News on your favorite shows, specials & more!

Department of Theatre Arts

Visit Web Site
TwitterCollege Twitter FacebookCollege Facebook InstagramCollege Instagram

181 White Street
Danbury,Connecticut 06810
203.837.8250
admissions@wcsu.edu

DEGREES OFFERED

Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Arts - Acting

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Arts - Design/Tech

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Arts - Stage Management

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre


Our NAST-accredited Department of Theatre Arts provides a strong professional training approach to the study of the art and craft of theatre. Students who pursue a BFA in Theatre Arts prepare for a myriad of professional careers as they relate to the student’s personal interests in Acting, Design/Technology, or Stage Management through our specialized and rigorous curriculum. Students pursuing a BFA in Musical Theatre prepare for professional performance careers through the BFA program’s intensive curriculum and training. For students interested in a broader/liberal arts theatre education, the BA in Theatre Arts program is the perfect place for a more expansive, less specialized, approach. While there is no audition or interview process for the BA in Theatre Arts Degree, the BFA in Musical Theatre degree, as well as all concentrations within the BFA in Theatre Arts degree do require an in-person audition/interview for admittance into those programs.

Faculty Info:

Dr. Justin P. Cowan Associate Chair, Assistant Professor, Musical Director [Musicianship for the MT Actor] Dr. Donald Gagnon Professor [History of Theatre/Senior Portfolio] Frank Herbert Professor [Technical Theatre/Lighting/Playmaking with Children/Play Production] Tim Howard Associate Professor, Coordinator of BFA in Musical Theatre [Acting II/Transition Workshop/MT Workshop] Joni Johns-Lerner Assistant Professor, Costume Shop Manager [Costume Technology I/II] Pam McDaniel Professor, Chair [Acting/Directing] Elizabeth Popiel Professor [Set Design/Costume Design/ Scenic Art/ Intro to Theatre/ Computer Graphics, Puppetry, Theatre Design Fundamentals] Sal Trapani Professor [Acting/Directing/Devised Theatre Workshop/Theatre History]



Related Articles

Frank Silvera Writers' Workshop Continues 2024-25 Season With WHO YOU KISS FOR FUN
by Blair Ingenthron - October 26, 2024


The Frank Silvera Writers' Workshop continues its 2024-25 season with a reading of WHO YOU KISS FOR FUN by Emma Y. Lai, exploring identity and romance among Asian American friends.

FSU/Asolo Conservatory Announces Change To Schedule And Cast Of THE CURIOUS SAVAGE
by A.A. Cristi - October 18, 2024


FSU/Asolo Conservatory has announced changes to the season schedule and cast for THE CURIOUS SAVAGE, impacting upcoming performances.

FSU/Asolo Conservatory Reveals Changes to its Season & More
by Chloe Rabinowitz - October 18, 2024


FSU/Asolo Conservatory has revealed changes to its season schedule and cast for THE CURIOUS SAVAGE, impacting upcoming performances. Stay updated on the latest developments in this production.

MTI Launches New Licensing Division, MTI Concert Dance
by Nicole Rosky - March 28, 2024


MTI Concert Dance will license choreographed works from well-known choreographers across many genres of dance. For its launch, MTI has partnered with The Robbins Rights Trust to exclusively license the entire ballet repertory of the legendary Jerome Robbins.

Cast Announced For Playhouse On Park's Touring Production Of POLKADOTS: THE COOL KIDS MUSICAL
by Blair Ingenthron - March 02, 2024


Playhouse on Park will present their first ever touring production, POLKADOTS: THE COOL KIDS MUSICAL. Learn more about the cast, get tickets, and more here!

David Nando Rodgers Debut Cabaret MY SUNDAY CLOTHES At The Green Room 42 To Feature Special Guest Alexandra Silber
by A.A. Cristi - February 07, 2024


Join David Nando Rodgers and special guest Alexandra Silber for an unforgettable evening of cabaret at The Green Room 42. A survivor in more ways than one, and a believer of 'try, try again,' he will lend his baritone voice and interpretive skills to musical selections from Sondheim to Celine to Phantom-with-a-twist...and more.

MEDEA THE MUSICAL to be Presented At The Green Room 42 This Weekend
by Chloe Rabinowitz - January 08, 2024


Experience the stunning production of MEDEA THE MUSICAL at Green Room 42 this weekend. Learn how to purchase tickets!

Dr. Seuss' HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! THE MUSICAL is Coming to Masque Sound This Holiday Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - November 29, 2023


Get ready for a festive treat as Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical goes on tour. Find out when and where you can catch this iconic holiday classic, and don't miss the chance to experience the joy and splendor of the award-winning sound design.

