Act, direct, design, write, study—you can do it all.
Students graduate from our program able to produce excellent work in all areas of theatre: acting, directing, design, management and dramaturgy. Our curriculum trains students as theatre generalists who possess the full range of skills for a career in theatre. Broad training is supplemented by concentrated study in one of the following areas: acting, design and technology, or dramaturgy.
Theatre training provides essential skills.
57% of business leaders surveyed in 2018 said they believed soft skills were the most important. Perhaps that’s because soft skills translate to any career path and most aspects of being a great employee, teammate, and leader.
In 2019, LinkedIn named it “the most important skill in the world.” The World Economic Forum (WEF) placed it third on a list of the “10 skills you need to thrive in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.” Surprisingly, it is not data science or artificial intelligence, but something much softer: creativity.
According to Entrepreneur Magazine, “as the COVID-19 outbreak became more and more serious, companies learned a valuable lesson: the difference between success and failure is creativity…creativity has not only become highly valuable, but a way to survive…Creatives are the ones who are keeping brands afloat.”
Critical and Creative Thinking and Problem-Solving
Organization
Time Management
Personal and Professional Initiative
Personal and Professional Resilience
Collaboration
Communication (Speaking and Listening)
Imagination and a Growth Mindset
Cultural Awareness and Appreciation
Self-Confidence
Want to teach theatre? We do that, too.
In addition to a theatre major, we offer a theatre education major for students interested in becoming theatre teachers. Broad training in theatre is supplemented by coursework in education.
<blockquote class="callout-quote"><div class="callout-quote-text"><p> “Because it is such a small department, each professor takes the time to really help and get to know you as a person, actor and student.”</p></div><footer class="callout-quote-footer">Emma Wohlstadter ’23</footer></blockquote>
For majors and non-majors alike.
While many students choose theatre, our program also offers opportunities for students in other majors who want to continue to perform, direct, design or crew. Many of our theatre students also take advantage of opportunities at Monmouth in music and art.
As a special benefit of our program, all theatre majors receive a free professional headshot. See samples and meet our current majors below.
Mia Martino ’25 plays Elizabeth Bennet, “the second daughter,” in Joseph Hanreddy and J.R. Sullivan’s adaptation of Jane Austen’sPride and Prejudice. The play, which is directed by theatre professor Todd Quick, will be performed Sept. 27-29 at historic Wells Theater. Tickets are available at monouthcollege.edu/theatre.
Cast members of the Fighting Scots Theatre’s production of Pride and Prejudice rehearse a dance number. The stage adaptation of the Jane Austen classic, directed by theatre professor Todd Quick, is the first production of the 2024-25 season. It will be presented Sept. 27-29 at the historic Wells Theater. Tickets are available at monouthcollege.edu/theatre.
In 1867, the founders of Pi Beta Phi formed the nation’s first women’s fraternity, right here at Monmouth. Three years later, the founders of Kappa Kappa Gamma did the same thing.
With over 25% of our student body involved in seven active chapters, Monmouth has a rich Greek life history.
We empower you as an individual. And to do that, we offer experiences you won’t find anywhere else.
What sets us apart? Good question! We’ve got a few answers.
Research Opportunities: You don’t have to wait until your junior year – we have research opportunities starting three weeks before your first year.
Farm + Garden: Students study sustainability by getting hands-in-the-dirt experiences on campus, where your Educational Studies professor also doubles as a beekeeper.
DIII Dominates: Student-athletes? Nah, we call our Fighting Scots scholar-athletes because that’s what they are – the perfect balance between academics and athletics.
Global Health Minor: We prepare our students to work for lives committed to asking and solving the world’s biggest problems by focusing on improving physical and mental health around the world.
Alpha Chapters: The Monmouth Duo – two of the first national women’s fraternities – were founded at Monmouth. Pi Beta Phi in 1867, and then Kappa Kappa Gamma in 1870. They were trailblazers the for sororities across the nation.
Peace Corps Prep: The certified program gives graduates interested in the Peace Corps a leg up in the application process.