One of the oldest theatre programs in the country

Emporia State University began producing theatre in 1913, making us one of the oldest theatre programs in the country. We have energetic students, enthusiastic community support and are proud to be a part of the School of Visual + Performing Arts where our students receive individual attention from our committed and celebrated faculty. Here, students can earn a BFA or BA in theatre, or gain certification to become a secondary teacher in our BSE program in speech and theatre. And through our affiliation with the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, our students are part of a vital and thriving national theatre.

Theatre production images

Little Shop of Horrors - October 2023
Ride The Cyclone - June 2023
The Constant Wife - April 2022
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee - August 2022

Featured Degrees

Theatre-BA

Bachelor of Arts

The degree Bachelor of Arts with a major in Theatre is a rigorous general education experience as well as an introduction to central elements of theatre performance, production, design, and scholarship. Majors are required to contribute to all productions, either as actors or as members of the crew, provided they meet academic eligibility standards as established by the program.

Theatre-BFA

Bachelor of Fine Arts

Students will be prepared to pursue careers in acting, script, costuming and theatre productions. Majors are required to audition for productions and contribute to all productions, either in the cast or on a crew, provided they meet academic eligibility standards as established by the program.

Theatre

Minor

Courses in theatre are excellent supplements for students planning careers in education, business, psychology, counseling, public relations, communication, law, and other fields that require the ability to work exceptionally well with other people. The theatre minor is an appropriate choice for students in the humanities or fine arts who wish to deepen their understanding of their major fields, as well as science majors who are seeking a breadth of undergraduate experiences.