Gannon University | Program Facts

GU Theatre Facts

Unlike larger programs, Gannon theatre students can get involved both on- and off-stage beginning their freshman year.
The theatre department is affiliated with Alpha Psi Omega (National Dramatic Honor Society), The Association for Theatre in Higher Education, Theatre as a Liberal Art (TLA) and the National Association of College Broadcasters.
Theatre students regularly participate in Edinburgh (Scotland) National Fringe Festival as performers and attendees, and many students take advantage of week to semester-long study abroad programs in England, Scotland, Ireland and France.
Those with ties to Gannon’s theatre program have enjoyed national success such as: Michael Morris (HBO’s The Comeback), Shawn Lucas (HBO’s The Sopranos), Joey Mendicino (MTV’s The 70’s House) and Natalie Pertz (O’Neill National Theatre Institute).

Aside from professional theatre and entertainment, graduates in theatre may also find careers in teaching drama, counseling, law and in public or private recreational programs. Many theatre students also pursue graduate education in theatre and related careers.

Professors in the theatre and communication arts (TCA) programs are dynamic, experienced scholars and practitioners with a passion for teaching. The combined TCA faculty has more than 100 years of real world experience.
The department of theatre and communication arts sponsors trips to New York City and London, as well as tours of theatres in neighboring cities and participation in the American College Theatre Festival Region II.
Gannon’s location in downtown Erie places students near three operating theatres.
In addition to performance roles, theatre students participate in the preproduction and production process of the technical side of the Schuster Theatre main stage. Lighting, sound design, set construction, scenic painting and graphic design are integral elements for a large-scale theatrical program.
Theatre students have the opportunity to participate in more than fifty separate theatrical events each academic year, including mainstage productions, student written/directed plays, experimental and improvisational performances, and even community art projects (flash mobs, for example!). They can also exercise their craft in numerous local theatres, including the Erie Playhouse, The Station Dinner Theatre, and the Pennsylvania Artists Collective Association.