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Theatre Arts

A Theatre Arts Major with a Faith-Centered Perspective at Milligan

The Theatre Arts major at Milligan University combines rigorous academics, practical experiences, and a faith-centered perspective to prepare students for impactful careers in performance, production, and theatre education. This program fosters creativity, collaboration, and leadership, offering students opportunities to hone their craft while exploring the role of storytelling in shaping culture and society.

Why Choose the Theatre Arts Major at Milligan University?

Milligan’s Theatre Arts major emphasizes personal growth, professional preparation, and artistic expression. Students benefit from individualized mentorship, state-of-the-art facilities, and a supportive community that values skill development and character formation. The program integrates a thoughtful exploration of faith, encouraging students to create meaningful work that reflects their values and aspirations.

SCHOOL OF ARTS & HUMANITIES

BACHELOR OF ARTS, MINOR IN THEATRE ARTS

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What to Expect from the Theatre Arts Program

Milligan’s Theatre Arts majors engage in a curriculum that balances academic study with hands-on training in theatre and dance. Courses cover acting techniques, directing methods, design principles, and theatre history, offering a comprehensive foundation in performance and production. Elective options allow students to tailor their studies to specific interests, such as Technical Theatre, Stage Management, or Playwriting.

Practical experience is central to the program. Students participate in faculty-led productions, student-initiated projects, and workshops that build confidence and skills. Performances occur in professional-grade facilities, providing real-world experience in a collaborative setting. These opportunities prepare graduates to excel in the performing arts and related fields.

After coming to Milligan, I decided to pursue a career in all aspects of theatre – including acting, directing, designing, and constructing. I have gained confidence that I can truly become a professional and excel in my career.”

Jocelyn Kain | Class of 2027

Explore Performance, Design, and Production with Theatre Arts

Through personalized learning guided by faculty mentorship, students receive tailored support to achieve their goals. Hands-on training provides valuable experiential learning, including performance opportunities and technical roles in productions. A faith-integrated curriculum encourages students to explore the connection between storytelling and their values. At the same time, a collaborative community rooted in a shared passion for the arts fosters creativity and teamwork.

Course Requirements

To be a Theatre Minor, you must take 25 credits. Courses may include Stagecraft, Introduction to Theatre, Fundamentals of Theatrical Design, Acting I, Theatre Arts Lab, Theatre History, Directing, and Theatre Arts Capstone.
View all details and course requirements for this program in the Milligan University Catalog (link below). The Milligan University academic catalog is the official, authoritative source for all academic requirements and policies. Any discrepancies in curricular requirements from other sources will default to the Catalog.

Career Paths for Theatre Arts Majors

A Theatre Arts degree from Milligan provides a strong foundation for many career opportunities. Graduates are well-prepared to excel in performance, directing, stage management, education, and other fields. This versatile degree equips students with the skills and confidence needed to thrive both on stage and in other professional settings.

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Students Received Financial Aid 2023-2024

Majors, minors, pre-professional degrees and concentrations

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Students Live On Campus

Potential Careers

Actor/Performer

Bring stories to life on stage or screen.

Director

Lead creative teams to produce compelling theatrical works.

Set Designer

Build imaginative and functional environments for theatre productions and performances.

Stage Manager

Coordinate logistics to ensure seamless productions.

Playwright

Write narratives that resonate with audiences.

Dramaturg

Provide research and context for theatrical productions.

Theatre Arts Major

Theatre Internships

Milligan theatre arts has partnered with local theaters to provide the opportunity to complete a professional internship for credit. Internships may take place during the semester or the summer.

Johnson City Arts Center

Internships may offer opportunities in:
• set design and construction
• lighting design
• performing in acting and dancing roles for annual Christmas and spring semester shows

Jonesborough Repertory Theatre

Internships may offer opportunities in:
• audition for professional productions
• dance in professional productions
• serve as assistant stage manager
• observe and receive professional mentoring in all areas of technical theatre

Paramount Bristol

Internships may offer opportunities in:
• technical theatre
• business of theatre and non-profit operations

Students need approval from a theatre arts faculty member to enroll in an internship. Please contact a faculty member for more details and to apply.

Scholarships

Explore Scholarship Options

Available for performers and technicians, the Theatre Arts Scholarship is a competitive, renewable scholarship awarded to a limited number of students annually. Scholarships are awarded to performers who exhibit excellent performance ability and potential as identified through audition and to technicians who demonstrate knowledge in design, production, or stage management through a portfolio review and interview. Both non-majors and theatre majors are eligible.
In-person auditions for the theatre program are preferred. You can be assigned another date if you cannot attend one of the audition dates for the theatre program below. If an in-person audition is not possible, an audition via YouTube or other video format links will be accepted. Portfolio reviews can be scheduled as needed and can be in person or virtual.

