header-utility-container

Drawer Trigger

The Department of Theatre Arts is a Christ-centered environment, with professionalism informing artistic expression.  

As a Theatre Arts student, you will have the opportunity to develop your creative mind, body and spirit as you learn the craft of the theatrical arts, including: performance, directing, design, technical theatre, production, theatre management, script writing, theatre history, and dramatic literature.

Small class sizes give rise to close mentoring relationships with professors and performance or technical opportunities often found only at the graduate level. Through innovative coursework and an emphasis on hands-on participation, the department is about preparing students to impact our world for God’s glory.

Vanguard University has been an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST) since 2010. This prestigious accreditation, along with participation in the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, and our unique Musical Theatre concentration makes the Vanguard Theatre program a standout from the competition. 

The Department of Theatre Arts values communication, innovation, critical thinking, creativity and agape. In the liberal arts tradition, a degree in Theatre Arts fosters and sharpens students’ skills in communication and critical thinking. Our graduates go on to complete additional theatrical training and advanced study, find careers in the theatrical profession, and/or use their training in fields such as teaching, marketing, and psychology. Theatre Arts students are well-positioned to succeed in many fields, especially those where creative thinking and the ability to work collaboratively are valued.

While earning a BA in Theatre Arts, you will customize your experience by choosing one of the following three concentrations:

minor in Theatre Arts is also offered.

A Sampling of Theatre Arts Courses

Acting I

Musical Theatre Audition

Industry Insiders

featured THEATRE ARTS ALUMNI SUCCESS STORIES

Program Highlights

Five performers hold up a large picture frame

Opportunities to Perform

The program offers multiple casting opportunities all four years for all Theatre majors, ensuring students get a chance to perform.

Master Classes

Seasoned Broadway and entertainment professionals provide annual master classes for Theatre students. 

The logo of the National Association of Schools of Theatre

NAST Accreditation

Vanguard's Theatre Department is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST), which ensures program quality. 

Two students in the foreground use a lighting board as an ensemble performs on the stage in front of them

Professional Internships

Vanguard hosts the American Coast Theater Company each summer, ensuring students have internship and professional opportunities. 

Four male performers in matching plaid jackets sing into microphones

Practice-based Program

Students can practice their craft across a variety of mediums: mainstage shows, one-act plays, improv teams, student films, podcasts and more!

A theatre director works with students on stage

Personalized Focus

Students receive individual focus through small class sizes, degree concentrations, and a culture of faculty-mentors.

Make Your Mark

Theatre majors graduate with the skill set to succeed in the performing arts and a variety of other careers. .

Recent alumni work for:

  • Broadway League
  • Disneyland
  • Knotts Berry Farm
  • South Coast Repertory
  • Oregon Shakespeare Festival
  • Legoland
  • Cable Television & HBO
  • Pacific Symphony
  • Musical Theatre West
  • Moonlight Amphitheater

Recent alumni study at:

  • University of California, Los Angeles
  • Cal Arts
  • University of California, Irvine
  • Royal Academy of Scotland
  • Boston Conservatory
  • University of Southern California
  • Northwestern
  • Chicago-Kent College of Law
  • Trinity College Dublin
  • British American Drama Academy

Recent alumni work in:

  • Musical Theatre 
  • Acting Professions
  • Television & Film Production
  • Technical, Design, & Stage Management
  • Event Planning
  • Law
  • Speech & Language Pathology
  • Marketing & Business
  • Secondary & Higher Education
  • Psychology

Previous Productions

We invite you to take the next step