Welcome to Sacred Heart University’s Theatre Arts Program – an opportunity to declare yourself a performer – both academically and on stage. We provide the instruction from leading professionals in the industry and you provide the talent. Now is the time to let your passion shine!

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TheatreFest

Experience the journey of theatre as new student-written scripts are read in front of a live audience. Constructive feedback is provided by the audience and fellow participants to the author. With just a stool and a script, this bare bones reading is the initial step in a journey of writing a fully produced play.

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Improv

Join TAP’s own Improv troupe – “The Pioneer Players” – for a make-it-up-as-we-go night of hilarious gags and games. Like the long-running hit TV show Whose Line Is It Anyway, the night consists of a series of games in which our student performers get themselves in funny situations live, as comedy ensues.

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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

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TAP Reflections

Welcome to Theatre Arts at SHU!

New Theatre Arts Major at Sacred Heart University

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About the Program

Summary of Theatre Arts Major

The Theatre Arts major at Sacred Heart University combines both theory and practice courses to prepare students for a thriving career in the arts or in a variety of other fields. The flexible 36-credit course focuses on strong academics while ensuring students experience theatre in an interactive, hands-on way. SHU is conveniently located between New York City, the home of Broadway and world-class theatre, and Boston, a bustling city with a flourishing theatre community. The Theatre Arts major provides ample opportunities for students to perform in the six fully produced shows that are created each year. Professionals from the industry guide our students to guarantee they are learning high quality real world skills. With two tracks, Musical Theatre and Acting, Sacred Heart University’s Theatre Arts major is a fresh approach to the world of theatre.

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Musical Theatre and Acting

The power of musical theatre and acting is its ability to create a seamless world between the characters on stage and the audience. It can take a heartfelt moment or the most mundane of thoughts and expound on its commonality through music, lyrics or dialogue. Students master song, acting and movement in this all-encompassing major. Our varied show choices, both straight plays and musicals, offer many opportunities for students to explore and grow. The Theatre Arts major is the perfect choice for a student who is passionate about continuing their theatre career in college, especially since the major is a perfect double major option!

Theatre Arts Program Curriculum (PDF)

WHY CHOOSE SHU

Academic Distinction

Study under industry professionals in both theory and in-practice courses designed to prepare for post graduation careers in a variety of fields.

Creative Freedom

Explore all elements of the theatre and partake in performance, playwriting, directing and so much more.

Individual Attention

Staff and faculty focus on your growth as performer and guide you during your academic career.

Emerging Technology

Learn to perform, direct and create at the brand new, state of the arts Frank and Marisa Martire Business and Communications Center; includes two large studios for television, video and film production, as well as industry-standard post-production facilities, screening venues and multimedia classrooms.

Industry Integration

Prepare for a flourishing career in the arts by taking advantage of relationships we have with theatres and related businesses. Past internships include the 5th Avenue Theatre, AKA NYC and Connecticut Children’s Theatre.

Dedicated Facilities

With use of the 776-seat Edgerton Center for the Performing Arts, the 70-seat black box style Little Theatre, motion capture studio television studios, students will learn a myriad of performance styles.

TESTIMONIALS

Since my freshman year, I've had the opportunity to be a part of 5 main stage productions, 6 separate TheatreFest shows, and a spot in SHU's own Improv troupe, "The Awkward Handshakes!" The program gives students the remarkable ability to explore their interests and talents, whether that may be acting, backstage tech, directing, writing, or stage management. And if you have any questions, or want to see real life applications of such skills, the theatre program gives its members the extraordinary ability to meet and speak with experts in the field from around the country. I can't count the amount of memories this program has given me!

John C.Class of 2015

One of the best things is how many opportunities you get to showcase your skills in ways you may have never had the chance to in the past. Before I came to Sacred Heart, I kept my writing mostly to myself. When I heard about Theaterfest over the summer, I decided that I would write a play to submit to it. I did so, submitted it, casted it, and went to the read-through round. It didn't make it thorough, but it did give me a chance to showcase my skills to a larger audience. A lot of people reacted positively to the show, and I felt I had gained a sort of artistic respect that I hadn't achieved in any other parts of my life. It helped me feel more welcome among my peers, and I'm thankful for that.

Edward F. Class of 2018

I have had opportunities to be involved both backstage and onstage. My proudest accomplishment is just recently in being apart of such an incredibly talented cast for the show, The Fantasticks. I am so proud to be in this show and have improved and grown so much as an actress throughout the rehearsal process.

Lindsey M. Class of 2017

In addition to performing, I wanted to explore the "behind-the-scenes" action. Through this program, I have had the opportunity to work with professional stagehands on a variety of different events.I've learned so much in such a short amount of time that it sometimes seems unreal. In addition to great opportunities, both on stage and behind the scenes, the program is full of amazing people who are not only supportive and entertaining, but who will inspire you and push you to work harder.

Alexandra K.Class of 2017