Theatre Arts

Within a collaborative and supportive environment, you will be challenged to achieve academic and aesthetic success.

Theatre Arts major and minor

Become immersed in the environment of a professional theatre program, whether it’s on stage, backstage, or anywhere in between.

Finding new ways to express yourself or the ideas of others will allow you to develop skills valued well after the last curtain call.

Theatre majors follow many potential paths, including acting, directing, producing, technical theatre, writing, stage management, and teaching.

If you have a strong interest in theatre but don’t want to commit to a full major, a minor allows you to pursue this passion alongside your primary field of study.

View major course requirements

View minor course requirements

Why Simpson College for Theatre Arts?

Paisha behind the scenes of theatre performance

What Will I Learn?

Theatre students develop valuable skills, including public speaking, collaboration, problem-solving, and critical thinking.

Departmental courses, productions and projects provide students with cultural and artistic experiences to develop their abilities to observe, reflect, think critically and communicate.

Scholarships Available For Theatre Students

Earn a Scholarship to Participate in theatre at Simpson

Scholarships are awarded to students who show potential in theatre production’s performance, technical, or both aspects. And you don’t have to be a theatre major to receive one. Find out how to apply and when auditions are scheduled.

Theatre Scholarship Information

What can I do with my degree?

The answer is just about anything! You’ll have a solid foundation, regardless of whether you choose a career on or off stage, because Simpson Theatre trains engaged leaders. You will be encouraged to take risks and discover you can do things you never thought possible.

Theatre helps you express yourself and influences how you think and feel about your life, forcing you to examine your values and behavior.

All of these skills are transferrable to any career you may choose.

Earn a Teaching Endoresement

By obtaining a Theatre Arts major and a Secondary Education minor, you will have a Speech Communication/Theatre endorsement to teach students in grades 5-12.

There are many ways to enhance your education

The list of ways to engage within the theatre and across campus is long. Take a look at the Department of Theatre Arts and discover how to make your mark.

Professional Productions

Simpson produces five plays each year, emphasizing a quality, professional experience for both the performer and the audience.

Learn More About Professional Productions

Undergraduate Assistant Positions (UGA)

The theatre utilizes talent in all forms. With numerous undergraduate assistant positions available, you will be involved in meaningful work, have real responsibilities and learn the inner workings of a professional theatre.

Internships

Simpson Productions students regularly receive appointments as interns and summer employees. We offer regular programming to assist you in developing your audition and interview materials.

Learn More About Internships

Leadership Positions

By being a part of the design or management team at Theatre Simpson, you’ll have the chance to work in everything from sound and lighting to costume design to the box office.

Learn More About Leadership Positions

Agents of Change

Working collaboratively with others, you will research, write, and produce a performance focused on ending sexual harassment and assault. The end product is used as part of orientation for incoming first-year students to raise awareness of this issue and its importance on Simpson’s campus.

Alpha Psi Omega

Alpha Psi Omega (APO) is an honorary fraternity comprised of dedicated theatre students who strive to bring theatre to the Simpson College community. Leadership in the organization is comprised of six officer positions.

This Is What Success Looks Like

I love the idea of helping students find their calling in life.

Morgan King '20

Theatre arts major Morgan King ’20 serves as the Drama Director for Des Moines Public Schools, combining her love of theatre and education

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One Lecture Can Change a Career

After listening to [professional costume designer] Cathy Parrott talk about her career, I was ready to take the plunge into the theatre world and costume design, specifically.

Stacey Olson '20

Stacey Olson ’20 discovered her passion for the theatre following a guest lecture from a professional costume designer during her sophomore year at Simpson College

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