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What You'll Be Doing

Gannon University believes in the talent of performing artists. If you are interested in understanding how to promote yourself as an artist, practicing auditions and readying yourself for a career as a performer, Gannon’s theatre program can help you. As a theatre major, you will gain on-and off-stage experience and will develop a versatile background in both classic and contemporary theatre.

Some graduates find opportunities in professional venues and in theatre-related careers, including arts management, theatre education and television/film production. As the film and television industry continues to grow, careers can be found in directing, scriptwriting, design and arts management. For many theatre graduates, large metropolitan areas such as New York, Chicago and Los Angeles provide the best exposure to the job market.

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 also pursue graduate education in theatre and related careers.

Where will you perform?

College Connections

Theatre is housed in the Gannon University School of Humanities and Social Sciences. Students in the theatre program interact with students and professors in the fields of business, education, advertising, journalism, political science, language, and journalism.

The department of theatre is affiliated with Alpha Psi Omega (National Honorary Theatre Society), The Association for Theatre in Higher Education, Theatre as a Liberal Art (TLA) and the National Association of College Broadcasters.

Theatre students participate in the pre-production 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.

Professors in the theatre and communication arts (TCA) programs are dynamic, experienced scholars and practitioners who are part of Gannon because they have a passion to teach. The combined TCA faculty has more than 100 years of real world experience. All of these experts are continuously engaged in their fields, assuring you the latest in knowledge and trends.

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.

The Gannon Advantage

• Students at Gannon enjoy internships, co-ops and study abroad opportunities. In addition everyone completes our "Liberal Studies Core" -- 39 credits that will help prepare you for life.
• Gannon's Career Development Services Office reports that 97% of Gannon's recent graduates are employed or are enrolled in graduate studies.
• On our urban campus, students can enjoy all the conveniences of city living while feeling at home in Gannon's caring community.
• An overall 13:1 student to faculty ratio ensures that students receive the genuine commitment and personal attention they are seeking.
• Gannon's Career Service Center helps students search for graduate school or job opportunities, develop interviewing skills and design a professional resume.
• Over 70 clubs and organizations as well as 18 NCAA Division II athletics provide students the chance to be involved.