About

Grambling State University’s Theatre program is housed within the Department of Theatre Arts, part of the College of Arts & Sciences. The department has long maintained accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST), and as of Fall 2025, the program is officially titled Bachelor of Theatre, replacing its former Bachelor of Visual and Performing Arts designation. This transition brings the department’s name and structure in closer alignment with national academic and professional standards.

The program combines a liberal arts foundation with intensive training in all areas of theatre. Students begin with core subjects such as theatre history, acting, and introductory theatre studies, before progressing into specialized coursework in areas like stagecraft, lighting, costume design, directing, playwriting, and theatre management. This broad approach equips students with a versatile skill set suitable for various theatre-related roles, whether onstage, backstage, or in administrative settings.

Students train in professional-grade facilities, including the 225-seat F.L. Sandle Theatre, which serves as the main performance venue, and the Karl V. Norman Studio Theatre, a black-box space designed for student-directed productions and creative experimentation. Additional facilities include a scene shop, costume lab, rehearsal studios, and classrooms—all of which support both academic instruction and year-round theatrical productions.

Participation in productions begins during students’ first year, with increasing leadership responsibilities through upper-level coursework. Senior students complete a capstone experience that may include directing a one-act play, compiling a professional portfolio, and completing a senior seminar or comprehensive exam. Many courses also incorporate community engagement, reinforcing Grambling’s mission to connect education with civic responsibility and cultural outreach.

The Theatre Arts Department encourages interdisciplinary exploration and supports students pursuing careers in acting, directing, playwriting, education, stage management, and arts administration. With a supportive faculty, a strong production calendar, and a curriculum rooted in performance and scholarship, students graduate well-prepared for both professional work and graduate studies.

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