Theatre Arts

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As a theatre arts student at Wilkes, you’ll pursue preprofessional training with a focus on acting/directing, design/tech or dance. Become a well-rounded theatrical artist who can discover career opportunities on the stage, big or small screen, or emerging online outlets.

Program Snapshot

Program Type	Format	Credit Hours
Major, Minor	On Campus	121 (18 for minor)

Why Study Theatre Arts at Wilkes?

If you're passionate about theatre and seeking an education that stands out from traditional or major programs, Wilkes offers a unique and compelling alternative.

Here, you’ll receive personalized instruction from seasoned industry professionals. Our diverse curriculum includes training in voiceover, stage combat, classical and modern acting techniques, dialects, and acting for the camera. With small class sizes, we ensure that you get dedicated attention and mentorship tailored to your individual needs and career goals.

As a program recognized for excellence by the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival, our department operates like a small repertory company and fosters a collaborative and cohesive environment. The selective admission process, based on audition and interview, ensures that you join a dedicated and talented group of students. Once you’re here, you’ll be part of a supportive network of peers and faculty committed to your success.

From your first year, you’ll have the opportunity to perform in four fully produced main-stage shows each year, along with participating in black box productions and annual dance concerts. You’ll develop a rich portfolio and experience the possibilities of the stage with an all-roles curriculum.

Our program also boasts cutting-edge facilities, including scenic, lighting and costume shops equipped with the latest technology, as well as a new computerized theatre design lab and a recording studio for voiceover and digital video production.

What Will You Learn as a Theatre Arts Student?

Build a solid foundation through hands-on experience in all facets of theatre, while you enhance your talents and skills through the focus of your choice: acting/directing, design/tech or dance.
Interpret and develop an understanding of theatrical texts while exploring techniques including improvisation, diction, dialect and stage movement.
Navigate the feedback process with confidence and enhance your growth as an artist.
Collaborate through class, labs and productions to work as part of a team and bring performances to the stage.

Upcoming Audition Dates

Once you’ve been accepted to Wilkes, you need to schedule a portfolio presentation and interview for admission to the Theatre Design and Technology program and eligibility for scholarship awards.

Find out more about requirements for the Theatre Design and Technology interview and contact us for your time slot.

Schedule Your Interview

Program Highlights

Active Learning

Take your learning from the page to the stage as you gain plenty of hands-on experience. Our low faculty-to-student ratio and a close-knit department — about the size of a small repertory company — gives you ample opportunities to practice your craft.

Business of Theatre

While you enhance your creative skills and talents, we prepare you to navigate the business side of the entertainment industry. Learn how to audition, craft a resume and tailor your work to a variety of stage and screen media.

Networking Opportunities

Our students and productions earned recognition from the American College Theatre Festival sponsored by the Kennedy Center. The annual festival is only one of the industry networking opportunities available to our majors.

I was so amazed by the production and inspired to work with the actors I saw onstage. Working with the professors during my audition made me feel so comfortable and I knew I’d be more than just a number in the program, and Wilkes instantly jumped to the top of my list.
Jay'na Johnson - Theatre '24, Professional Performer

main stage productions each year, including two musicals

black box productions annually

478

seats in the Darling Theatre of the Dorothy Dickson Darte Center for the Performing Arts

Where will you perform?

Wilkes University Theatre stages four main stage productions each year, two musicals and two non-musicals, plus multiple black box productions.

Our main performance space, the Darling Theatre in the Dorothy Dickson Darte Center for the Performing Arts, features a 34-foot-deep proscenium stage and 480 seats.

The theatre boasts a hydraulic orchestra pit, state-of-the-art lighting, a 36-line set and a scene shop with the most modern safety standards, as well as extensive costume and prop facilities.

You can create smaller, innovative work in our intimate black box theatre or explore a range of movement styles in our dance space.

The Darte Center, also known to the Wilkes community as the DDD, also hosts several rehearsal rooms for you to get your work up on its feet. As a musical theatre major at Wilkes, you have plenty of space outside the classroom to hone your talents.

Careers & Outcomes

The entertainment field is one of the largest industries in this country and offers a wide variety of opportunities that both include and extend beyond the stage and screen production space.