-graduation, I was hired to do work at Theatre Puget Sound, an arts advocacy organization that supports individual artists and theatre organizations across the region. I'm so grateful for the opportunities that Seattle U has provided me, and the connections with friends that will last a lifetime
Featured Faculty
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Get In Touch
Aly Bedford, BFA
Academic Program Coordinator, Performing Arts & Arts Leadership
Academic Program Coordinator, Art, Art History & Design