theatre

Theatre, B.A.

Whether students take center stage or stay behind the scenes, CBU's theatre program cultivates their theatrical skills with classes in acting, design and theatre history. 

Request Info

Program Intro

Students in CBU's theatre bachelor's program apply what they learn in the classroom in CBU's award-winning productions. Since faith is integrated into the curriculum, CBU's theatre major produces professionals who model Christ in the theatre world.

54 Units

*51-54 units

2 Concentrations
4 Theatre Productions a Year

Why Study Theatre at CBU?

Make lifelong friendships and thrive in community

Our program gathers weekly for Community Time. During these times the students and faculty worship together in song, scriptural devotions, prayer and times of sharing. We use this time to invite Christian theatre professionals, two or three times each semester, to share their experiences. 

Perform in venues around the world

We have a musical theatre touring group, which is a small audition group of students who perform at schools, churches, homeless shelters and community groups. The show is between 45 minutes to an hour long and gives an overview of the musical theatre genre from Rodgers and Hammerstein to Lin-Manuel Miranda. Alumni have performed in Shakespeare by the Sea, the Disney Cruise Line, children’s theatres, and Off-Broadway theatres, and have studied abroad at the Theatre Academy London, Trinity College in Ireland, and the University of Westminster in England.

What You'll Learn

THE 232: Play Structure and Analysis

This course is designed to introduce the student to the skills of dramatic analysis, theatrical research, writing, and critical thinking.

THE 353: Directing I

Students will practice the craft by presenting in-depth research and script analysis and directing scene work.

THE 441: Auditioning

This laboratory class provides theatre students with a place to practice audition skills and create a repertoire of audition pieces.

View All Courses

  • Design/Technical Theatre Concentration
  • Performance Concentration

Zachary Bortot

Associate Professor of Theater

Office Phone: 951-552-8689
E-mail: zbortot@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: Wallace Theatre

Lee Lyons, M.F.A.

Professor of Theatre
Program Director, Theatre

Office Phone: 951-343-4919
E-mail: llyons@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: Wallace Theatre

Sarah Bare

I absolutely love theatre arts, and I love the effect it can have on people. There is an amazing community within the department, and the professors are absolutely fantastic. I want to perform professionally in theatre and musical theatre, and later I would like to teach and direct theatre. The theatre department is a great place for people to grow in their art as well as their faith! I have learned how to integrate my faith into my art.

Sarah Bare '21

Mark McMillan

I’ve always loved theatre and I believe it’s what God has called me to do. I like the community in this program; I've learned more about myself in my two years here than anywhere else. I hope to go to Broadway, and CBU is giving me the skills I need to succeed in a very competitive field.

Mark McMillan '19

Emily Feaster

I have always loved literature and theatre and the combination of the two seemed like the most natural option. I hope to either perform or work in costumes and/or makeup in theatre or film. The professors here truly care about your individual education and the people I have met have been so uplifting and encouraging.

Emily Feaster '19

cbu tv

Student Opportunities: Theatre Productions

All CBU students are encouraged to participate in our productions. Students work with faculty and staff on all aspects of production including set design, costumes, lighting and sound design, stage managing and even assistant directing. This creates a truly collaborative environment where students grow and flourish.

Learn More

Career Possibilities

Theatre majors can apply their field of study to a variety of careers. Some careers listed below may require further education.

  • Film Actor
  • Theatre Actor
  • Set Designer
  • Director
  • Lighting Designer
  • Sound Designer
  • Stage Manager
  • Playwright
  • Producer
  • Dancer

Related Programs

Request More Information

Next Steps

Join our community. At CBU, you’ll be challenged to become an individual whose skills, integrity, and sense of purpose glorify God and distinguish you in the world.