Sterling College

Sterling College offers a well-rounded Theatre Arts major nestled within its Communications & Theatre Department, designed to foster both artistic skill and academic depth. Students gain study in theatre history, criticism, dramatic literature, design, and advanced performance—with hands-on production labs that immerse them in acting, directing, stagecraft, and theatrical design. The community is faith‑based and collegial, rooted in the college’s Christian liberal arts tradition.

Performance opportunities are central to the experience. The theatre department presents an annual season that includes musicals, classical plays, modern drama, touring kids’ plays, and even dinner theatre or alternative-space productions. Students work in all capacities—from cast to stage crew—earning practicum credit and diverse front‑of‑house and backstage experience.

Sterling’s curriculum offers both foundational and advanced studio courses. Sample courses include Voice & Movement for the Actor, Acting I, Stagecraft I, Introduction to Design, and Directing. Practicum and laboratory partnerships with professional theatres—such as summer stock or theme parks—further reinforce students’ vocational readiness.

The Musical Theatre major is particularly robust: rigorous training in acting, vocal performance, and dance integrated with courses in music theory and aural skills. Sterling’s theatre community frequently casts freshmen in lead or featured roles, emphasizing growth through practical experience. Alumni report strong success in graduate programs.

Strong faculty leadership guides the program: for instance, Assistant Professor Lesa Brown serves as Artistic Director, and Associate Professor Ken Troyer leads the department with expertise in performance, communication, and theatre education. Together, faculty mentor students in performance, design, and public presentation skills.