McNEESE STATE UNIVERSITY
McNeese’s bachelor’s degree program in humanities with a concentration in theatre arts gives students with the unique and versatile skills needed to thrive in any professional career field. Our special, practice-based curriculum fosters knowledge and experience outside of the traditional classroom setting.
Beginning on day one, theatre students begin working on productions. Students act, stage manage, run lights andsound boards, build sets and work run crew on every production at McNeese. This approach gives students the tools they need to succeed and start work upon graduation while helping them build a resume while training.
While many theatre majors go on to pursue careers on or behind the stage, these skills prepare graduates to succeed in a wide range of employment areas including business management, political science, law, education, public relations and more.
Work with Guest Artists
Real world, working professionals from Broadway, Chicago, Houston, New Orleans and other major markets will visit to work one on one with students and lead master classes. Guest directors from major markets are invited to direct McNeese productions to give students access to the professional world and that allows them to begin building their professional network while still in training.
With small class sizes, one-on-one advising and faculty well-versed in all aspects of academic and professional theatre, the McNeese humanities bachelor's degree with a concentration in theatre arts provides students with an exceptional educational experience. Other highlights in this program include:
A number of scholarships are available for theatre arts majors, including the Rosa Hart scholarship, the Anita and Joe Tritico Theatre scholarship, the Friends of the Theatre scholarship and the Theatre Service Award. Scholarships are awarded based on auditions, GPA and other criteria.
Contact the W.A. and Dorothy Hanna Department of Performing Arts to find out more.
Students engage with hands-on projects and coursework designed to prepare them for professional success. The well-rounded curriculum gives them access to the contemporary Tony and Pulitzer winners, and the classics that everyone loves. Students will graduate withexperience working on edgy contemporary dramas and musicals and have a mastery of the language of Shakespeare.
Theatre students can apply their technical skills to real-life settings through the university’s work study program. Participating students use what they’ve learned in the classroom by working the light and sound equipment for theatre productions, concerts, recitals, Bannersevents and other university events held off-campus.
McNeese theatre students attend the regional Kennedy Center for American College Theatre conference every year. The conference offers opportunities to see theatre performances by students from other institutions, participate in theatre workshops and master classes and network with peers. Students can audition for scholarships and for over 120 theatre companies from across the country.
Majoring in theatre arts provides a strong foundational degree for pursuing careers in theatre, business, management, public relations, marketing, law and more. Or, pursue a master of fine arts degree to specialize your skill set.
Hands on Learning
I am a McNeese graduate with a bachelor's degree in Family and Consumer Science and a concentration in Child and Family Studies. As a student, I competed on the rodeo team and served on the SGA board. I earned my master’s degree in 2022 from the University of South Dakota in Educational Administration and Leadership with a concentration in Adult and Higher Ed. I have over 13 years of experience in adult education and 20 years of educational experience.
My favorite part of being a Freshman Advisor is helping students navigate their new life routine as a college freshman by offering support with in-person office visits or by email to help students meet their goals. I always remind students of my favorite BB King quote – “Education is one thing no one can ever take away from you.” I believe that supporting students is vital to a student's success.
In my spare time, I raise registered American Brahman cattle, and I enjoy all the "country girl" things like hunting, fishing, growing a garden and cooking.