Succeed around the globe
Award-winning faculty whose experience spans the world provide individualized instruction, giving students the extra edge they need to succeed. Preparation that extends beyond skills and experience – that’s what you’ll find in the School of Theatre.
The School of Theatre offers undergraduate and graduate degrees covering a range of areas, including Acting, Musical Theatre, Stage Management, Theatre Design and Technology, and Directing.
Learn more about our community commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Contact
School of Theatre
116 Theatre Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-865-7586
814-865-5754 (fax)
Rick Lombardo
Director, School of Theatre
Connect
Other Contacts
- General Inquiries: theatre@psu.edu, (814) 865-7586
- Tickets: (814) 863-0255
- Publicity Contact: Cheri Sinclair
- Assoc. Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Kikora Franklin
- Assoc. Director of Academics: Dan Robinson
- Theatre Admissions Coordinator: Shannon Ritter
Live Theatre at Centre Stage
The School of Theatre houses Penn State Centre Stage (PSCS), the professional theatre training program in Central Pennsylvania. PSCS presents theatrical masterpieces and new gems – including a series of livestreamed virtual performances – by emerging masters.
Penn State Centre Stage 2023-2024 Season!
- Hit the Wall
- Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812
- Bonnets: How Ladies of Good Breeding are Induced to Murder
- A Christmas Carol
- Urinetown
- Tartuffe
- Bernarda Alba
- Falsettos
alumni spotlight
Emily Akers
“My training at Penn State has helped me get to where I am today. I am back in my hometown of Brooklyn, NY working for a community Ed tech startup working as a community coordinator and digital content strategist. I would not have gotten here if it weren’t for the amazing mentors and faculty I had within the School of Theatre. Whether you plan on pursuing a career on stage or off, the professors you will work with are happy to help you find ways to flourish.”
faculty spotlight
John Simpkins
John Simpkins is head of Musical Theatre and the Nagle Family Endowed Chair at Penn State. He is also a professional director who recently directed the world premiere of Tony-nominated Joe Iconis’ Love in Hate Nation, which was commissioned by Penn State Musical Theatre as part of its New Musicals Initiative.
His recent new musical credits include the World Premiere of Legendale (music by Andrea Daly, words by Jeff Bienstock) at Fredericia Teater in Denmark and the subsequent American Premiere at Human Race Theatre Company. Recent new plays include the World Premieres of Raging Skillet (by Jacques Lamarre) at Theaterworks Hartford, The Bus (by Jim Lantz) at 59E59 Theaters and For Better, For Worse (by Reed Arnold). Regionally, he has directed at Sacramento Music Circus, Lyric Theatre Oklahoma, North Carolina Theatre, the Engeman Theatre, and Sharon Playhouse (where he also served as Artistic Director).
