Department of Theatre

Collaborative community on an artistic mission

Theatre at Harding University is about creating a collaborative community on an artistic mission. The art of theatre integrates actor, audience, story and space into an immersive experience. It is a reflection of who we are and what we might become.

There is more live theatre being produced today than ever before in history. When you add the opportunities in media and the entertainment industry, the world really is your stage. The process of building a life in the theatre begins with discovering what role you are best suited to play. At Harding University, you will be able to develop your art and your craft in the classroom, in the shop and on the stage. You will be guided in this process by a talented faculty and staff who strive to model Christian values and vision in their own art every day.

Mission Statement

We are a Christ-centered theatre program that challenges students to develop superior artistic skills in order to serve others in the areas of ministry, education and professional theatre.

Goals

The purpose of the Theatre Department is to develop Christian artists into proficient theatre practitioners, educators and advocates. The goals of the Department of Theatre are accomplished by being centered on four components of our program:

1. Christ. Develop within theatre students a compassionate, engaging Christ-like spirit of service and ministry to others.
2. Community. Provide opportunities for students to collaborate and interact with professionals and peers in classes, forums, productions, travel and social interactions in order to create a community of support and trust.
3. Curriculum. Challenge students with a superior curriculum that promotes experiential learning and reflects academic and professional best practices.
4. Creativity. Provide opportunities for students to participate in a strong co-curricular production program that applies the creative principles and skills learned in the classroom to fully mounted faculty-directed theatre productions. Faculty-supervised student laboratory productions also provide co-curricular learning experiences.

You may choose one of five majors in Theatre or minor in one of two available programs. Whether your role is found in Theatre Arts, Acting, Design/Production or Theatre Education, we are ready and waiting to help you step up onto the stage. The choice is yours for what role you will pursue.

Your coursework is then applied to production work every day. You learn theatre because you are doing theatre. You will be involved in creating musical theatre, classical productions and modern works. The department presents an average of seven fully-staged productions each year along with some sixty performances of the Pied Pipers, our children’s improvisational theatre troupe. Over 36,000 patrons see Harding University Theatre each season. Your role will matter.

Schedule a campus visit to sit down and talk with us and see a show. Come discover our stage and your role with Harding University Theatre!

Theatre Productions

Searcy Summer Dinner Theatre

Homecoming Musical

Campus Players

Scholarships and Jobs

Theatre scholarships are available for majors and minors. Scholarships are awarded based on an audition/interview process held during Spring Sing weekend each year. If you are unable to attend the events of this weekend, alternative opportunities to apply can be made available. To find out more information regarding scholarships, please contact Emily Hutcheson at elipford@harding.edu.

Students in the Department of Theatre also have opportunities to work for pay on department productions and activities throughout each school year and every summer. This is an excellent method for our students to earn money while training for the profession. It instills professionalism, requires accountability and lowers the cost of education. There are opportunities for various jobs in the scene shop and the costume shop each year. There are also positions in stage management, house management, as an assistant director, in promotion and publicity, archivist, and faculty office staff available. Applications are handled through the Department of Theatre office.