Theatre Department

Do you long for meaningful training to develop your theatrical skills? Explore the dynamic world of theatre with our outstanding artists and educators at Seattle Pacific. At SPU Theatre, we offer rigorous training and rich opportunities for you to nurture your artistic self. Whether you feel called to perform, design, produce, or teach — we have the tools you need to cultivate your unique, theatrical gifts.


To complement course work in performance and production, the SPU Theatre Department produces a wide range of plays in diverse styles, with performances every quarter. These plays and musicals are open to all students, regardless of major. In addition to auditioning to be cast in these productions, students have the opportunity to be involved in all areas of production, including directing, design, stage management, and publicity.

Academic scholarship in theatre at Seattle Pacific will expose you to a broad cross-section of dramatic literature, theory, and historical perspective. Students will develop an informed perspective of the role of theatre as a social, spiritual, and artistic institution and their place in it.

SPU Theatre offers two minors that are an excellent enrichment to other fields of study. We offer a Theatre Minor that includes a wide variety of electives from the various areas of emphasis. We also offer a Costume Design Minor with courses drawn from both the Theatre and FCS departments.

Incoming students may audition for a Fine and Performing Arts Scholarship of up to $1,500 (renewable each year). Current students can apply each spring for one of several Endowed Theatre Scholarships.

Both types of scholarships are open to students from any major!

Why Study Theatre?

Studying theatre, performing theatre, and otherwise engaging in the world and work of theatre will enrich your life and offer you many career and life opportunities.

“Theatre’s roots lie in religion, community, celebration, myth making, and delight. Its sociological and philosophical complexity is overwhelming. As a human study it is eminently worthy of academic focus.”
James Chapman
1937–2002, SPU Theatre
Department Founder