Department of Theatre

Beki Baker, Assistant Professor and Chair
Nathaniel McIntyre, Assistant Professor
Andy Bleiler, Visiting Professor
Larry A. Brown, Professor

The Lipscomb University Department of Theatre is committed to leading the future in arts education through rigorous training, inter-disciplinary collaboration, and faith-focused community. A cornerstone of the College of Entertainment and the Arts, the Department of Theatre offers world-class education coupled with Christian perspective that does not avoid the difficult or unpleasant, but explores the spiritual response.

B.F.A. in Theatre with Track Emphasis

This pre-professional degree allows the dedicated theatre student an opportunity to take classes geared toward a specific interest in theatre. This degree is appropriate for those who upon graduation wish to go directly into the professional theatre world. It is also designed for those who wish to go to graduate school for an M.F.A.

B.A. Degree in Theatre or Theatre Teaching

The general theatre degree plan is an excellent choice for students who love theatre but also have other interests. Students wishing to double-major in theatre and some other field should pursue this degree.

Teaching is a noble career, and Lipscomb is known for producing excellent teachers. Students interested in teaching at the elementary, junior high, or high school level should choose the theatre teaching major.

Distinctives of the Theatre Department

Professional Collaborations

Every year, our department collaborates with local professional theatre companies, including the Nashville Repertory Theatre, Nashville Shakespeare Festival, Blackbird Theater Company, and more. These collaborations are integral to our identity, and fundamental to our training. Students have the unique opportunity to work alongside professionals, either onstage or behind the scenes, as part of their undergraduate experience. These collaborations offer real-time professional experiences and the chance to connect with people working in the industry right now.

Faith and Art Intersection

Central to our artistic work is the cornerstone of faith. Students explore the intersection of faith and art through coursework, productions, theatre breakout chapels and service opportunities. The faculty take the responsibility of walking out their faith daily with the students as well.

Strong Professional Connections

Lipscomb is committed to hosting visiting artists with strong professional credentials. Previous artists include Broadway performers Eden Espinosa, Chuck Wagner, Eric Peterson, Emily Ferranti, among many national touring artists. Major playwrights include John Patrick Shanley, Tina Howe, and Nashville-favorite Nate Eppler. Lipscomb also hires many local artists to share their areas of expertise. For 2016-2018, famed Something Rotten! composer Wayne Kirkpatrick served as our Artist-in-Residence.

Internships

Students are encouraged to participate in internships throughout the city and country. Our students have served at several prestigious theatres including Nashville Children’s Theatre, Nashville Repertory Theatre, Barrington Stage Company, Creed Repertory Theatre, Florida Repertory Theatre, Orlando Shakespeare Festival, Peach State Summer Theatre, Great River Shakespeare Festival and the Nashville Shakespeare Festival.

Foundation Dance Theatre

Founded by our dance faculty, Foundation Dance Theatre expands the training of Lipscomb students interested in performing dance. FDT hosts auditions every semester for those interested, and all may apply. The dance company produces a yearly dance concert titled Elevate.

London Study Abroad and New York City Trip

Theatre students have a unique opportunity to spend a few weeks in London, United Kingdom studying theatre and attending productions in London’s vaunted West End. BFA students are now required as part of their courses to take a one-week trip to New York City to attend important educational workshops and see Broadway shows. Students will take this course in the winter of their senior year.

Prestigious Advisory Board

Our department boasts an advisory board of Nashville’s finest theatre professionals from the Nashville Shakespeare Festival, Nashville Repertory Theatre, Studio Tenn, Blackbird Theater Company and others. We lean on these working professionals for guidance and support as we craft the strongest department and seasons possible.

Program of Study Requirements

Major

Minor