Canisius University

Canisius University, a private Jesuit institution in Buffalo, NY, offers a robust Theatre Arts minor open to students of all majors, including a structured five-course sequence that covers acting, playwriting, dramatic literature, and theatre experience. This flexible program provides foundational training in performance and production alongside students’ primary academic interests.

The heart of theatrical life at Canisius University is the Canisius University Little Theatre, one of the campus’s longest-standing student-run organizations. Producing four fully staged plays and two variety shows each year, the club engages students in all aspects of theatrical production—from acting and direction to set-building, costuming, lighting, and promotion—under the guidance of a professional artist-in-residence.

Students gain immersive, hands-on learning through production practicum courses, which allow them to earn credit through involvement in acting, design, technical support, and stage management roles. These experiences help develop both creative and logistical skills through active participation in multiple live shows each academic year.

The theater program benefits from access to the Montante Cultural Center, a 515-seat performance venue housed in a restored former church building. This well-equipped theater provides a professional setting for both student productions and campus-wide arts events, offering valuable exposure to front-of-house and behind-the-scenes operations in a real-world performance environment.

Students often extend their theatrical training beyond the classroom through involvement in ArtsCanisius events—ranging from dance and music concerts to public performances and creative showcases—creating opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and campus-wide participation. With its practical training, performance portfolio development, and community engagement, Canisius University’s Theatre Arts experience offers a compelling foundation for students pursuing creative or educational pathways in performance and theatre.