- Bethel University

Students with a B.A. in theatre can go into acting, directing, children’s theatre, drama ministry, stage managing, designing costumes, sets or lights, publicity, theatre management, business, film or go on to graduate school. Students with a theatre major learn to work collaboratively and creatively. These skills can be adapted to many occupations. Find out what our alumni are up to.

" Theatre studies provide students with a range of skills that can be usefully employed across occupations. Engaging with theatre arts shapes people to be articulate communicators, effective listeners, perceptive thinkers, and task oriented leaders. Performing in the theatre or spending an evening as a spectator creates a sense of community that can ripple into wider social spheres. Theatre education prepares citizens to function effectively and joyfully in cultural life,"

Jill Dolan
President, Association for Theatre in Higher Education

Where Is The Theatre Located?

The Bethel Blackbox Theatre is located in the Clausen Center Building (abbreviated CC) on the first floor and has a room number of CC118. The theatre can be easily found by parking in the West Lot, entering the Community Life Center and walking down the first floor hallway located by the staircase in the Community Life Center lobby. After following the hallway through the Community Life Center and Academic Classrooms Buildings, the theatre will be on the right and next to the hanging sign that says, "Theater".

Map to Bethel University.

Who can audition for productions at Bethel?

Auditions are open to all Bethel students regardless of major. Our summer musical productions are open to students, faculty members and the community.

How many productions does Bethel do each year?

We put on four productions each year, plus an annual community musical production in the summer.

Can I double major with theatre arts?

Yes, the theatre major is not a “tight” major thus a student can usually double major. If you plan to do this you will need to be certain to work with advisors in both majors so that you are able to fullfill the requirements for both majors.

Does the Bethel Theatre Department Offer Scholarships?

Yes! Theatre Arts Scholarships are awarded at the end of each academic year:
Performance Scholarship: $1000
Servant Leader Scholarship: $750
Academic Scholarship: $750

I’m interested in film, not theatre, so I should be a media communications major or theatre major?

If you are interested in film acting, a theatre major will prepare you best for that field. Acting is acting. If you are interested in the production end of film- editing, camera work, etc. then media communications is the major you should take.

How does being a Christian affect what you do in theatre?

We believe our faith should impact our art and our art can impact our faith. We try to have our work (in classes & in productions) awaken people to an awareness of their spiritual potential. We also question & challenge ourselves as artists and believers. The faith component is not a separate issue but is the starting point for all we do.

I’m interested in theatre, but not sure if I should be a major. Could I become a major as an upperclassman?

Yes, many students are undecided for a year or two. This is a great time to take a variety of classes to see what the major is all about. If you have any interest at all in theatre (as a major or minor) try and take Creative Performance during your freshman year. It is the prerequisite for all theatre classes, but also fulfills two general education requirements. (B & A categories) If you wait to take this course, it is more difficult to pick up the major as an upperclassman. There are also several other theatre classes (Drama Ministry, Theatre & Culture, Theatre in the Modern Age and Stagecraft) that can be taken as a freshman or sophomore and meet general education requirements.

When I choose an emphasis (acting/directing, tech/design, musical theatre), am I locked in that one direction?

No, since all 3 emphases have the same core classes, it is easy to change to a different emphasis if you find your interests change or if your talents are more suited to a different emphasis. For example, you may not know you are talented or interested in design until you have taken some classes.

Does every college offer multiple emphases in their theatre major?

No, most colleges have just a general theatre major.

Why does Bethel offer 3 emphases?

Bethel wants to equip students in the best way possible to excel in their chosen fields. By offering emphases, students have an opportunity to take classes both in the theatre department & other departments which will enhance and strengthen their work. For example, tech/design majors take fewer performance classes and take additional classes in drawing & painting. The musical theatre emphasis has students take less tech or directing classes so they can take additional courses in music & dance.This approach also follows the liberal arts model.

What are the strengths of the Theatre department?

The theatre department has a strong faculty that are not only educators but are working artists. Each has several specialties as well as can teach general classes.

The theatre department is not large so students have small classes and are able to get to know the faculty outside the classroom and as mentors.

Bethel is also located in the Twin Cities, which has one of the richest theatre communities in the United States. Since all of the faculty are working artists there is ample opportunity for Bethel students to interact with area professionals through internships, performances and when artists come into classes as guest instructors.

I’m interested in Drama Ministry. Should I be a Bible or Theatre major?

There would be several options open to students—it would be best to talk to someone personally to find the best fit. However, if a student were interested in using theatre exclusively, then the best choice would be a theatre major (acting/directing) emphasis with a biblical studies minor or double major.

If you were interested in doing drama as part of a youth program, then it would make sense to take the youth ministry major and supplement your studies with the theatre class, Drama Ministry. Other classes such as stagecraft or directing would be helpful as well. (though be certain to take the prerequisite Creative Performance as a general studies “B” or “A” class.)

The major sounds interesting but I'm not sure I understand everything... Who do I go to for help?

Any of the Theatre faculty would be happy to sit down & talk to you about any aspect of the program. Please feel free to contact us!

What about international experiences in theatre? Are any available?

Bethel has established a relationship with the Wesley Institute in Australia.
The Institute offers classes in Theatre, Music, Dance & Theology. Students are encouraged to take a semester abroad in their sophomore or junior year.

I’d love to study abroad but isn’t it expensive?

The Wesley institute has worked out a reciprocity arrangement with Bethel so that the tuition, room & board you pay Bethel covers the cost of their tuition, room, board & air travel.

If you have more questions, please contact us!