Why Choose Theatre?

Our academic program includes an internship and other professional development so students may anticipate working in the field upon graduation. Graduates of our program have gone on to graduate school, teaching or professional work in the field.

Where Will You Learn?

Most FSU Theatre productions take place in our 200-seat Butler Theater in the heart of the east FSU campus. Equipped with state of the art lighting and sound technology and a fully furnished scene shop, Butler Theater is home to most of our mainstage shows and many of our classes. We occasionally produce shows in FSU's 1100-seat Seabrook Auditorium, including our children's production and special classics and musicals.

November 2023

Experience the Powerful Production of Lynn Nottage's Ruined at Fayetteville State University's Butler Theater

Witness a Tale of Resilience, Survival, and Hope Amid Adversity

Step into a world of gripping drama and profound emotions as Fayetteville State University's Theatre & Dance department presents the Pulitzer Prize-winning play "Ruined" by Lynn Nottage. This captivating production will take center stage at the esteemed Butler Theatre throughout November 2023.

Ruined, a Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece, transports audiences to the heart of the Democratic Republic of Congo's civil war, where the resilience of women is put to the ultimate test. Lynn Nottage's powerful storytelling delves deep into the lives of these women, their strength, and their determination to survive against all odds.

Why "Ruined" Matters:

Directed by FSU Theatre and Dance alumna, Alease Timbers, Fayetteville State University's Theatre & Dance program is committed to delivering a compelling rendition of Ruined that captures every nuance and emotion of the original work. The dedicated cast and crew pour their talents into ensuring that the production's every aspect, from the meticulously designed sets to the moving performances, embodies the essence of Nottage's narrative.

"Ruined" is not just a play; it's an experience that will challenge your perceptions and touch your heart. Through our portrayal, we aim to pay homage to the indomitable spirit of those who find hope even in the darkest of times," say program faculty.

Event Details:

• Venue: Butler Theater, Fayetteville State University
• Performance Dates & Times: November 16-18, 2023, at 7:30pm
• Ticket Sales: Search eTix.com for "Ruined Butler Theater" or call 910.672.1724
• Ticket Information: Early booking is recommended due to high demand.

Don't miss this opportunity to be a part of a theatrical event that will linger in your thoughts and conversations long after the curtains close. Experience the captivating storytelling and exceptional performances that define Fayetteville State University's Theatre & Dance program.

Stage & Screen, Costume/Cosplay/Fashion, Dance, and Education Programs in Theatre

We offer several exciting programs for students interested in stage and screen performance, design, production, directing, musical theatre, playwriting, and much more. Programs include:

• BA in Theatre

• BA in Theatre with a concentration in Media Performance

• BA in Theatre with a concentration in Media Production

• BA in Theatre with a concentration in Costuming/Cosplay

• BA in Theatre with a concentration in Education (non-licensure)

• Minor in Theatre

• Minor in Dance

• Minor in Costuming, Cosplay, & Fashion

You can find our curriculum plans, course descriptions, and more in the University's online catalog.

What Will You Learn in Our Programs?

Students majoring in Theatre with a concentration in Media Performance will complete intensive course work focused on performance for the screen including film, television, and social media, consisting of acting and voice work, characterization, camera studio work, and short films. ​Part of a general program collaboration between the Theatre and Communications areas​, new approaches seek to update courses using experiences with film, television and stage, to fill the need to expand professional practices in both areas and prepare students for lifelong careers in stage and screen ​performance.

Students majoring in Theatre with a concentration in Media Production will focus on audio, video, lighting, and stage production for film, television, and new media. The concentration looks intently at the crossover in production between theatre, television/film, and social media​, developing skills in a multidisciplinary platform that will broaden training and skill sets in various disciplines preparing them for lifelong careers in stage and screen ​production. 

Both concentrations are collaborations with FSU's Department of Communications and World Languages. 

Students may major in Theatre with a concentration in Costuming and Cosplay, ​developing studio, technical production, and artistic skills necessary to work in a variety of disciplines from traditional stage and screen costuming and props work to fantasy cons, Live Action Role Play, and much more. With classes in makeup, costuming, sculpture, mold making, and opportunities for props and mask work, this concentration will provide students an exciting set of in-demand skills and experiences ​that prepare​s them for worthwhile careers in the field. ​While this concentration is a collaboration with FSU's ​Visual Art program​, it may also be taken independently as a Minor. 

Students majoring in Theatre with a concentration in Education (non-licensure) will blend studies in traditional areas of theatre with ​required courses from FSU's College of Education ​that prepare them for lifelong work with students. Students will have both in-class and out-of-class opportunities to gain practical experience and technical proficiency, including those gained through campus-based theatrical productions and internships with local employers. The program takes a holistic approach toward the study of theatre that embraces relevant areas of review and practice within the disciplines of English, Communications, Education, as well as Theatre. This is a non-licensure concentration, though students will find themselves well prepared for teaching positions via lateral entry, working as Directors of Education for regional theatres and arts organizations, or ​establishing their own studios.

Alternatively, students may pursue general studies in Theatre without one of these concentrations.

Together, these concentrations and studies the FSU Theatre program position students for quality work in their chosen field. Each new offering blends with FSU's strong core of theatre classes and production experiences, ​providing students a broad practical and theoretical background in the theatre. FSU Theatre is proud to have developed students who've gone on to work as professional actors, production professionals, ​writers, and educators. 

What Will You Do with What You Learn in Our Theatre & Media Programs?

With drive, initiative, and ability, a degree, minnor or certificate in our programs prepares you for numerous career choices and possibilities. Practical skills in performance, communication, education, management, design, and production prepare you for careers in:

• Actor Stand-in (film work)
• Theme Park Entertainment
• Comedian/Impersonator
• Stunt Coordinator
• Technical Director
• Scenic Painter
• Costumer/Draper/Dresser
• Sound Board Operator
• Light Board Operator
• Master Electrician
• Master Carpenter
• Production Coordinator
• Producer
• Stage Management
• Arts Marketing
• Stage Hand
• Properties Coordinator
• Choreographer
• Artistic Director
• Arts Entrepreneur
• Dramaturge
• Playwright
• Screenwriter
• Direction
• Conference Production & Management
• Design
• Props production
• Arts Administration
• Politics
• Law
• Technical Theatre & Production Management
• Acting Education & Instruction
• Theatre History
• Theatre/Film Criticism
• Writing Criticism
• Talent Representation (i.e., agents)
• Labor Relations
• Producing Advertising/Marketing
• Radio/TV Voice Work
• Training & Development
• Public Affairs
• Box Office
• Public Relations