Northeastern State University

The theatre program at Northeastern State University (NSU) offers students a comprehensive education in the performing arts with a strong focus on practical experience, creative collaboration, and academic exploration. Located in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, the program is part of the College of Liberal Arts and provides a nurturing environment for students to grow as performers, designers, directors, and theatre scholars.

NSU offers a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Theatre, which includes a balanced curriculum of acting, directing, theatre history, script analysis, and technical theatre. Students can tailor their experience with electives in areas such as stage management, lighting, costume design, or playwriting. The program emphasizes hands-on learning and encourages interdisciplinary connections, allowing students to double major or minor in related fields like communication, music, or education.

Theatre students gain real-world experience through NSU’s active production calendar, which typically includes several plays each academic year—ranging from classic works and contemporary dramas to student-led projects and musicals. Productions are held in the Shakespeare Playhouse, a historic, intimate venue that enhances the connection between performers and audiences. Students participate in all aspects of the production process, from acting and design to running crew and directing.

Faculty at NSU are experienced educators and theatre professionals who mentor students in developing both artistic skills and critical thinking. The program fosters an inclusive, collaborative atmosphere where creativity and innovation are encouraged. Opportunities for internships, regional festivals, and community outreach allow students to apply their knowledge beyond the classroom.

Overall, Northeastern State University’s theatre program prepares students for diverse careers in performance, technical theatre, education, or graduate study. With its supportive community, strong liberal arts foundation, and emphasis on experiential learning, the program equips students to become versatile, confident, and thoughtful theatre practitioners.