Department of Theatre |

Bring stories to life on our stages.

Lipscomb University's Department of Theatre is a student-centered professional training program committed to preparing students for a career in theatre through excellent liberal arts education, rigorous artistic training, and faith-focused community. On our stages, you will join the next generation of artists cultivating the discipline and passion it takes to impact communities and make a difference. Discover how your talent and training can come together to guide you into a meaningful and influential artistic life.

By learning from theatre faculty who are also trained professionals, you will become prepared for a number of successful careers in the industry. Collaborate with local professional theatre companies in Nashville’s vibrant and growing art scene. Experiment with techniques and artistic endeavors that will transform you as an artist. We believe that with a well-rounded, holistic education and a dash of grit, you will thrive in an arts career and enrich the world by bringing to light complex truths, global and local issues, and diverse viewpoints.

Live out your potential as a theatre artist who brings stories to life. Learn more about our program offerings, including our B.A. and B.F.A. degrees, at the button below. Please note that all degrees require an audition and/or interview. We look forward to getting to know you!

Degree Offerings & Audition Information

Theatre

Beki Baker
Associate Professor and Chair, Theater
(615) 966-5728
beki.baker@lipscomb.edu

Department Distinctives

Faith and Art

Central to our artistic work is the cornerstone of faith. We explore the intersection of faith and art through coursework, productions, community, and everyday life. Our department is committed to exploring the realities of the human experience through the lens of Christian faith. We do not pretend to have our faith figured out, but rather use art as a means to wrestle with our belief systems and practices. Ultimately, we use theatre as a means to better love our neighbor, ourselves, and God.

Professional Experiences

Our department collaborates with professional theatre companies including the Nashville Repertory Theatre, Nashville Shakespeare Festival, Studio Tenn, and more. We also hire professionals to perform, direct, and design with us on our stages. These experiences not only adds lines to their resumes, but also opportunities to learn from professionals and network for the future.

Dance Company

Foundation Dance Theatre (FDT) is our resident dance company. It's mission is to create movement that tells strong stories through all styles of dance including jazz, ballet, tap, lyrical, hip-hop, musical theatre, and more. Company members include Lipscomb students with a strong dance background from all over campus. This is an audition-based company. Their annual dance concert, Elevate, is one of the highlights of the production season.

Film Opportunities

Theatre boasts a unique relationship with the Department of Film and Creative Media, which together make the School of Theatre and Cinematic Arts. With this intentional relationship, theatre students have special opportunities to develop film skills by participating in student films and class projects. Every year, theatre students perform in and create their own films for the university's Five-Minute Film Festival. We also offer courses focused on helping performance majors transition their theatre skills to screen acting.

Internships

Students are encouraged to participate in internships throughout the city and country. Our students have served at several prestigious theatres including the Nashville Children’s Theatre, Nashville Repertory Theatre, Studio Tenn, Berkshire Theatre Group, Barrington Stage Company, Creed Repertory Theatre, Florida Repertory Theatre, Orlando Shakespeare Festival, Peach State Summer Theatre, Great River Shakespeare Festival, Des Moines Metropolitan Opera, Nashville Shakespeare Festival, Theatre Aspen, Commonwealth Shakespeare Company, Okoboji Summer Theatre, and more.

A group of students at the Chinatown Gate in London

Study Abroad

Through Lipscomb’s Department of Theatre, you will have a unique opportunity to spend 10 days in London studying theatre and attending productions at the acclaimed National Theatre and Globe Theatre, as well as on the West End. This trip also counts as credit for student's required Theatre History II course. The department is developing a trip to New York City for students to meet with industry professionals and see Broadway shows.

Department of Theatre