Department of Theatre |

Bring stories to life on our stages.

Lipscomb University's Department of Theatre is a mentor-based professional training program committed to preparing students for a career in theatre through rigorous artistic training, enriching liberal arts education, and Christ-centered community. On our stages, the next generation of artists are cultivating the discipline and passion it takes to impact communities through storytelling. Join us to discover how your talent and training can come together to guide you into a meaningful artistic life.

By learning from theatre faculty who are trained professionals, students prepare for a number of successful careers in the industry. With us, you can collaborate with Nashville professional theatre companies and experience techniques and artistic endeavors that will transform you as an artist. We believe that with a well-rounded education and a dash of grit, you can thrive in an arts career and enrich the world by highlighting 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/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 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 medium to better love God and neighbor.

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 our productions. These experiences not only adds lines to students' resumes, but also opportunities to learn from professionals and network for the future.

Dance Company

Foundation Dance Theatre (FDT) is our resident dance company. Its 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. 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 participate in the university's Five-Minute Film Festival. We also offer courses focused on helping performance and design majors transfer their skills to film work.

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.

Study Abroad

Through Lipscomb’s Department of Theatre, students 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 also boasts a week-long trip to New York City for students to meet with industry professionals and see Broadway and Off-Broadway shows.

Department of Theatre