Department of Theatre

Beki Baker, Associate Professor and Chair
Christopher Bailey, Associate Professor and Director of Musical Theatre and Voice
Nathaniel McIntyre, Assistant Professor, Director of Acting
Andy Bleiler, Assistant Professor, Director of Design
Kari Smith, Instructor

Lipscomb University’s Department of Theatre is a student-centered professional training program committed to preparing students for a career in the arts through liberal arts education, rigorous training, interdisciplinary collaboration, and faith-focused community. On our stages, you will join the next generation of artists cultivating the discipline and passion it takes to impact communities and make a difference in lives around the world. Discover how your talent and training can come together here in a way that will guide you into a meaningful and influential artistic life.

B.F.A. in Musical Theatre, Acting, or Design and Production

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting is a professional degree built for students intending to pursue a career in the theatre industry or a related field upon graduation. This degree also prepares students to pursue a graduate degree in theatre training. At its core, the BFA provides well-rounded theatrical training with a primary emphasis in a specific area.

B.A. in Theatre Teaching

The Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Teaching is designed for students intending to pursue a career in teaching theatre at the elementary, middle school, or high school level. This degree also prepares students to pursue an advanced degree in education. At its core, the BA in Theatre Teaching provides well-rounded theatrical training mixed with superior education courses.

Distinctives of the Theatre Department

Professional Collaborations

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. Our department is committed to exploring the realities of the human experience through the lens of Christian faith. We do not avoid difficult questions; rather, we believe Christians should be at the table listening, learning, and speaking light into the darkness. We do not pretend to have our faith figured out, but rather use our art as a means to wrestle with our belief systems and practices.

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, Kate Reinders, 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! and Mrs. Doubtfire 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, Nashville Shakespeare Festival, Berkshire Theatre Company, and more.

London Study Abroad and New York Trip

Theatre students have a unique opportunity to spend ten days in London studying theatre and attending productions at the acclaimed National Theatre and Globe Theatre, as well as on the West End. The department is also developing a one-week trip to New York City for students to meet with industry professionals and see Broadway shows.

Opportunities & Careers

When you graduate from our department, you will have the skills to work in over 50 entertainment-related positions. During your college career, you will be strongly encouraged to pursue internships to prepare for the industry and to establish strong networking connections. You will develop as a well-rounded artist who can work in a variety of positions.

You may also want to pursue less obvious applications of theatre degrees. Law schools, business schools, and companies of all kinds understand how theatre training can equip someone with integral life skills, including outstanding collaboration, stamina, conceptualization, analytical thinking, communication, management, and creative problem-solving.

Program of Study Requirements

Major

Minor