Theatre
Create, collaborate, and transform through the art of performance.
Why theatre matters:
Theatre is a living art form that blends creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking to tell stories, spark dialogue, and deepen understanding of the human experience. As both an intellectual and a practical pursuit, theatre draws from history, literature, design, and performance to explore how culture, politics, and identity shape the ways we communicate and connect. The skills developed in theatre — creative problem-solving, teamwork, leadership, and adaptability — are invaluable whether students go on to professional performance careers or apply their artistry in other fields.
How theatre is taught at Muhlenberg:
At Muhlenberg, the theatre program combines rigorous academic study with immersive hands-on experience. Students receive a strong foundation in theatre history, theory, and literature, while developing skills in acting, directing, design, stage management, and playwriting. Small classes and close faculty mentorship create a collaborative, supportive environment where students can explore their interests, push their boundaries, and shape their own artistic paths. As part of the Department of Theatre and Dance, students have access to award-winning productions, visiting artist residencies, and opportunities to integrate performance with music, dance, or other disciplines.
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The theatre curriculum balances academic coursework with extensive studio training, providing students with a deep understanding of theatre’s historical and cultural contexts alongside practical skills in performance and production. Courses span acting, directing, design, playwriting, stage management, and dramaturgy, as well as critical analysis and theatre history. Students are encouraged to explore both classical and contemporary works, experiment across genres and styles, and connect theatre to broader artistic and social movements.
Performance is at the heart of the program, with students taking leading roles both on and off stage in a diverse range of productions each year — from experimental blackbox theatre to large-scale musicals. The department mounts numerous faculty-directed shows, student-directed productions, and collaborative projects with the dance program.
Opportunities extend beyond acting to directing, designing, writing, and production management, as well as contributing in technical, administrative, and creative support roles. Students often work alongside guest artists through the Baker Artist-in-Residence Program and other professional collaborations, and many spend semesters studying at renowned institutions such as the Theatre Academy London and the Accademia dell’Arte in Italy.
State-of-the-art studios, shops, classrooms, and performance spaces, large and small, are part of what shape the Muhlenberg experience. Students and faculty in the department have a wealth of state-of-the-art facilities available to them in the Trexler Pavilion for Theatre & Dance and the Baker Center for the Arts. These include:
- The Paul C. Empie Theatre, a 392-seat stadium-style theatre
- The Dorothy Hess Baker Theatre, a two-tiered, 342-seat proscenium-style theatre
- The Studio Theatre, a black-box style space with flexible seating for about 100.
- Three dance studios with professional dance floors, mirrors, and bars
- A dedicated tap studio
- Two flexible rehearsal spaces
- State-of-the-art production facilities for creating world-class scenery, costumes and lighting
Thomas Riley '21, a theatre major, on the set of the short film "Count to Three."
Powerful Outcomes
A Muhlenberg education sets you up for success. The liberal arts will hone your ability to think critically, communicate, and problem-solve, skills that are in high demand across all employment sectors.
Theatre and Dance Performances
Muhlenberg dance students have the opportunity to perform in the college's acclaimed stage productions. Check out what's coming this season.
Arts at Muhlenberg
Creative expression is a pivotal part of the Muhlenberg experience. From the stage to the gallery wall, students at Muhlenberg are encouraged to engage in the creation and appreciation of a wide variety of artistic endeavors.
Theatre Auditions and Interviews
Auditions are required for talent scholarship considerations and, while not required for admission, can improve your chances.
Theatre and Dance News
New Faculty Join Muhlenberg College
New Faculty Join Muhlenberg College Muhlenberg welcomes 10 new faculty members to the college this fall, teaching in the areas of chemistry and biochemistry, media…
Read MoreMuhlenberg Ranks in Top 10% of Performing Arts Programs Nationally
Muhlenberg Ranks in Top 10% of Performing Arts Programs Nationally The college ranked in the top 10 for liberal arts colleges, small colleges, and communications…
Read MoreAdrián Padrón-Curet
Padrón-Curet, a theatre and Spanish double major, conducted fieldwork in Puerto Rico and in the United States to learn about Puerto Rican theatre and society…
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