Performing Arts Scholarship

Faculty

Faculty

At Milligan, you’ll work with faculty members who have proven themselves to be theatre artists, performers, scholars, and teachers. With wide-ranging stage and screen experience—on Broadway, in regional theatres, and worldwide—they are dedicated to helping students realize their full potential.

Concentrations
  • Theatre Performance
  • Theatre Design and Production

Gregory Center

McGlothlin-Street Theatre

Elizabeth Leitner Gregory Center for the Liberal Arts was dedicated on February 1, 2008, and houses the McGlothlin-Street Theatre. The state-of-the-art facility includes a 294-seat theatre with a proscenium stage, fly system, orchestra pit, green room, dressing rooms, box office, and concessions area. The theatre is used for the University’s celebrated theatre arts program, humanities program, academic lecture series, and various campus and community events.

The Gregory Center

Theatre Arts Faculty

Frances Saxton

Frances Saxton

Assistant Professor of Theatre; Artistic Director

Brian Saxton

Brian Saxton

Assistant Professor of Theatre; Director of Technical Theatre

Frequently Asked Questions

What Makes Milligan’s Theatre Arts Major Different from Other Programs?

The Theatre Arts major at Milligan University combines a robust academic foundation with hands-on learning in a supportive, faith-centered environment. This program provides students with opportunities to refine their artistic talents while considering the broader impact of their work on culture and society. Faculty members guide students in developing their craft and character, ensuring a personalized education that prepares them for success in various professional settings. Milligan also integrates faith into the curriculum, encouraging students to connect their creativity and values. The program’s holistic approach sets it apart, focusing on personal growth and professional readiness.

Can I Double Major or Minor While Studying Theatre Arts?

Yes, Milligan’s flexible Theatre Arts program allows students to combine their interests with other areas of study. Many students pursue a second major or a minor in fields like Education, Communications, or Music, broadening their career options and enhancing their skill sets. This adaptability supports students in tailoring their academic paths to fit their goals, whether they aspire to teach, perform, or work in a multidisciplinary field. With guidance from faculty advisors, students can create a course plan that balances their Theatre Arts studies with additional areas of interest, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience.

Are There Opportunities To Perform or Work on Productions During My Time at Milligan?

Milligan offers a variety of opportunities for Theatre Arts students to participate in performances and productions. These include faculty-directed plays, student-led showcases, and workshops that span acting, directing, costume design, and technical roles. Productions are held in professional-grade facilities, providing students real-world experience in a creative and collaborative environment. Students can explore different aspects of theatre, from set design to stage management, while building their confidence and skills. These hands-on experiences are vital for students pursuing careers in the arts, as they allow for the practical application of the knowledge gained in the classroom.

How Does Milligan’s Theatre Arts Program Prepare Students for Success?

Milligan’s Theatre Arts program emphasizes a personalized approach to student success. Faculty members work closely with theatre students, providing individualized mentorship and guidance tailored to their aspirations in the performing arts. Small class sizes allow for meaningful interactions, and performance opportunities give students practical experience that enhances their skills. The program also integrates faith-based learning, encouraging students to connect their artistry and values. By fostering technical abilities and character development, Milligan ensures that graduates are prepared to excel in their chosen careers and contribute positively to their communities and the broader arts landscape.

Do I Need Prior Theatre Experience To Join the Program?

No prior experience is required to enroll in the BA in Theatre Arts at Milligan. The program welcomes theatre students with varying levels of expertise, from beginners to seasoned performers. Faculty members are dedicated to helping students develop their skills and grow as artists. Students gain the confidence and knowledge needed to succeed through coursework, workshops, and performance opportunities. Whether stepping onto the stage for the first time or building on prior experience, Milligan provides the resources and support necessary to thrive in your artistic journey.

How Does Faith Play a Role in the Theatre Arts Program?

Faith is a vital part of Milligan’s Theatre Arts program, shaping how students approach storytelling and creativity. The curriculum encourages students to consider how their beliefs influence their work and how theatre can serve as a medium for meaningful engagement with the world. Through performances and class discussions, students explore ways to connect their art with their values, creating projects that inspire and challenge audiences. This integration of faith and artistry helps students develop as performers and creators and as individuals committed to making a positive impact through their work.