News on your favorite shows, specials & more!

Department of Theatre

Visit Web Site
TwitterCollege Twitter FacebookCollege Facebook InstagramCollege Instagram

111 Jesse Hall
Columbia,Missouri 65211
573.882.2021
sylerc@missouri.edu

DEGREES OFFERED

Bachelor of Arts in Theatre - Performance

Bachelor of Arts in Theatre - Design/Technical

Bachelor of Arts in Theatre - Writing for Performance

Minor in Theatre


Welcome to the Department of Theatre at the University of Missouri. We are excited about the opportunities that each semester brings to our undergraduate and graduate program. Our historic commitment to academic scholarship and artistic innovation began in 1925 when Professor Donovan Rhynsburger joined the MU faculty and legitimized the Missouri Theatre Workshop. Today, we celebrate the unique distinction of being named one of the most prolific programs in the country for theatre research, as well as one of only a few Theatre departments that offer the BA, MA and PhD. We continue to explore the endless possibilities of theatre and performance by fostering creativity, enlightenment, and academic investigation. The resident faculty is nationally and internally recognized in various areas of academic research, theatre technology/design, writing for performance and teaching. Faculty research activities continue to establish important relationships with theatre scholars worldwide. Frequent invitations for faculty to work as designers and directors with regional professional theatres enhance the development of a vibrant and innovative production program and provide exciting career avenues for qualified students. We remain dedicated to the inherent value of introducing our students to the most brilliant and accomplished theatre professionals in the business. An impressive list of guest artists, visiting playwrights and scholars, who graciously share their experiences and creative processes continues to bring a wealth of knowledge and provocative ideas each year. Students from various academic disciplines who enroll in our courses as well as those who participate in the production program have discovered that the collaborative nature of theatre encourages a sense of collegiality that provides a safe environment for the development of intellectual acuity and creative expression. As a result, many have found the study of theatre to be a viable and rewarding academic endeavor. Through the concerted efforts of excellent faculty, dedicated staff and accomplished students, the Department of Theatre has become a highly visible presence on the MU campus and an essential contributor to the cultural climate of the surrounding community. The Theatre Department is growing in both our student population and in the College of Arts & Sciences's plan for renovations to our facilities in the next few years. While our production season offers a variety of engaging theatrical performances, we also are proud of our students' talents in design, performance, and writing, and in working for theatre as social justice on the national and global stage.

Faculty Info:

Kevin Brown, Heather Carver, PhD, David A. Crespy, PhD, Les Gray, PhD, Joy Powell, PhD, Claire Syler, PhD, Marc W. Vital II.



Related Articles

Circuit Playhouse, Inc. Reveals New Executive Board
by Stephi Wild - August 21, 2024


Circuit Playhouse Inc. has announced its new Board President and Executive Board. Learn more about the full lineup here!

New Jersey Symphony Reveals 2024 Edward T. Cone Composition Institute Composers
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 21, 2024


The New Jersey Symphony has revealed the composers for the 10th Edward T. Cone Composition Institute. Learn more about them!

Awardees Revealed For the 2024 Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival Awards
by Josh Sharpe - May 06, 2024


The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts hosted more than 125 outstanding theater students from colleges and universities across the nation as part of the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF).

A WEEKEND WITH PABLO PICASSO Comes to L.A. Theatre Works Next Month
by Stephi Wild - February 06, 2024


Writer, performer, and founding member of Culture Clash Herbert Sigüenza takes on the role of Picasso for A Weekend with Pablo Picasso from L.A.Theatre Works (LATW) in this one-man tour-de-force. Learn more about the show and find out how to get tickets here!

Cherry Street Music Brings NUEVO TANGO to the Allen Center
by Stephi Wild - December 18, 2023


For Cherry Street Music's next Classical with Twist concert,  Artistic Director Allison Yoshie Eldredge has curated a diverse and invigorating program of Latin inspired music for Nuevo Tango on Sunday, February 4th at The Allen Center in Newton.

