Theatre
Whether you prefer to be in the spotlight or behind the scenes, a theatre major at Coker will deliver a comprehensive liberal arts education.
Our round-table learning philosophy cultivates critical and analytical thinking, while surrounding you with a creative community to inspire, support and challenge you to reach your full potential. The program focuses on integrating a comprehensive curriculum with a multitude of opportunities for valuable hands-on experience—from productions to workshops, internships, study abroad, and more.
Key Classes for Your Success
Acting I
You’re a born performer, and in this class, you’ll learn to make the most of your talent. You’ll explore four major types of theatre, identify the names of stage areas in a proscenium arrangement, and work on controlling body movement and vocal inflection. After developing foundational skills in Acting I, you may progress to more advanced acting classes and campus performances.
Introduction to Design for the Performing Arts
Well thought-out visuals can make or break a show. In this class, you’ll learn about scenic, costume, and lighting design through hands-on projects and group discussion. You’ll become familiar with principles of design and practice applying them in the context of theatre.
Playwriting
A good play starts with a solid script. In this course, you will learn the fundamentals of writing for stage—and then, you’ll bring that knowledge to life through the creation of your own dramatic scenes and an original one-act play.
Which Concentrations Feel Like a Good Fit For You?
(B.A.)
General Theatre
For students who want a comprehensive education in theatre, the general theatre concentration is individually designed. You can choose to develop your personal interests or encompass a broad base of theatre courses.
(B.A.)
Performance
The performance concentration is designed for those who can’t resist the call of the spotlight. You will train and develop your skills in voice, movement and acting, to learn how to communicate and connect with an audience. Students majoring in theatre with a performance concentration are required to audition for all theatre program productions. Students are not, however, required to accept roles in all productions.
(B.A.)
Technical Theatre
With a technical theatre concentration, you’ll learn the ins and outs of theatre tech—from set and lighting design to sound board operation to stage management. You’ll gain the practical and technical knowledge of everything that goes into putting on a production and managing a theater.
(B.A.)
Musical Theatre
If musical theatre is your real passion, a music major with a concentration in musical theatre will take you where you want to go. You will take courses in voice, acting, dance and theatre, supplemented with specific courses—like Broadway and Hollywood Musicals—plus numerous opportunities to perform.
Get the Money You Need for Your Degree
Just because your education is an invaluable investment doesn’t mean some degrees aren’t a better value than others! Affordability is one of the ways Coker University clearly stands out from other schools. We work very hard to keep tuition low and to find scholarship money to help you pay for your degree.
Average amount of scholarship aid* awarded to Coker students last year$17,459!*Does not include federal, state, or need-based aid
95%of Coker undergrads receive some form of financial aid.
Coker grants over$10,000,000in student scholarships each year.
Will You Be Auditioning?
Are you interested in applying for a visual and performing arts program at Coker University? Learn more about the process and submit your audition through the link below!
One Degree That Opens All These Doors
Actor
$50,305
Writer
$49,444
Lighting Designer
$52,998
Stage Manager
$40,971
Box Officer Manager
$38,195
Costume Designer
$36,212
Makeup Artist
$40,917
Sound Designer
$51,629
Talent Agent
$47,994
Meet Your Mentors
Joshua Webb
Associate Professor of Theatre; Coordinator of the Theatre Program
View Joshua’s Profile
Jesse Galas
Visiting Assistant Professor of Performing Arts
View Jesse’s Profile“As new faculty, I have enjoyed the robust and warm welcome that I have received from not only the colleagues in my department, but all over campus. I look…