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Program Overview

Program Overview

Whether it's professional ambition or a calling to teach that has brought you here, we will guide you into becoming a well-rounded theatre practitioner committed to artistic and academic excellence. We start with foundational instruction on all theatrical aspects that streamline into more specific courses each year. Please note that ALL degrees listed here require an audition and/or interview.

Lipscomb University’s Department of Theatre's premier goals for all theatre majors include:

  • To acquire comprehensive understanding of the elements and interrelated processes to interpreting, creating, performing, and producing theatre
  • To develop the technical skills required for artistic self-expression and collaborative competency in regards to theatrical productions
  • To interpret and apply knowledge of theatre history and dramatic theory 
  • To analyze and evaluate plays and musicals as it applies to artistic work
  • To increase knowledge and experience of theatre repertory of various historical periods and genres
  • To evaluate and articulate informed responses to theatre
  • To apply the soft skills of communication, critical thinking, creative problem solving, time management, and collaboration to wider vocational applications

Degree Offerings

Audition/Interview Information

Our Faculty

  • Beki Baker headshot

    Beki Baker

    Associate Professor and Chair, Theater

    Beki grew up in Texas, where she earned a BFA in Theatre Performance ('04) and an MFA in Directing ('09) from Baylor University. She met her husband Scott while finishing...

    Meet Beki Baker
  • Nat McIntyre

    Nat Mcintyre

    Assistant Professor

    Nat McIntyre grew up in Cape Cod, Massachusetts and received his B.A. from Eastern Nazarene College in Boston. Immediately following graduation, McIntyre spent a year running a theater program, youth...

    Meet Nat Mcintyre
  • Andy Bleiler headshot

    Andy Bleiler

    Assistant Professor

    Andy Bleiler serves as Assistant Professor of Theatre, Scenic Designer, and Production Manager, at Lipscomb University. His resume includes scenic designs for Lipscomb University, The Nashville Shakespeare Festival, Vanderbilt Opera...

    Meet Andy Bleiler
  • Kari Smith headshot

    Kari Smith

    Assistant Professor

    Kari Cherie Smith, a native of Nashville, has enjoyed teaching theatre and dance for over 18 years in the Middle Tennessee area. With a background in performance, dance, directing, education...

    Meet Kari Smith
  • June Kingsbury headshot

    June Kingsbury

    Costume Designer and Shop Manager

    June Kingsbury is Lipscomb University's Department of Theatre resident costume designer. She has been costuming Nashville theater productions since 2000. As a theatrical costumer, she has designed shows for Nashville...

    Meet June Kingsbury
  • Kymberly Yates headshot

    Kym Yates

    Office Manager

    Kym Yates, born and raised in Tennessee's Cheatham County, serves as the School of Theatre and Cinematic Arts Office Manager. Yates has worked in administrative capacities for 25+ years and...

    Meet Kym Yates
  • Vali Forrister

    Vali Forrister

    Adjunct Faculty

    Vali Forrister is the producing artistic director of the Actors Bridge Ensemble, a professional theater company and actor training program which she co-founded in 1995. She has produced over 90...

    Meet Vali Forrister
  • Maggie Pelton

    Maggie Pelton

    Adjunct Faculty

    Maggie Pelton grew up in the New Jersey Ballet Company. Her studies expanded to other disciplines while attending the University of the Arts in Philadelphia and the Martha Graham and...

    Meet Maggie Pelton
  • Bakari King

    Bakari King

    Adjunct Faculty

    Bakari King is a native of Chicago, IL. He has a B.S. in Theatre from Faulkner University in Montgomery, AL. He has worked as a teacher for almost 16 years...

    Meet Bakari King

Career Paths

Actors

Actors express ideas and portray characters in theater, film, television, and other performing arts media. They interpret a writer’s script to entertain or inform an audience.

Producers and Directors

Producers and directors create motion pictures, television shows, live theater, commercials, and other performing arts productions. They interpret a writer’s script to entertain or inform an audience.

Set and exhibit designers

Design special exhibits and movie, television, and theater sets. May study scripts, confer with directors, and conduct research to determine appropriate architectural styles.