Marc-André Bougie Named Honorary Composer/Conductor At MidAmerica Productions
by Chloe Rabinowitz - March 28, 2022


After a 15-year collaboration, MidAmerica Productions (MAP) has named Marc-André Bougie from Texarkana, Texas, one of its Honorary Composer/Conductors. He joins a roster which comprises only three other distinguished composer/conductors: Michael J. Glasgow (North Carolina), Terre Johnson (Georgia), and Michael John Trotta (New Jersey).

FoxPACF Appoints Two New Board Members
by Stephi Wild - March 21, 2022


Fox Performing Arts Charitable Foundation (FoxPACF) has announced that Missy Heinemann and Kelley Weber have been appointed to the organization's Board of Directors.

Cornelius Eady Will Present Talk On White Gaze and Black Body At Gibney Center
by Stephi Wild - March 16, 2022


Poet, playwright, and songwriter Cornelius Eady will deliver a talk on the white gaze and the Black body as part of Gibney Center's Spring 2022 Deeper Lecture Series.

Marc-André Bougie Conducts New York Premiere Of His 'Requiem' At Carnegie Hall To Open MidAmerica Productions' 39th Season
by Robert Diamond - March 10, 2022


On Saturday, March 19, Marc-André Bougie will conduct the New York premiere of his own Requiem. This premiere is to take place during the first concert for MidAmerica Productions at Carnegie Hall's Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage since 2019.

Bunraku Bay Puppet Theater Will Be Performed at MSSU's Bud Walton Theatre
by Stephi Wild - October 14, 2021


Bunraku Bay Puppet Theater is the only theater in the United States that performs the traditional Japanese puppetry known as “ningyo joruri” or Bunraku. The “bay” of the theater’s name derives from the Bay State of Massachusetts, where the theater was first organized, and from the “bei” (pronounced “bay”) of the Japanese word “Beikoku,” which means “America,” suggesting the theater’s slogan, “Traditional Japanese Puppetry in America.”

Arizona Theatre Company, The Scoundrel & Scamp Theatre and Winding Road Theater Ensemble Present ROMEROFEST
by Chloe Rabinowitz - February 01, 2021


Arizona Theatre Company, in collaboration with The Scoundrel & Scamp Theatre and Winding Road Theater Ensemble, is producing RomeroFest, a month-long celebration of the diverse, thoughtful and impactful works of ATC Playwright-in-Residence Elaine Romero with digital performances by theatre companies across the U.S. and in Mexico in March.

SILK AND STEEL: FRENCH FASHION, WOMEN AND WWI Exhibition Opens This Month
by A.A. Cristi - September 09, 2020


When the first World War exploded in the late summer of 1914, armies took the field in bright uniforms and navies steamed to sea flying the colors of their nations. For the ensuing years of global war until the peace treaty was signed on June 28, 1919, most history has centered on battles, leaders and empires.

2020 Season Muny Kids And Teens Creative Teams Announced
by A.A. Cristi - January 22, 2020


The Muny announced today the choreographers and music directors for its Muny Kids and Teens 2020 season. The Muny's flagship education programs, The Muny Kids and Teens are two of nine offerings under The Crawford Taylor Education Initiative. Muny Director of Education, Tali Allen, and Artistic Associate, Michael Baxter, will serve as Artistic Directors for the groups. Information regarding upcoming auditions for The Muny Kids and Teens can be found here.

Starlight Offers a Brand-New Education Opportunity for High School Students
by A.A. Cristi - January 15, 2020


Calling all high school students! Enrollment is now open for students in grades 10 to 12 for a?oeTheatre Industry Career Paths,a?? a brand-new educational offering from Starlight that provides students who aspire to work in the theatre industry an opportunity to explore the vast array of careers availablea?"both on stage and off. Through an exciting partnership with the University of Missouri-Kansas City, this course will allow students to earn one hour of college credit through UMKC. 

William Inge Theater Festival Welcomes New Play Lab Writers From 14 States
by Julie Musbach - March 27, 2019


Twenty-four outstanding playwrights, representing 14 states, will converge in the small town of Independence, Kansas for a public staged reading of their new scripts during the New Play Lab at the 38th Annual William Inge Theater Festival, May 22-25, at Independence Community College, Independence, Kansas.



Past Student Productions

SHOW THEATER
The Prom
(11/4/22 - 11/13/22)
University of Missouri - Columbia

Videos


TICKET CENTRAL

Recommended For You