Cornerstone University

Cornerstone University offers a vibrant campus theatre experience without a formal degree program in Theatre Arts. Instead, theatre life is centered around the student-led CU Theatre, housed within the university’s Christian liberal arts environment. This inclusive program creates opportunities for students of all majors to engage in storytelling, performance, and production, emphasizing personal development and creative expression.

Each academic year, CU Theatre produces two mainstage shows in the 435-seat Matthews Performing Arts Center, along with smaller performances like outdoor events, one-act showcases, and readings in informal campus venues such as the Corum Student Union. These productions span comedies, dramas, classics, and original experimental works—regardless of major, students can audition for roles, participate backstage, or assist in production leadership.

In addition to theatrical productions, CU Theatre hosts semesterly events like “Poe Night”, open mic performances, and improv gatherings designed to engage the broader campus community and provide low-pressure creative opportunities. The presence of a broad Theatre Club ensures ongoing rehearsals, workshops, and peer-led showcases that strengthen campus engagement with performing arts.

The program emphasizes leadership and personal growth. A highlight is the fall tradition “Beneath the Willows”, an open-air community event that invites students to act, direct, or support production in a celebratory setting. CU Theatre operates with volunteer leadership from students, guided by faculty advisers who act as mentors—fostering skill development in communication, teamwork, and creative planning that extend beyond performance.

Although Cornerstone does not offer a traditional theatre major, participation in CU Theatre helps students build transferable skills in stagecraft, public speaking, creative planning, and production coordination. Alumni have leveraged this experience in fields like arts administration, ministry-based storytelling, and community theatre. CU encourages involvement in leadership roles or collaboration on student-led initiatives to complement academic studies.