Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre

With a bachelor’s degree in Theatre, you’ll learn advanced, hands-on techniques in acting, directing, and design, complete with the opportunity to utilize those skills in production at the Hettenhausen Center for the Arts, Southern Illinois' premier performing arts venue.

Housed under the Division of Visual and Performing Arts, the B.A. in Theatre allows you to gain a broad understanding of theatre art while honing your skills in a specific area of emphasis. Curriculum includes applied studio courses in acting, directing, and technical production and design, as well as dramatic literature, theatre history, and theory. Our courses will help you build the needed skills in movement, voice, interpretation, design, production, critical analysis, and writing.

McKendree University provides you with interactive learning opportunities through our small class sizes, experienced faculty, and unique internship experiences that move you beyond the classroom. We are committed to your success in the degree programs we offer, the internships and extracurricular activities that will set you apart, and the college experience you’ll get here. Just 25 minutes from downtown St. Louis, Missouri, McKendree University is located in historic Lebanon, Illinois, and affords students a host of enriching cultural, career, and entertainment opportunities.

The mission of the College of Arts & Sciences at McKendree University is to provide an interdisciplinary educational experience that promotes creativity, artistic expression, research, and critical thought. We encourage pedagogical innovations and collaborative scholarship among our diverse faculty and students in the Arts, Humanities, Mathematics, and Computer, Natural, and Social Sciences and to foster life-long learning.

The College offers a challenging curriculum to prepare our students to enter a dynamic global environment as responsible citizens, productive professionals, and leaders.