SOMETHING ROTTEN! at Visual and Performing Arts Center
by BWW Special Offer - October 10, 2023


Special Offer: Something Rotten! Comes to Danbury Oct. 13-22, and more at the Visual and Performing Arts Center

Playhouse on Park and Hartford Stage Company Will Host Panel Discussion, JANE AUSTEN: FROM PAGE TO THE STAGE
by Stephi Wild - September 29, 2023


Playhouse on Park and Hartford Stage Company will collaborate on a panel discussion in conjunction with the Greater Hartford Arts Council’s THEATER WEEK. Learn more about the upcoming event here!

Blue Mountain Gallery Hosts 2023 Master of Fine Arts Thesis Exhibition of Students From Western Connecticut State University
by Stephi Wild - June 12, 2023


Blue Mountain Gallery has announced the 2023 Master of Fine Arts Thesis Exhibition of students from  Western Connecticut State University.

Nominees Revealed For the 2023 Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival Awards
by Stephi Wild - April 20, 2023


The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts virtually hosted more than 110 outstanding theater students from colleges and universities across the nation as part of the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF).

Western Connecticut State University's Department of Theatre Arts Presents MARAT/SADE Opening April 21
by A.A. Cristi - April 05, 2023


Western Connecticut State University's Department of Theatre Arts announced the live show 'Marat/Sade' opening on Friday, April 21, and running through Sunday, April 30, at the university's Visual and Performing Arts Center (VPAC), 43 Lake Ave. Extension, Danbury.

WCSU Presents FAIRVIEW Beginning This Month
by Stephi Wild - March 17, 2023


DANBURY, Connecticut - Western Connecticut State University's Department of Theatre Arts announced the production 'Fairview,' a relevant, evocative play touching on the issues of race and racism in American society, from March 31 to April 16, at the university's Studio Theatre in the Visual and Performing Arts Center.

WCSU Presents Rodgers and Hammerstein's ALLEGRO This Month
by Stephi Wild - February 09, 2023


DANBURY, Connecticut - Western Connecticut State University's Department of Theatre Arts presents Rodgers and Hammerstein's original musical 'Allegro,' an early creation from these Broadway legends that first premiered in 1947.



Past Student Productions

SHOW THEATER
Blood at the Root
(4/1/22 - 4/10/22)
Western Connecticut State University
Blood at the Root
(4/1/22 - 4/10/22)
Western Connecticut State University
Noises Off
(12/3/21 - 12/5/21)
Western Connecticut State University
Melancholy Play: a chamber musical
(10/29/21 - 11/7/21)
Western Connecticut State University
The Radium Girls: A Jaw-Dropping New Musical
(11/27/20 - 11/27/20)
The Department of Theatre Arts at Western Connecticut State University
THE WHO'S TOMMY in Broadway THE WHO'S TOMMY
(4/17/20 - 4/26/20)
WESTERN CONNECTICUT STATE UNIVERSITY
Hand to God
(2/27/20 - 3/1/20)
Western Connecticut State University
The 1940s Radio Hour
(12/5/19 - 12/8/19)
Western Connecticut State University
A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC in Broadway A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC
(11/8/19 - 11/17/19)
WESTERN CONNECTICUT STATE UNIVERSITY
The Tale of Peter Rabbit
(4/30/19 - 5/7/19)
Western Connecticut State University
CRAZY FOR YOU
(4/5/19 - 4/14/19)
Western Connecticut State University
Uncle Vanya (Columbus)
(1/31/19 - 1/31/19)
Western Connecticut State University
THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE in Broadway THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE
(12/7/18 - 12/9/18)
WESTERN CONNECTICUT STATE UNIVERSITY
THE WILD PARTY in Broadway THE WILD PARTY
(11/9/18 - 11/18/18)
WESTERN CONNECTICUT STATE UNIVERSITY
PETER AND THE STARCATCHER in Broadway PETER AND THE STARCATCHER
(4/20/18 - 5/26/18)
WESTERN CONNECTICUT STATE UNIVERSITY
COMPANY
(4/6/18 - 4/15/18)
WESTERN CONNECTICUT STATE UNIVERSITY
VIOLET
(3/31/17 - 4/9/17)
WESTERN CONNECTICUT STATE UNIVERSITY
PARADE
(11/12/15 - 11/22/15)
WESTERN CONNECTICUT STATE UNIVERSITY
DR. SEUSS' THE CAT IN THE HAT
(4/30/15 - 7/19/15)
WESTERN CONNECTICUT STATE UNIVERSITY
Smokey Joe's Cafe - The Songs of Leiber and Stoller
(4/16/15 - 4/26/15)
Western Connecticut State University
SPRING AWAKENING
(2/27/13 - 3/16/13)
WESTERN CONNECTICUT STATE UNIVERSITY
INTO THE WOODS
(12/7/12 - 12/9/12)
WESTERN CONNECTICUT STATE UNIVERSITY
SWEENEY TODD
(10/27/11 - 11/5/11)
WESTERN CONNECTICUT STATE UNIVERSITY

Videos


TICKET CENTRAL

Recommended For You